If you need to create a Safety Harbor home that supports sustainable living, you’re not alone. Environmental awareness is at an all-time high. Because of this, many people are searching for new ways to preserve resources, reuse materials, and change consumption habits. More than their positive impact on the environment, these sustainable habits also impact individual consumption practices. This is why they are gaining popularity around the world. Here are ten ideas that may help you get started as a renter so that you can have a more sustainable lifestyle.
1. Avoid single-use items
It sounds simple, but refraining from single-use items may be more of a challenge than you think. Some examples of items that are made to be used once and then thrown away would be plastic straws, paper towels, plastic cutlery, and so on. If you’re just starting out, trimming down the amount of these products you use can be a great first step!
2. Opt-out of plastic bags
Plastic shopping bags are another single-use item that is congesting landfills and oceans. While recycling your plastic bags is can be a good start, you should also take into account not using plastic altogether. And you can do this by using reusable shopping bags.
3. Reuse and recycle
Many of the products we purchase come in containers, and this could be put to further use or recycled. To give you a picture, you could repurpose glass jars, boxes, and other items to become creative home décor. And pieces of cardboard, wood, aluminum, and glass can often be recycled. These are all possible ways to create a more sustainable lifestyle.
4. Only buy what you need
Beyond reusing and recycling whenever you can, you should also reduce the number of items you buy or opt for bulk items with less packaging. If you only buy what you need and try to select containers that take up less space, you can simplify your life while transforming it to be more sustainable.
5. Make your own cleaning products
Because many cleaning products are not recyclable or biodegradable, buying them can be a waste. Consider manufacturing your cleaning products to avoid having waste (and harsh chemicals, to boot). Most of the items in your home can be cleaned with simple ingredients and a soft rag.
6. Bring the outdoors in
Turn to pretty greenery to brighten and freshen any room. Houseplants not only aid in freshening indoor air, but they also contribute natural beauty to your home.
7. Utilize natural light
Another nice way to get sustainable, renewable energy sources is to have more natural light in your home. If possible, turn off electric lights and open your blinds and shades to provide light to your home. You can save energy while enjoying a mood boost from the sunlight.
8. Cut down on energy use
Apart from turning off lights that are not being used, you should also unplug electrical appliances when they are not being used. Televisions, game systems, lamps, and other appliances still utilize electricity even when they are in sleep mode or turned off. By unplugging them, you can reduce your energy use as a whole while maybe saving a bit on your utility bills, too.
9. Adjust your thermostat
A sustainable approach to heating and cooling your home is to have a consistent temperature indoors. If you’re thinking you can save money by only using the furnace or air conditioner when you’re home, you’re actually putting strain on your HVAC system if you rapidly heat or cool a house since it can use up a lot of energy. So maybe try setting your thermostat maybe one or two degrees warmer in the summer or a bit cooler in winter, and leave it there. This is would become more efficient and energy-conscious in the long run.
10. Conserve water
Along with conserving energy, there are a couple of things you can do to save water, too. Turning off the taps while brushing your teeth, soaping up in the shower, or washing dishes are some things you should always try to do. You should be utilizing water-conserving appliances whenever possible, and capture and reuse water whenever you can.
Being a renter doesn’t mean you can’t live a sustainable life. But the rental house you are in can either make it easier or harder to have the sustainability you want. If you’re ready for a rental home that better supports your desired lifestyle, reach out to Real Property Management TradeWinds or check out our listings online.
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