Guest Writer Lisa Walker
Living sustainably isn’t solely for homeowners these days; whether you own, rent a house, or live in an apartment, there are several things you can do to create a more eco-friendly lifestyle. In the Midwest, it’s important to focus on things like renewable energy, energy-efficient appliances, and cutting down on fossil fuel use, and while these changes can take some getting used to, there are some simple ways to work them into your daily routine. Sustainable Saplings provides multiple resources for those who want to live a greener lifestyle, and you can also make a list of eco-friendly amenities and updates you can make to your living space that will save both money and energy throughout the year.
Research your move
If you’re looking for a place with more eco-friendly benefits in Madison, Wisconsin, your best bet is to do some research online first. A rental is a great choice for those who are looking to save up before buying a home, or for those who don’t want to take on the maintenance responsibilities that come with a house. Check out different neighborhoods and filter the search results online by putting in the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, price range, and amenities you want. The average cost for a one-bedroom rental in Madison is about $1,230 per month.
Know what you’re looking for
Living sustainably is much easier when you have the right tools. Do some homework to find out the kinds of eco-friendly amenities that are commonly available in your area so you’ll know what to look for during your apartment search. Things like low-flow toilets, showerheads that conserve water, energy-efficient appliances, and recycling services are typically available in most cities in the Midwest, but you can search for the ones you want most. Keep in mind with your rental search that choosing a place close to work will cut down on your commute time, which is another easy way to be eco-friendly.
Make some updates
You’ll find during your rental search that there are many options for various amenities, but there are still a few things you can do to improve your space’s eco-friendliness even if you’re on a budget. Replacing light bulbs with LED versions, utilizing daylight as much as possible, sealing air leaks around doors and windows, and hanging sun-blocking curtains in summer to keep your rooms cooler are all easy ways to lower utility bills while also reducing your carbon footprint. Talk to your landlord or property manager to ensure you have permission to make changes beforehand.
Shop local
Along with making physical changes at home, you can also change up the way you do things. Fossil fuels are major contributors to global warming, so if you drive a car or have deliveries made to your home, consider looking for alternative methods. Carpooling, riding a bike or walking, and shopping locally rather than ordering goods to be delivered are all great ways to reduce your reliance on fossil fuels. Take a walk around your new neighborhood and check out all the locally-owned businesses to see what they have to offer. You might be surprised at what you can find in your own community rather than shopping online, and there are tons of benefits that come with it.
Choosing an eco-friendly home comes with a lot to think about, so take your time and do a little research to find the right place for your needs. Think about a few simple things you can do to change your lifestyle so that once you move, you can take steps to maintain your commitment to sustainable living.
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