Making your Apartment Green
So far in our series of ‘green' blogs, we've discussed how the market is responding to the continuously increasing demand for green living. But what exactly is ‘green'?
MSN.com says a material is green if it:
- Saves water or energy
- Replaces toxic chemicals with safe, healthy components
- Conserves natural resources
- Is salvaged
- Uses recycled material or agricultural waste
There are many benefits to changing to a more green lifestyle; not only will you be reducing your impact on your environment, but non-toxic materials can reduce health problems and many local and state governments, utility companies and other entities across the country offer rebates, tax breaks and other incentives for adding eco-friendly elements to your life. People who live in green homes save money monthly by consuming 40% less energy and 50% less water than standard homes.
Image courtesy of Greenhome.com
But what if you're anticipating a move and want to evaluate the level of green at potential residences? Just as you create a checklist that compares location, safety, price, etc., you can add a few green features to your list of priorities.
Apartment communities that practice green may have any of the following features: recycling programs, the regular replacement of weather stripping/window caulking, Energy Star appliances, solar power, reduced water & energy consumption (low-flow showerheads &/or toilets), composts, &/or shade trees to reduce in cooling in costs.
No matter where you choose to live, there are other resources which can help you go green. If you're looking to renovate a room or an entire space to meet green standards visit a website like Green Home that sells environmentally friendly and green supplies, products, even furniture. Though many apartment homes were built before green became a priority; green homes are expected to make up 10% of new home construction by 2010 (up from 2% in 2005) according to the 2006 McGraw-Hill Construction Residential Green Building SmartMarket Report.
Image courtesy of magneticpride.com
What's most eco-friendly differs widely, depending on your location, your climate, your project, and what's locally available. You can calculate your carbon footprint to see ways to reduce waste and live a greener lifestyle.
What green features are included with your apartment? What techniques have you used to lessen your carbon footprint?
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March 21st, 2008 at 1:25 pm
I found this article very informative and am glad that even apartment dwellers can think “green." It is a very important issue and the more aware people become the better off the plantet will be.
March 24th, 2008 at 10:01 am
This entry proposes great strategies for living green. The statistics about how much people lessen the amount of energy and water they use amazed me. There are huge benefits for going green even though it may cost money to initially go green. I believe it is worth the money to save our environment.
March 27th, 2008 at 8:10 am
Yes - lots of little things that people can do around their apartments that can make a huge difference.