How to Live Green in an Apartment

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Plant a garden

   Add houseplants for improved indoor air quality.
   
   Plants in the house and on the patio or balcony help to ease stress, enhance well-being and improve cooking and eating habits.  Don't have a green thumb? Start planting herbs and fast- germinating plants like zinnias and morning glories.
2. 2

   Step 2: even if it is only a few containers in a window or patio.

   Dress for the weather, and set your thermostat warmer in summer and cooler in winter.
   
   Open a window or door and use outside air to heat or cool, when appropriate.
   
   Be sure to turn off your thermostat when you do.
   
   Use window blinds to keep heat in or let in sunlight, as appropriate.
   
   Install a programmable thermostat, if possible.
   
   Close doors to unused rooms to avoid heating or cooling them. , Turn them off and unplug them when not in use. ,,, Consult environmental ratings sites when making your decisions. , Store it safely, so that it stays fresh. , Either choice can provide a similar quality and brightness of light but use a fraction of the energy of an incandescent or halogen light bulb. , A typical electric dryer consumes about 4000W, making it one of the most power-hungry appliances there is.
   
   Air drying clothing is also quieter, and you may not have to spend as many quarters or as much time in a laundromat or laundry room. , Defrost your freezer, if it needs it. ,
3. 3

   Step 3: Heat and cool green.

4. 4

   Step 4: Choose durable

5. 5

   Step 5: energy-efficient appliances.

6. 6

   Step 6: Choose furnishings and bedding to be sustainable and free of harmful materials.

7. 7

   Step 7: Conserve water

8. 8

   Step 8: especially hot water.

9. 9

   Step 9: Choose green products for cleaning and personal care.

10. 10

    Step 10: Purchase only as much food as you and your family are likely to eat before it goes bad.

11. 11

    Step 11: Install efficient compact fluorescent (CFL) or LED light bulbs.

12. 12

    Step 12: Weather permitting

13. 13

    Step 13: air dry your laundry on a clothes rack.

14. 14

    Step 14: Clean your refrigerator coils once a year

15. 15

    Step 15: for improved efficiency

16. 16

    Step 16: and to help extend the life of your refrigerator.

17. 17

    Step 17: Learn about the recycling program where you live

18. 18

    Step 18: and separate your recycling correctly.

Detailed Guide

About the Author