How To Green Your Apartment – Find A Green Apartment Complex

Sorry to be MIA folks – I caught a bad cold, which actually I think may be allergies, so I was out of commission. However, I grabbed some meds, and it’s all good now. Well, better anyhow. In any case, the other day we started looking at How To Green Your Apartment.

Today we’ll look at the basics about how to actually find a greener apartment to rent.

There aren’t too many actual green certified, LEED, or sustainable (etc) apartment complexes around. However, some are popping up. The downside is that you’ll likely pay more rent for a “green building” and most of the ones that have been built are in major cities or places that are known as green hubs. If you don’t live urban you’re almost out of luck. That said, it doesn’t hurt to do a search. Your local chamber or commerce, real estate agent, or apartment finder company may be able to help you find a greener building.

Tips for any apartment building:

Look for a place with a recycling area. Not all apartments have recycling areas set-up. Some only have trash. That sucks – BIG time because you’ll have to make special trips to get your recycling to a center.

Look for a sustainable community overall. Read Choose A Green Community for ideas.You can also check out Walk Score. This site gives you an overall walking score for different areas. Walk-friendly may not seem green, but it’s really connected. If a community is easy to walk in, chances are it’s also somewhat green.

Make sure there’s some green. Choosing a green overall community is smart, but each apartment is it’s own little community. Some have gardens, flowers, trees, and other outdoor activities while other complexes are nothing but cement. It’s better to live with some green in your world, outside your window.

Keep it small. Like any home dweller, you have many options when it comes to apartment size. If you live alone, a three bedroom condo is excessive. The smaller your home the smaller your footprint. Rent a place that fulfills your home needs but not overly so.

Look for a place with low-energy appliances (i.e. Energy Star).

Ask about weather proofing. Make sure windows are energy efficient OR that you can somewhat weatherize. I’ve lived in rentals that allow you to install bottom of the door wind blockers, wrap water heaters, and more. This is both green and a money saver.

Rent a place where the owners are flexible on decor. There are tons of apartments now where you’re allowed to paint your walls (usually with a specified color). Ask if you can use a low or no-voc paint vs. the norm. If they do only allow a certain color pallet, ask if you can get some mixed using a low-voc paint if possible.

Look for a patio or deck. This may not seem green, but renting a place with a patio or deck allows for some major green living options. You can set up a better recycling center on a porch or create a great container garden with organic flowers and veggies. Also, a porch gets you outside into the fresh air. Yay fresh air.

Later more green apartment tips…

Do you have any ideas about what to look for in a green apartment? Share in the comments.