Lisa Wilson

Protecting the planet is a great goal, and everyone is doing just a little more to have a part in ensuring our planet will be here for future generations. While some changes are big and costly, in other ways you can go green with just a few small changes at home. Here are some small changes that can add up to big difference in your overall impact on the environment. 1. Learn to Unplug Everything, from your computer to your power tools, needs to be unplugged when not in use. Many homeowners do not realize that leaving appliances, electronics and other electrical devices plugged in actually uses energy, even when the device is not in use. Simply being plugged in causes a little bit of electricity to flow to the device then back into the home's circuits, and in that process some energy is lost. Make this easier by plugging most entertainment devices into one power strip, then switch off the group when you head to bed. 2. Adjust the Fridge Many homeowners have their refrigerators and freezers set too cold. Invest in a small fridge thermometer, and test the temperature. The fridge should be between 37 and 40 degrees, with the freezer between 0 and 5. If it's too cold, adjust the temperature higher and save money. 3. Bring Reusable Bags When you go shopping, bring your own cloth grocery sacks. Your grocery store may actually pay you a few cents for doing so, but the biggest reason to do this is to prevent more plastic bags from ending up in the landfill. Remember, plastic does not decompose, so you are putting everyone at risk when you throw out plastic bags. 4. Turn off the Tap Turn off the tap while brushing teeth. If you brush for two minutes and leave the tap running, your family can waste around 5 gallons of water a day. Turning it of is simple. The same is true for washing dishes. After filling the sink, turn off the tap while you scrub the dishes. Remember, it really is small changes that make a big difference when you're trying to go green. Make these changes, then enjoy the energy savings that come as a result!

As you search for your next apartment, you have multiple considerations to make. From location to amenities, the options available to you may seem a bit overwhelming. One factor to consider is whether or not the apartment you're considering is a green apartment community. Here are some perks of choosing a community that's just a little bit more eco-friendly. Efficiency Throughout Your Home One of the factors that makes an apartment community "Green" is greater efficiency. From lighting to appliances, more efficiency translates into lower energy bills. You will likely be responsible for at least a portion of your energy bills, so this can help keep your costs low. Improved Comfort An efficient home is likely heated and cooled as efficiently as possible, and this means that the home is going to have few hot or cold spots due to drafts or inefficient heating and cooling systems. This increases the overall comfort of those who live within the apartment. While you enjoy lower utility bills, you may be enjoying a higher level of comfort. Easy Access to Services "Green" apartment communities often provide their residents with recycling programs, community gardens and community compost areas. Having easy access to these types of services can make your home more enjoyable while also helping you have less of an impact on the environment yourself. In addition, green apartment communities often boast locations near public transportation and city services. This helps residents cut down on their emissions by allowing them to leave their cars at home. Some will even have cycling centers, so residents can cycle through town instead of driving. High walkability scores are common in communities with green apartment homes as well. Improved Air Quality Finally, green apartment communities are built with green materials whenever possible. This includes low-VOC paints and finishes, which do not off gas toxins into the indoor environment. Also, many of these apartments employ improved air filtration to further purify the air inside the home. Better air quality can lead to better health for you and your family. As you can see, a green apartment building definitely has its perks. Take some time to shop for an apartment community with these benefits, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing that you have done your part to protect and care for the environment.