How to Go Green in an NYC Apartment

New York City is not the most energy and resource efficient place in the country, and going green in an apartment you rent can be a rather tricky endeavor. Going green designates the use of recyclable and renewable materials, decreasing the everyday use of energy and water, and aiding the survival of renewable energy resources. Here's how to go green in NYC even if you are just renting.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Florescent light bulbs
• Recycling bins
• Farmer's Market
• Utility bill
• Water bottles
• Natural cleaning products

1. Recycling is one of the easiest ways to start your green transformation. New York City has a full recycling program and your building is REQUIRED to provide you with the appropriate bins. If your building doesn't have bins available for you, ask your landlord or super about it immediately.

2. Unplug "ghost loader" appliances when they're not in use or you are out of the apartment. A "ghost loader" is any appliance that uses energy even when it's turned off, like the TV, stereo, clocks, and computers. Unplugging these devices not only helps the environment, but it can save you up to 3% on your monthly utility bill.

3. Replace your incandescent light bulbs with fluorescent ones. Fluorescent bulbs are a little bit pricier, but they pay for themselves over time. When replacing a 60-watt bulb, buy a florescent bulb with a CFL of 870 lumens. For 75-watts, buy 1190 lumens and 1750 lumens for 100-watts. For warmer, more flattering light (similar to incandescent light) make sure to buy fluorescent bulbs ranging from 2,500 to 5,000K.

4. Keep your home free of poisons and carcinogens. Toxic materials kill the environment, but they're also responsible for health problems in humans. Common everyday cleaners, paints and building materials contain toxins that can irritate asthma and wreak havoc on the nervous system. Use all natural cleaning products and try switching to paints that are low in volatile organic compounds.

5. Many old apartments in the city do not have new bathrooms, which means they aren't water efficient. If your toilets aren't low-flush or water efficient you can make them this way with an easy at-home remedy. Take two small water bottles. Place a few small rocks in them to weigh them down and then fill with water. Place both bottles in the water tank of your toilet, taking care to avoid obstructing the mechanics of the toilet. This can save up to 10 gallons of water a day.

6. Use and buy products that are made from recycled or post-consumer materials. Recycled and recyclable products are marked with the percentage of recycled material used.

7. New York City is lacking in green spaces. Vegetation filters the air we breathe and in New York it helps to filter the noise as well. Vegetation reduces summer heat and cleans the water. Support clean air by supporting the local community gardens in your area or see what you can do to volunteer by visiting Oasis NYC's website (see below).

8. Use green power. New York City residents now have the option of using green power—electricity made by wind and low-impact hydro—for their energy.

9. Buy organic food from local farmers and producers. New York City is full of farmers' markets that provide everything from fruits and vegetables to meats and dairy products. Buying organic food ensures that no pesticides were used in the production of the food and supporting local farmers is great for the economy.

Tips & Warnings

• Buy a 3-in-1 recycling bin for easy sorting of your recyclables.
• When making your toilet water efficient, make sure that you still have 3 gallons of water left in the tank to ensure proper flushing.

Resources

• 1st Rochdale Cooperative
• Oasis NYC

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on 9/25/2008 use Glass Drinking Straws to prevent toxins leaching into beverages and the save the landfill of needless plastic waste that does not break down. the GlassDharma site has more information about how reusable straws are eco friendly.