Eco-focuses like solar panels, smart thermostats, and other home-based measures are playing a significant part in reducing the carbon footprints of homeowners. Yet, just as renters have to live in an uncertain world of shifting rights and impermanence, modern renters (who are ironically often the millennials most concerned with environmental change) too often find themselves outside of even this positive environmental shift. After all, you can’t very well install solar panels on a property that you don’t own.
In reality, though, none of this means that renters can’t still make their mark in a pretty major way. So, whether you’re renting for the first time or the fiftieth, keep reading to find out how you can save the planet one rental at a time.
*This is a collaborative post.
*This is a collaborative post.# 1 – Choose a receptive landlord
Landlords can be as varied as their properties, meaning that the first step towards a more eco-conscious rental journey is to simply find yourself a receptive landlord. The avoidance of rental property agencies that typically operate around standard advice is especially crucial, but a landlord who shares your own views (which you’ll be able to determine by arranging a meeting/call beforehand) may well help your quest in more ways than you realise.
It should certainly be possible to encourage a receptive, equally passionate landlord to install things like smart thermostats or even solar panels if you simplify the quest by putting them in contact with a company like All Seasons Energy Ltd. Even if they aren’t willing to go quite that far, you may find that keeping conversations open means they’re happy to let you go ahead with these adjustments if you’re willing to pay the money, which could quickly be worth your while if you’re planning to stick around.
# 2 – Consider location
While cheaper rentals out of the city can be appealing for obvious reasons, it is also possible to offset the fact that you can’t directly install your own eco focuses by instead spending that money on a prime location that saves your travel carbon footprint. Selecting an apartment close to any amenities and even your workplace could especially help you to walk more often, typically for the same overall cost (once you’ve eliminated transport expenses, etc.) as you would’ve paid to install solar panels on your own property anyway.
# 3 – Think about your furnishings
While it may not seem as ultimately impactful as going off-grid with your energy consumption, it’s also important for renters to think about what they do have control over which, in all instances, includes furnishings. If you’re buying brand new sofas, tables, etc., then you’re especially going to worsen a carbon footprint that you can’t help but put out into the world. By instead seeking secondhand or renewably sourced pieces which you can then move from apartment to apartment, you can at least ensure a more ethical, eco-friendly home, regardless of the fact that you’re renting.
Renters really can make a difference too. Put these pointers into action to prove it!
*Disclaimer – This is a collaborative post. This post has been pre-written.
