A Guide To Green Condo Living

Our Cities Keep Getting Bigger And More Crowded. And With The Multitude Of Beings Squeezing Themselves Into A Limited Amount Of Space, Living In A Condo May Be The Most Practical Option.

- Macy Anonuevo

Living a sustainable lifestyle may seem like an impossible task when you live in a small space— but never fear. With mindfulness, planning, and a lot of heart, you can turn your condo into something any eco-warrior would be proud of.

GREEN TENANT

As a condominium unit owner, here are things you can do on your own:

1. BUY LESS STUFF.

Ask yourself: “Do I really, really need this?” You probably can’t fit all your shopping inside your condo anyway. Borrow or rent things that you know you’re only going to use a few times.

2. INVEST IN ENERGY-EFFICIENT APPLIANCES AND FIXTURES.

LED lighting costs more at the beginning compared to compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) but LED lights last longer and use less electricity. When shopping for appliances, don’t forget to compare their energy efficiency ratings, not just the price. Look for the Energy Star label.

3. INVEST IN LOW-FLOW WATER FIXTURES.

If you’re fitting out your own condo, check out low-flow toilets that use less than six liters of water per flush. You can also attach aerators to your faucets to increase the water pressure coming out of the faucet without increasing water use.

4. WHEN SHOPPING, BRING YOUR OWN BAG and choose items with less packaging. It may take some effort on your end, but saying no to every plastic or paper bag offered to you will soon become a habit. Fewer bags to take home means less stuff and more space in your condo.

5. KEEP TRACK OF THE FOOD IN YOUR REFRIGERATOR AND BUY GROCERIES ACCORDINGLY.

Having that carrot go bad in your fridge just because you forgot it was there is a waste of both money and nature’s resources.

6. EAT MORE FRUITS AND VEGETABLES.