Eco Friendly Rental Tips for the Budget Conscious

     Not all of us can always afford to live in a LEED certified home or qualify for the special eco-communities. There are ways though to check out to see if a place is eco-friendly or ways to help make it eco-friendly. Look for a place with a recycling area. Not all places have recycling areas on their grounds. Some only have trash. It is a good indication of how eco-friendly the landlord or Rental Company is. It also helps that you don’t have to go all the way to the recycling facility.

     Look for a sustainable community overall. You can also check out walkscore.com. This site gives you an overall walking score for different areas. Being walker friendly may not seem green, but if a community is easy to walk in, chances are it’s also somewhat green.

     Make sure there are some eco-friendly elements. Choosing a green overall community is smart, but each place should have its own little community within. 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, both inside and outside of your living space. It also provides better scenery.

     The less space you need, the better. Like any home dweller, you have many options when it comes to apartment size. If you live alone, a three bedroom condo might be excessive. The smaller your home the better it is ecologically. Rent a place that fulfills your home needs but not overly so.

     Look for a place with low-energy appliances, certified by Energy Star. Be aware of their policy on clotheslines and other eco-friendly options.

     Ask about weather proofing. Check all windows and doors to make sure they are well sealed so that outside air doesn’t come in. That would require more energy to heat or cool the space. Make sure windows are energy efficient and functional. This is both green and a money saver. Many rental properties suffer from poor insulation or leaky doors and windows. By applying simple, affordable measures, like weather stripping to doors and windows, or placing reflective foil behind radiators, you can have a significant impact on your energy bills. Installing sun shielding shades and blinds can also go a long way to regulate light and temperature in your home.