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Living Sustainably in Urban Environments
Many people believe it is difficult to live sustainably in apartment or other multi-tenant housing where you do have ready access to a dedicated green space. However, there are many things you can do independent of where you live and still others that may be allowed depending upon your city's respective ordinances.
Simple ways to live sustainably include:
1. Recycle whatever and where ever you are. If you are in a location that does not offer recycling containers, pack up your refuse and take it with you until you are able to utilize a recycling bin.
2. Minimize your use of water. Don't let showers run past when the water just turns warm. Ideally collect this water and reuse it for another purpose such as watering plants. Turn off water when brushing your teeth and promtly have any water leaks repaired.
3. Minimize your use of gasoline powered transportation. Walk and ride bikes where ever possible. Public transportation is a better alternative to taxis.
4. Minimize use of chemicals. Use green products or make your own cleansers when ever possible. For example, instead of using commercially manufactured glass cleaners. If you have been using traditional commercially made window cleaners, you're likely to have some build-up that will smear when you try to clean if a vinegar only based solution. Make a great all-purpose window cleaner by combining 1/4 cup vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon liquid soap or detergent, and 2 cups of water in a spray bottle. Shake to blend and spray on your windows. Once the build-up as been removed you can eliminate the liquid soap or detergent.
5. Instead of using paper towels, old cloths or baby diapers do a great job. If you do use paper towels, remember to recycle.
6. Many urban areas are now offering community compost centers.
7. Grow your own food sustainabley. Use containers for small trees and grow your own mini-orchard. Check here for how to care for them. Vegetables and herbs can be grown in containers on your rooftop, balcony or in your home. You can also grow herbs hydroponically in your kitchen.
8. Particiapte in a community garden.
9. Support local farms whenever and whereever possible. Shop at farmer's markets and dine at restaurants that support local growers.
Simple ways to live sustainably include:
1. Recycle whatever and where ever you are. If you are in a location that does not offer recycling containers, pack up your refuse and take it with you until you are able to utilize a recycling bin.
2. Minimize your use of water. Don't let showers run past when the water just turns warm. Ideally collect this water and reuse it for another purpose such as watering plants. Turn off water when brushing your teeth and promtly have any water leaks repaired.
3. Minimize your use of gasoline powered transportation. Walk and ride bikes where ever possible. Public transportation is a better alternative to taxis.
4. Minimize use of chemicals. Use green products or make your own cleansers when ever possible. For example, instead of using commercially manufactured glass cleaners. If you have been using traditional commercially made window cleaners, you're likely to have some build-up that will smear when you try to clean if a vinegar only based solution. Make a great all-purpose window cleaner by combining 1/4 cup vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon liquid soap or detergent, and 2 cups of water in a spray bottle. Shake to blend and spray on your windows. Once the build-up as been removed you can eliminate the liquid soap or detergent.
5. Instead of using paper towels, old cloths or baby diapers do a great job. If you do use paper towels, remember to recycle.
6. Many urban areas are now offering community compost centers.
7. Grow your own food sustainabley. Use containers for small trees and grow your own mini-orchard. Check here for how to care for them. Vegetables and herbs can be grown in containers on your rooftop, balcony or in your home. You can also grow herbs hydroponically in your kitchen.
8. Particiapte in a community garden.
9. Support local farms whenever and whereever possible. Shop at farmer's markets and dine at restaurants that support local growers.
