Over the past several decades, we’ve become much more aware of the impact our everyday lives have on the state of the environment. Many of the things we do – from the gas we put in our cars to the amount of water and utilities we use, and even the foods we choose to eat – contribute to the Earth’s pollution. Conversely, by minimizing our energy consumption and making other simple changes, we can reduce our negative impact and help conserve our natural resources. Not sure where to begin? Here are a few tips from our eco-savvy Dallas apartment locators.
Recycle.
First and foremost, it should go without saying that recycling is one of the simplest and most effective ways to conserve the environment. Best of all, it won’t cost you a dime. Start by educating yourself on which items can and can’t be recycled. Then, keep a separate bag next to your trash can that’s designated for recyclables. The good news is, most modern Dallas apartment buildings feature trash services that support recycling, so it’s easier than ever.
Install LED lighting.
Another easy (and cheap) ways to become more environmentally conscious is to switch out your traditional light bulbs with LED ones. These bulbs work just as good as conventional ones, but are longer lasting and use less energy. If you are unable to change out the bulbs in overhead lighting, considering using an LED lamp instead.
Use black-out curtains.
According to the US Department of Energy, 25% to 30% of residential heating and cooling energy is lost through windows. Furthermore, about 76% of sunlight that falls on standard windows becomes heat indoors. In other words, the more natural rays you’re allowing into your apartment, the more energy you’re going to need to consume to keep the space cool and comfortable. You can avoid this by using black-out curtains and closing them when you’re not home or during peak hours of the day.
Ditch the dryer.
Did you know that clothes dryers use 2 to 4 times more energy than a new clothes washer, and almost twice as much electricity as a new refrigerator? While most luxury Dallas apartments have community washers and dryers that are energy efficient, you can further reduce your environmental impact by choosing to air-dry your clothes instead.
Utilize your thermostat.
Most modern thermostats have programmable features that enable you to automatically schedule temperature adjustments so you can conserve energy. For instance, there’s really no need to have the central air blasting all day while you’re at work, but who wants to come home to a hot, stuffy apartment? By using the scheduling feature, you can set your thermostat to automatically kick the A/C on shortly before you return home. That way, your place will still feel comfortable when you walk in, but you won’t have wasted hours of energy in the meantime.
At the end of the day, it’s up to each one of us to do our part to protect our precious resources. By implementing the five simple strategies listed above, you can dramatically reduce the impact your lifestyle has on the environment.
Curious about your carbon footprint? You can calculate it here. Oh, and don’t forget about our Dallas luxury apartments, many of which have been specifically designed to be more eco-friendly. Contact us to learn more.
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