# Eco-Friendly Apartment Living- Potting Sheds & Other Tricks That Work - Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2020/07/eco-friendly-apartment-living-potting-sheds-other-tricks-that-work/ - Published: 2020-07-20T01:45:06-04:00 - Author: greenlivingguy Apartment living has its own set of upsides and challenges. While you have access to several amenities in this form of dwelling, it offers hardly room for an eco- friendly lifestyle. Rather, it is like living in an urban jungle where space is limited and you cannot do much in the name of having greenery. Still, there are some smart measures you can embrace to make your place green and eco-friendly. The best part is that you need not spend a fortune on these sustainable initiatives. Let us share some [eco-friendly apartment living](https://greenlivingguy.com/2008/08/compact-air-conditioner-appliances-and-eco-friendly-living/) tricks that really work. ## Prioritize energy efficiency  Perhaps the easiest way to make your apartment lifestyle sustainable is by prioritizing energy efficiency. Something as simple as switching to LED light fixtures from the regular light bulbs can make a big difference. Investing in [home automation](https://www.huffpost.com/entry/smart-houses-help-reduce-_b_4472919) and energy-efficient devices is another smart move because it lets you control energy usage. Consider using renewable energy if that is possible. While this lifestyle assures sustainability, you end up saving on power bills as well. ![nest thermostat](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/ 04/thermostat-4b500ba8055a84bd75a778d80d660669-e1593229533513.png?resize=270%2C287& quality=50&ssl=1) ## Go the extra mile with recycling  An apartment complex that has onsite [recycling](https://greenlivingguy.com/2022/01/buying-an-electric-vehicle-crucial-things-to-consider/) facilities is a great place to live in. However, this may not be the case with yours. Having an indoor composting system would be a great idea to make your place [eco-friendly](https://greenlivingguy.com/2020/07/green-home-trends-which-ones-should-you-adopt/). Or you may look for a public recycling facility nearby and drop off the [waste](https://greenlivingguy.com/2021/08/reducing-the-amount-of-waste-your-business-produces/) there. Recycle every bit of waste you can, whether it is by composting or reusing old stuff like coffee mugs as planters and worn-out curtains as new table covers! ## Squeeze in a garden space Creating a green area may seem like a distant dream for apartment dwellers but this is one you can surely achieve with some smart thinking. Surprisingly, it is easy to squeeze a [garden](https://greenlivingguy.com/2021/07/how-to-create-a-sustainable-garden-in-your-retirement/) space on your patio or garden. Invest in a vertical garden if you have a very small space. Conversely, [you may consider to build a shed](https://shedplans.org/how-to-build-a-shed/) or a pre-built one to fit the space, as [www.swgreenhouses.co.uk](http://www.swgreenhouses.co.uk/) sells potting [sheds](https://greenlivingguy.com/2021/10/barn-vs-shed-which-is-best-for-your-home/) which you can install in your balcony. All to create a small greenhouse. Flowers, vegetables, or fruits, the choice are all yours- but you can absolutely have a garden or even a little farm that cuts down your [carbon footprint](https://greenlivingguy.com/2010/03/green-guru-guides-do-it-yourself-energy-audits-simple-solutions-to-reduce-your-utility-bill-and-carbon-footprint/). ![organic gardens, using eco friendly mulch, organic topsoil, organic seeds](https:// i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/wpid-wp-1442490057819.jpeg? resize=135%2C180&quality=52&ssl=1) ## Clean with green Another aspect of eco-friendly living space is to clean with [green materials](https://greenlivingguy.com/2020/07/3-eco-friendly-household-cleaning-solutions/) rather than ones laced with chemicals. Lemon, vinegar, and baking soda are cleaning staples you can rely on. Whether it is cleaning agents, cosmetics, or personal care products, you should rely on everything natural and herbal. These will be gentle on your body as well as the environment. ## Invest in sustainable furniture and furnishings  When you buy furniture and furnishings for your home, select only sustainable materials. Look for [recycled furniture](https://www.forbes.com/sites/marciaturner/2018/08/07/a-twist-on-recycling-retailers-rebuying-their-merchandise-for-resale/) to cut down the environmental impact. Invest in furnishings crafted only with natural and eco-friendly materials. Non-toxic paint is another way to encourage an eco-friendly lifestyle and is great from the health perspective as well.  In conclusion, embracing eco-friendliness as an apartment dweller is easier than you can imagine. It is only about going the extra mile for the environment, whether it is about giving up chemical-based products or moving over to earth-friendly habits. ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/df91669667126e1290c21ee0342c386e2da19d588d4d9ca6560bd82ed59a9641? s=300&d=monsterid&r=g) greenlivingguy The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author, Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides and more. Seth's books range from: # Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Bob Brant and Seth Leitman (2nd and 3rd editions) # Build Your Own Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle by Seth Leitman # Build Your Own Electric Motorcycle by Carl Vogel # Green Lighting by Seth Leitman, Brian Clark Howard and Bill Brinsky # Solar Power For Your Home by David Findley # Renewable Energies For Your Home by Russel Gehrke # Do-it-Yourself Home Energy Audits by David Findley # Build Your Own Small Wind Power System by Brian Clark Howard and Kevin Shea # and more green living books to follow. [See Full Bio](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/greenlivingguy/) [ ](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/greenlivingguy/)