Green Living Chicago Apartments: Five Tips for Eco-Living in the City

In honor of World Environment Day, our team wanted to share their tips for best in green living Chicago.

Here they are in no particular order:

1.)  Unplug – If you’re not currently using it then unplug it. This includes TVs, Blu-Ray players, cable boxes, computers and printers, video game consoles, microwave ovens and AC adapters for cell phones and tablets. These items all secretly use electricity even when turned off.

2.)  Non-toxic Cleaners – When possible use non-toxic, environmentally safe, biodegradable cleaning products, including laundry detergents. You can find these items at Whole Foods, Trader Joes and any natural grocery store. Be sure to read the labels carefully.

3.)  Run a Full Load – Only run your dishwasher or washing machine when you have a full load. You use the same amount of energy whether or not a machine is fully loaded. And when running your washing machine use cold water to save 80% on laundry energy.

4.)  Swap Your Bulbs – Replace incandescent bulbs for compact fluorescent bulbs. CFs use about 66% less energy and last 10 times longer.

5.)  Thermostat Control – Turn down your thermostat two degrees in the winter and up two degrees in the summer. This will save 2,000 pounds of carbon dioxide in one year.

What are some of your tips for green living Chicago?