Home & Shelter Sustainability
Sustainable living solutions for every dwelling type, climate, and situation—whether you rent or own, live in an apartment or house.
Sustainable Living in Different Dwelling Types
Every home can become more sustainable, regardless of size, location, or ownership status. Find strategies that work for your specific living situation.
Apartments & Small Spaces
Limited space doesn't mean limited sustainability. Apartment dwellers have unique opportunities to reduce their environmental footprint.
Energy Conservation
- Window treatments for insulation
- Smart power strips for electronics
- LED lighting with warm spectrum options
- Shared wall benefits (natural insulation)
- Energy-efficient appliance selection
Water Efficiency
- Faucet aerators that maintain pressure
- Low-flow showerheads (removable for renters)
- Toilet water displacement devices
- Indoor plant watering systems
- Graywater reuse for houseplants
Indoor Air Quality
- Air-purifying plants for small spaces
- Natural ventilation strategies
- Non-toxic cleaning alternatives
- Humidity management techniques
- Natural air freshening methods
Space Optimization
- Multifunctional furniture solutions
- Vertical storage and gardening
- Small-space composting methods
- Folding/collapsible equipment
- Minimal waste storage systems
Case Study: Maria's 500 sq ft Mexico City Apartment
Maria transformed her small apartment through vertical gardening, a bokashi composting system under her sink, multifunctional furniture, and a greywater collection system for her plants. These changes reduced her water usage by 40% and created a self-sustaining herb garden that provides fresh produce year-round.
- Key insight: Start with one wall as a living system (plants, storage, water collection)
- Budget consideration: Total investment was under $200 with annual savings of $350
- Most impactful change: The in-kitchen composting system that eliminated food waste
Houses with Yards
Single-family homes offer expanded opportunities for sustainable systems, from energy production to food growing.
Energy Systems
- Solar assessment and options
- Insulation improvements for all budgets
- Passive heating and cooling strategies
- Wind energy for appropriate locations
- Wood heat best practices
Water Systems
- Rainwater harvesting setups
- Greywater systems for garden irrigation
- Low-water landscaping designs
- Well water protection strategies
- Water auditing and leak detection
Yard Transformation
- Food production landscapes
- Native habitat restoration
- No-mow alternatives to lawns
- Composting systems for all climates
- Wildlife-friendly garden design
Structure Improvements
- Natural building material options
- Non-toxic renovation approaches
- Energy-efficient window upgrades
- Sustainable roofing considerations
- Indoor air quality enhancements
Case Study: The Johnson Family's Suburban Transformation
The Johnsons converted their conventional suburban home into a productive urban homestead over five years. Their quarter-acre lot now produces 30% of their food, collects 80% of their water needs, and generates 60% of their electricity through staged, budget-conscious improvements.
- Key insight: Start with water systems before energy systems
- Budget consideration: Implemented changes in $500 increments over time
- Most impactful change: Replacing the front lawn with edible landscaping
Mobile Homes & RVs
Mobile living spaces can embrace sustainability through efficient systems and adaptable approaches.
Traditional & Indigenous Housing
Traditional building methods often embody centuries of sustainable wisdom adaptable to modern contexts.
Climate-Specific Home Solutions
Different climates require different approaches to sustainable housing. Discover strategies tailored to your region's specific challenges.
Hot & Humid Climates
Tropical and subtropical regions face challenges with humidity, cooling needs, and mold prevention.
Key Strategies:
- Natural ventilation optimization
- Dehumidification approaches (mechanical and natural)
- Mold-resistant materials and treatments
- Appropriate insulation for hot climates
- Shading techniques (natural and structural)
- Reflective surfaces for heat reduction
Traditional Wisdom:
- Elevated structures for airflow
- Wrap-around porches and verandas
- Cross-ventilation architectural designs
- Natural building materials that breathe
Hot & Dry Climates
Desert and arid regions contend with extreme heat, minimal water, and large temperature fluctuations.
Key Strategies:
- Thermal mass for temperature regulation
- Strategic minimal water landscaping
- Evaporative cooling techniques
- Shading and orientation optimization
- Desert-specific building materials
- Air-tight construction during hot periods
Traditional Wisdom:
- Courtyard designs for cool air pools
- Thick walls for temperature buffering
- Small windows on sun-facing walls
- Underground and earth-bermed structures
Cold & Temperate Climates
Regions with cold winters focus on heating efficiency, weatherization, and seasonal adaptations.
Key Strategies:
- Insulation prioritization and techniques
- Air sealing methodologies
- Passive solar orientation and design
- Efficient heating system options
- Winter water system protection
- Cold-weather composting approaches
Traditional Wisdom:
- Heat-storing masonry elements
- South-facing living spaces
- Windbreak landscaping designs
- Natural insulation materials
Mixed & Variable Climates
Areas with multiple seasons require flexible systems that adapt to changing conditions throughout the year.
Key Strategies:
- Seasonal adjustment systems
- Transitional spaces like sunrooms
- Adaptable ventilation design
- Multifunctional landscaping
- Variable insulation approaches
- Smart home solutions for climate response
Traditional Wisdom:
- Deciduous tree placement for seasonal shading
- Adjustable shutters and coverings
- Seasonal living pattern adaptations
- Flexible indoor-outdoor connections
Renter-Friendly Sustainability Upgrades
You don't need to own your home to make it more sustainable. These non-permanent improvements can significantly reduce your environmental impact without risking your security deposit.
Energy Improvements
No-Modification Options
- LED bulb replacements (keep originals)
- Smart power strips and timers
- Thermal curtains on tension rods
- Door draft stoppers (removable)
- Plug-in thermostats for space heaters
- Reflective window films (removable)
Minimal-Modification Options
- Weatherstripping with removable adhesive
- Smart thermostat (store original)
- Ceiling fan installation (reinstall fixture)
- Window film insulation (heat-shrink)
- Outlet and switch gaskets
- Magnetic vent covers for unused rooms
Water Conservation
No-Modification Options
- Shower timers and water usage awareness
- Shower water collection for plants
- Toilet tank bank or filled bottle
- Counter-top water filters
- Plant watering globes and systems
- Washing machine water efficiency tricks
Minimal-Modification Options
- Screw-on faucet aerators (save originals)
- Handheld showerhead replacement
- Toilet tank adjustment (reversible)
- Under-sink water filter (no permanent plumbing)
- Washing machine hose diverter
- Sink-attached dishwasher attachments
Living Space Improvements
No-Modification Options
- Freestanding plant systems
- Counter-top composting
- Tension rod hanging gardens
- Removable window box gardens
- Freestanding shelving for plants
- Balcony container gardening
Minimal-Modification Options
- Command hook vertical gardens
- Over-door shoe organizers for plants
- Under-sink composting systems
- Window film plant protection
- Closet grow spaces with removable shelving
- Wall-mounted planters with removable mounts
Negotiating with Landlords
Many sustainability improvements can benefit both tenants and property owners. Here's how to approach your landlord about more permanent sustainability upgrades:
1. Research & Documentation
- Document current utility costs
- Research specific improvements with costs/benefits
- Find local rebates and incentives
- Prepare simple proposal with payback period
- Gather examples from similar properties
2. Communication Approach
- Focus on landlord benefits (property value, reduced maintenance)
- Propose cost-sharing arrangements
- Suggest gradual implementation
- Offer to manage the project
- Propose longer lease terms in exchange
3. Specific Proposals
- "Green lease" addendum templates
- Seasonal maintenance participation
- Community garden organization
- Energy efficiency upgrade timeline
- Water-saving fixture replacement schedule
Success Stories
- Energy-Efficient Appliances: Tenant researched local utility rebates that covered 70% of new refrigerator cost
- Water-Saving Fixtures: Renter proposed installation during already-scheduled plumbing work, sharing 50% of added cost
- Community Garden: Tenants in multi-unit building organized transformation of unused lot, increasing property value
- Solar Installation: Long-term tenant found third-party solar lease requiring no upfront cost from landlord
No-Cost and Low-Cost Improvements
Sustainability doesn't have to be expensive. These strategies can significantly reduce your environmental impact while saving you money, regardless of your housing situation.
No-Cost Strategies
These approaches require only behavior changes or repurposing items you already have.
Energy Conservation
- Strategic window management (open/close for temperature)
- Thermostat adjustments (lower in winter, higher in summer)
- Full-load only washing and drying
- Air-drying laundry indoors or out
- Unplugging unused electronics
- Cleaning refrigerator coils and vents
Water Conservation
- Shorter showers and mindful usage
- Collecting warm-up water for plants
- Reusing cooking water after cooling
- Strategic flushing practices
- Running only full dishwasher loads
- Repurposing household water for irrigation
Home Organization
- Repurposing containers for storage
- Creating systems to reduce waste
- Arranging furniture for optimal airflow
- Using natural light strategically
- Optimizing refrigerator and freezer storage
- Creating designated repair stations
Material Reuse
- Transforming food scraps into resources
- Repurposing textiles for household use
- Creating cleaning tools from worn items
- Using packaging materials creatively
- Practicing creative reuse for organization
- Starting seeds in repurposed containers
Low-Cost Improvements (Under $20)
Small investments that offer significant environmental benefits and often pay for themselves quickly.
Energy Savers
- LED light bulbs (payback: 3-6 months)
- Outlet gaskets for exterior walls (payback: 1 season)
- Door draft stoppers (payback: 1 season)
- Insulating window film (payback: 1 season)
- Power strips with switches (payback: 2-4 months)
- Weatherstripping for doors and windows (payback: 1 season)
Water Savers
- Low-flow faucet aerators (payback: 1-2 months)
- Toilet tank water displacement bags (payback: 1-3 months)
- Shower timers (payback: 2-4 months)
- Shower flow restrictors (payback: 1-3 months)
- Sink-side water collection buckets (payback: immediate)
- Self-watering plant bottle adapters (payback: 1 season)
Home Comfort
- Indoor herb starter kits (payback: 1-2 months)
- Thermal curtain panels (payback: 1-2 seasons)
- Reusable HVAC filters (payback: 3-6 months)
- Natural cleaning ingredient starter kit (payback: 1 month)
- Clothesline or drying rack (payback: 1-3 months)
- Counter-top compost collection containers (payback: indirect)
DIY Kits
- Basic repair tool set (payback: first few repairs)
- Sewing repair kit (payback: first few mends)
- Window insulation kit (payback: first winter)
- Low-flow toilet conversion kit (payback: 2-4 months)
- Draft detector kit (payback: first heating season)
- Jar sprouting kit for indoor greens (payback: first month)
Five Quick DIY Projects Under $10
Window Draft Detector and Sealer
Materials: Incense stick, tape, plastic sheeting, hairdryer
Process: Light incense and hold near window edges to detect air leaks by smoke movement. Seal leaks with clear plastic sheeting attached with double-sided tape and heat-shrunk with hairdryer.
Impact: Can reduce heating costs by 5-10% by preventing heat loss.
No-Sew T-shirt Produce Bags
Materials: Old t-shirts, scissors
Process: Cut off t-shirt sleeves and neck, cut fringe along bottom, tie fringe pairs together to create bottom closure. Use for grocery shopping instead of plastic bags.
Impact: Eliminates dozens of plastic bags monthly while repurposing textiles.
Plastic Bottle Drip Irrigation
Materials: Plastic bottles, nail, string
Process: Poke tiny holes in bottle caps, fill bottles with water, and hang or place near plants. Water seeps out slowly, providing efficient irrigation.
Impact: Reduces water usage by up to 70% while repurposing plastic waste.
Coffee Can Countertop Composter
Materials: Coffee can with lid, drill, activated charcoal, newspaper
Process: Drill holes in can lid, line bottom with newspaper, add thin layer of charcoal, add food scraps and cover with more newspaper daily.
Impact: Reduces kitchen waste while creating nutrient-rich compost for plants.
Wool Dryer Balls
Materials: 100% wool yarn, pantyhose, washing machine
Process: Wind wool yarn into tight balls, place in pantyhose, wash in hot water and dry several times until felted. Use in place of dryer sheets.
Impact: Reduces drying time by 25%, eliminates chemical dryer sheets, lasts for years.
Emergency Preparedness Sustainably
Create resilient systems that serve you daily while preparing you for emergencies. These sustainable approaches to preparedness work in any living situation.
Sustainable Emergency Essentials
Water Systems
- Daily use: Rainwater collection for garden
- Emergency use: Auxiliary drinking water supply
- Portable option: Gravity water filters
- Low-tech backup: Solar water disinfection (SODIS)
- Knowledge needed: Water safety testing
Food Systems
- Daily use: Pantry management with rotation
- Emergency use: Food reserves without special purchases
- Portable option: Sprouting kits for fresh greens
- Low-tech backup: Solar dehydration methods
- Knowledge needed: Wild edible identification
Energy Systems
- Daily use: Solar chargers for devices
- Emergency use: Critical power backup
- Portable option: Hand-crank/solar radio with charger
- Low-tech backup: Thermal mass heating/cooling
- Knowledge needed: Basic electrical safety
Medical Systems
- Daily use: Medicinal herb garden
- Emergency use: First aid and natural remedies
- Portable option: Compact natural first aid kit
- Low-tech backup: Local herb identification
- Knowledge needed: Basic herbal preparation
Dual-Purpose Equipment
These items serve practical daily functions while providing crucial emergency capabilities.
Solar Oven
Daily use: Reduces cooking energy and summer indoor heat
Emergency use: Off-grid cooking capability during power outages
Sustainability benefit: Zero emissions cooking, teaches solar principles
Manual Kitchen Tools
Daily use: Hand-powered tools reduce electricity and increase physical activity
Emergency use: Food processing without power
Sustainability benefit: Longer lifespan than electric, better control, no e-waste
Bicycle with Cargo Capacity
Daily use: Transportation and grocery hauling
Emergency use: Evacuation and supply transport when fuel unavailable
Sustainability benefit: Zero-emission transport, improved health
Thermal Window Coverings
Daily use: Reduce heating/cooling needs year-round
Emergency use: Temperature management during HVAC outages
Sustainability benefit: Reduced energy consumption, improved comfort
Portable Solar + Battery System
Daily use: Charge devices with free solar energy
Emergency use: Power for communication and essential medical devices
Sustainability benefit: Renewable energy usage, reduced grid dependence
Building Community Resilience
Sustainability and preparedness are stronger when approached collectively. These strategies help build resilient communities of any size.
Resource Mapping
- Identifying local food sources and water access
- Cataloging community skills and tools
- Documenting vulnerable populations requiring assistance
- Mapping micro-climate zones for growing
- Creating shared resource directories
Collaborative Systems
- Tool libraries and shared equipment
- Seed exchanges and community propagation
- Skill-sharing workshops and documentation
- Energy cooperatives and microgrids
- Group purchasing for bulk sustainable supplies
Communication Networks
- Low-tech communication backup plans
- Offline information repositories
- Neighborhood alert systems
- Regular community gatherings and check-ins
- Multi-lingual and accessible information sharing
Home & Shelter Resources
These tools, guides, and organizations can help you implement sustainable home practices in your specific context.
Tools & Calculators
- Home Energy Audit Guide - DIY assessment tool
- Water Usage Calculator - Track your household consumption
- Solar Potential Estimator - Assess your location's viability
- Natural Building Material Database - Compare options
- Green Renovation Planner - Step-by-step project guides
Educational Resources
- Renter's Sustainable Living Guide - Non-permanent options
- Climate-Specific Housing Guide - Regional adaptations
- Traditional Building Techniques - Global wisdom archive
- Low-Cost Sustainability Course - Free video tutorials
- Sustainable Emergency Preparedness - Integrated approaches
Organizations & Support
- Green Rental Network - Connecting eco-minded landlords and tenants
- Community Energy Cooperatives - Local renewable projects
- Tool Library Directory - Shared resources by region
- Housing Justice Organizations - Advocacy for sustainable housing access
- Repair Café Network - Fix it rather than replace it
Books & Publications
- Small Space Sustainable Living - Apartment-focused solutions
- Zero Energy Homes - Comprehensive guide
- Natural Home Maintenance - Non-toxic approaches
- Resilient Housing Design - Adaptation for changing climate
- Indigenous Housing Wisdom - Traditional approaches for modern times