Urban Sustainability
Sustainable living solutions for city dwellers, apartment residents, and those living in dense urban environments.
Small Space Sustainability Solutions
Limited space doesn't mean limited impact. These strategies help apartment dwellers and small-space residents create sustainable lifestyles.
Vertical and Wall Gardening
Grow food and plants without requiring floor space by utilizing walls, windows, and vertical structures.
Renter-Friendly Options:
- Tension rod hanging planters
- Removable wall planters with command hooks
- Window box systems with adjustable mounts
- Over-door shoe organizers repurposed for herbs
- Freestanding vertical structures
Low-Cost Approaches:
- Repurposed plastic bottles as vertical planters
- Pallet wall gardens with reclaimed materials
- Upcycled rain gutter planting systems
- Fabric pocket organizers for herbs
- String trellis systems for vining plants
Accessibility Considerations:
- Varying heights for different reach ranges
- Lightweight containers for easier management
- Self-watering systems to reduce maintenance needs
- Adequate spacing for mobility device navigation
- Visual markers for plant identification
Simple DIY: Window Herb Garden
Materials: Recycled containers, potting mix, herbs of choice, small tray
Steps:
- Clean containers and add drainage holes
- Fill with potting mix
- Plant herb seedlings or seeds
- Arrange on windowsill with tray underneath
- Water when top inch of soil is dry
Adaptation: Use lightweight containers with attached handles for those with grip or strength limitations.
Small-Space Composting
Composting is possible even in apartments, with minimal space, odor, and pest concerns when done properly.
Indoor Systems:
- Bokashi fermentation bins for food scraps
- Small-scale vermicomposting (worm bins)
- Counter-top compost collectors with carbon filters
- Electric composters for automatic processing
- Freezer scrap storage until community drop-off
Balcony/Small Outdoor Options:
- Tumbling composters for limited space
- Stacking worm bin systems
- Modified storage container composters
- Trench composting in larger container plants
- Community garden compost participation
Accessibility Considerations:
- Lightweight systems that don't require turning
- Counter-height placement to avoid bending
- Systems with easy-open lids or foot pedals
- Community compost pickup services
- Simple visual monitoring indicators
Simple DIY: Countertop Pre-Composter
Materials: 1-2 quart container with tight lid, coffee grounds, newspaper
Steps:
- Line container bottom with coffee grounds (natural odor absorber)
- Add small pieces of newspaper
- Add food scraps daily, covering with more coffee grounds
- Empty into community compost weekly
Adaptation: Use a container with an easy-open mechanism for those with hand strength or dexterity limitations.
Energy Conservation in Shared Buildings
Apartment dwellers have unique energy challenges and opportunities, with shared walls and limited control over building systems.
Heating & Cooling:
- Window insulation films (removable)
- Draft stoppers for doors and windows
- Strategic use of thermal curtains
- USB-powered personal cooling options
- Heat reflection techniques for windows
Appliances & Lighting:
- Smart power strips for "vampire" energy
- LED bulb transitions with original storage
- Task lighting to reduce overhead needs
- Alternative cooking methods (microwave, pressure cooker)
- Energy monitoring plugs for awareness
Accessibility Considerations:
- Remote-controlled or voice-activated systems
- Easy-to-adjust window coverings
- Simplified thermostats with clear visual cues
- Timer systems that don't require complex programming
- Consideration for medical equipment power needs
Simple DIY: Draft Detector and Sealer
Materials: Incense stick or feather, tape, plastic sheeting, hairdryer
Steps:
- Light incense and hold near window/door edges
- Watch for smoke movement indicating drafts
- Seal leaks with removable weather stripping or plastic film
- Use hairdryer to shrink plastic if using window film
Adaptation: Use battery-operated air quality sensors with visual displays for those with respiratory sensitivities.
Water Conservation for Apartments
Apartment residents can significantly reduce water usage even with limited plumbing control and shared water systems.
Fixture Adaptations:
- Screw-on faucet aerators (store originals)
- Shower flow restrictors (removable)
- Toilet tank water displacement devices
- Shower timers for usage awareness
- Leak detection tablets for toilets
Usage Practices:
- Shower water collection for plants
- Pasta/vegetable water reuse
- Strategic dishwashing techniques
- Laundry consolidation and full loads
- Counter-top water filters vs. bottled water
Accessibility Considerations:
- Easy-to-operate water collection containers
- Lightweight watering cans for reuse water
- Visual or auditory flow indicators
- Touch-free faucet attachments
- Balance water conservation with hygiene needs
Simple DIY: Shower Water Collection System
Materials: Large, shallow container; watering can
Steps:
- Place container in shower to catch water during warm-up
- Transfer collected water to watering can
- Use for house plants, avoiding water with shampoo/soap
- Track water savings over time
Adaptation: Use a container with handles or a small bucket with pour spout for easier lifting and pouring.
Case Study: Complete Apartment Sustainability Transformation
Maria lives in a 500 sq ft apartment in Mexico City. Over one year, she implemented a comprehensive sustainability system including:
Vertical Food Production
- Window-mounted herb garden using repurposed containers
- Living wall system made from upcycled plastic bottles
- Balcony container garden with self-watering systems
- Microgreens rotation under simple grow lights
Closed-Loop Waste
- Bokashi composting system under kitchen sink
- Community compost drop-off for bokashi output
- Strategic shopping to minimize packaging
- Repair station for household items and clothing
Energy & Water
- LED lighting throughout apartment
- Power strips with timers for electronics
- Window film insulation for temperature control
- Low-flow adaptations on all fixtures
- Greywater collection for plants
Results & Benefits
- 30% reduction in utility bills
- 40% reduction in household waste
- Fresh herbs and vegetables year-round
- Improved indoor air quality
- Building-wide inspiration leading to shared initiatives
"The key was starting small and building systems that worked for my specific space and needs. Each small success led to more confidence to try the next solution." - Maria
Urban Sustainable Transportation
City environments offer unique transportation opportunities for reducing emissions while improving mobility for all residents.
This section would provide detailed guidance on sustainable transportation options in urban environments, including public transit optimization, active transportation approaches, and accessible mobility solutions.
Urban Community Sustainability Initiatives
Urban density creates opportunities for impactful collective action through shared resources and collaborative approaches.
This section would explore approaches to community-based sustainability initiatives in urban environments, from building-level collaborations to neighborhood-scale projects.
Connecting with Nature in Urban Environments
Access to nature is essential for wellbeing. These approaches help city dwellers maintain connection with natural systems.
This section would provide guidance on creating and accessing natural spaces in urban environments, including approaches for various abilities and circumstances.
Urban Food Systems
City residents can participate in sustainable food systems through urban agriculture, community gardens, and local distribution networks.
This section would explore approaches to sustainable food access and production in urban environments, with attention to accessibility and diverse cultural food practices.