Ask Miss Smartypants - May 25, 2009

My column runneth over: More green questions for this month. Send yours to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Dear Miss Smartypants,

I already do the basic environmentally conscious stuff: recycling, walking and using public transport, carrying re-usable grocery bags, etc.  But it seems like most of the environmental advice out there is for homeowners.  Renters can't upgrade to energy efficient appliances, install better windows, or even often control their thermostats.  Any greening advice for urban apartment dwellers?

City Living

Dear Low Riser,

Thank goodness that I have more green questions because there's something I should have mentioned last month: recycling is for every room. I have had numerous roommates over the years that recycled everything possible in the kitchen but still put empty toilet paper rolls in the bathroom garbage. Old notes and junk mail went in bedroom waste bins. But guess what? You can still recycle that stuff! You just have to carry it a little further. Alright, back to your issue: you can start by keeping your windows clean. It's better for the environment and you. You can also offset your carbon emissions, and keep potted plants to help clean the air in your apartment. You can lobby your landlord or rental company to install a green roof (saves them money, makes them look good to prospective renters) and follow green practices wherever possible. You can, as you may have noticed last month, start your own indoor composter. You can also:

• Wash your clothes on the cold cycle
• Line dry your clothes or use a clothing rack
• By organic
• By local
• Skip the plastic bags for your produce at the grocery store if it's not a loose item like green beans
• Unplug appliances when not in use (do you really need your microwave to tell you the time when your range already does?)
• Use energy efficient light bulbs. Some retailers even have trade-in programs for your old light bulbs
• Get a ceiling fan
• Wrap presents in old paper, maps, newsprint - anything that could get second life instead of wrapping paper that often can't be recycled and usually ends up in a landfill
• Cut up last year's Christmas cards for this year's gift tags
• Switch to a low-flow shower head
• Skip the bath and have a short shower instead - it uses less water
• Put an aerator on your kitchen and bathroom sink
• If you leave the water running while waiting for it to warm up, collect the cooler water and use it later for watering plants, pets, or cleaning
• Carpet sweep rather than vacuum whenever possible
• Speak up: tell your landlord/realtor to switch to energy efficient appliances, tell your employer to buy recycled paper, tell your grocer to carry organic, local foods. How's anyone supposed to supply if they don't know there's a demand to be met?

Greener Every Day,

Miss Smartypants

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