My brainpower has been run down by finals and the bustle of college graduation. Now that all of that is over, my life still continues to go a thousand miles per hour, as I'm packing up my apartment and getting ready to move with my newfound freedom that comes after finishing a B.A. In honor of my move, however, I wanted to share a couple of things I've done to make my apartment more environmentally friendly.

 

As I've mentioned before, I'm a coffee addict -- so much so that it's not unheard of for me to have five coffee beverages before four in the afternoon. I was using a coffeemaker I had in my apartment, but realized that (1) it made too much coffee for one sitting, and (2) I was using energy that was unnecessary. So after thinking about it and wandering Fred Meyer's housewares section, I decided to invest in a Bodum Coffee French press. Not only has my hand-brewed coffee tasted exceptionally fresh and smelled like stumbling across the formula for the world’s greatest coffee-flavored perfume, but my electricity bill and use have gone down. The French press only cost me $14 but saved me so much more.

 

Did you know that having plants in your place increases the oxygen flow? For over four years now, I have had a bamboo plant called “Jacque.” And in the last year I have bought a tropical fern. Both have increased the oxygen level in my apartment while also adding to the natural ambiance. They’ve also motivated me to look into natural plant care and learn more about composting, which has been a wonderful treat to them and a waste saver for me.

 

Of course artificial light is better for seeing and, sometimes, gives a better air to an apartment. However, I have mostly opened all my windows to incorporate natural light and reduce my electricity. It’s such a simple move, but has such a great impact. Not to mention that with the windows open, it’s easier to see the crazy things that happen on the streets outside.

 

This is not only friendlier to the environment, but friendlier to you. Unnatural chemicals can severely harm your skin and your lungs if inhaled. I personally prefer Seventh Generation, which is not only gentle on the environment but also gentle on a college student’s or any other money saver's wallet.