More and more people acknowledge the benefits of going green and have started incorporating eco-friendly practices into their daily lives. From buying organic, locally-grown produce to driving hybrid cars and up-cycling furniture, there are ways in which we can all contribute to saving Mother Nature.

Interested in becoming a steward of the environment yourself? Start by turning your rental property into something of a green show-house with these easy tips:

#1. Load only LED light bulbs

This is a bit of a no-brainer really. LED bulbs are certainly more expensive to buy initially than their fluorescent or halogen equivalents, but they last far longer (up to 25 times longer than the former traditional incandescent bulbs) as they don’t use as much electricity. In addition to helping you go green, they’ll also help you cut back on your electricity bill – they’re a winner all around!

Image courtesy of Rentcafe

#2. Improve air quality with houseplants

Adding potted greens – such as English ivy, mother-in-law’s tongue, peace lily or Aloe Vera – won’t only make your apartment look prettier, it will also be far better for you health-wise. Plants clean the air of toxins and carbon dioxide while releasing oxygen. If you put a plant or two in the bedroom, they can help you breathe easier while sleeping. In fact, according to B.C. Wolverton, PhD, a former NASA research scientist and the author of How to Grow Fresh Air, plants may even prevent cancer, in addition to respiratory and neurological problems. And, if there are flowers involved, you’ll have the double bonus of added fragrance too.

Peace Lily via Diyncrafts

#3. Bring a spa feel to the bathroom

Swap your current shower head for a more eco-friendly version. For instance rain shower heads (low flow) use less water because the water pressure is lower. You’ll still get a great wash, you just won’t be paying so much for it and we bet it’ll also feel far more pleasurable and less of a shock first thing in the morning.

Courtesy of lydony.com

#4. Bring in a bamboo rug

Replacing a worn, old carpet rug with a bamboo version doesn’t just look better, cleaner, and more chic; it’s also much greener. Bamboo is a very eco-friendly wood in the sense that it grows in abundance (some say it’s the fastest growing plant on earth) and is always sustainably harvested. It’s also far more likely to last longer since it doesn’t fall victim to humidity and changing temperatures.

Courtesy of AsanaOrganic

#5. Consider using organic cotton

Instead of using ordinary cotton for your curtains, consider buying the organic version instead. Why? Well, because organic cotton is produced without using any chemicals, so is safer for both the environment and those harvesting it.

Courtesy of Pret A Vivre

#6. Have a thought for hemp

In a similar vein to the above, it’s possible to buy beautiful and novel cushions, table runners, and napkins made from hemp material. Hemp not only grows naturally without pesticides and other chemicals, but it’s such a good guy that it actually improves the soil in which it’s grown. Not only that but it’s also processed easily without the use of heavy technology. It’s therefore a huge green resource.

How about you? Do you have any more ideas to turn your apartment home into a green zone? If so, do let us know. We’d love to hear about it at [RENTCafé].