It’s easy to get bogged down in the latest news cycles that can feel scary and hopeless sometimes — especially when it comes to massive global issues like sustainability and energy policies. But individuals living their values still matter — and one of the places to start making a difference is right in your apartment.
When it comes to clean energy and a healthier future for people and the planet, living by your values doesn’t require owning property or installing solar panels on your own roof. You have significant options and real influence as a renter — through the choices you make, the habits you build, and the conversations you start.
Every apartment, no matter the age or size, has the potential to be more energy efficient. And when renters lead with curiosity and care, the changes can start to add up.
Control What You Can Control
As a renter, it can be frustrating sometimes to feel like everything is a major decision that lies in the hands of your landlord. But you don’t need a complete overhaul of your living situation to start walking the walk. A few simple behavior changes can make a big impact:
- Unplug and power down. Use smart plugs and advanced power strips or unplug chargers and electronics when not in use to eliminate “phantom” energy drain.
- Use natural light and ventilation. Open blinds during the day for warmth and sunlight and use fans or open windows instead of window air conditioners whenever possible.
- For laundry, wash in cold water and hang to dry as much as possible. If you pay for the electricity that runs your washer and dryer, the laundry cycles you choose can have a significant impact on overall energy use in your rental.
These actions might sound small, but they add up over time — and they signal your commitment to living sustainably, even within a rented space.
Using Your Energy Dollars More Sustainably
If you’re ready to do more, there are even bigger moves you can make right now as a renter:
- Swap old incandescent bulbs for LEDs. They last years longer and use up to 90% less energy than traditional bulbs.
- Sign up for community solar. Massachusetts renters can join local solar projects without installing panels. You’ll save on your electric bill and directly support renewable energy generation.
- Sign up for your town’s community choice electricity plan. The rates are generally lower than the utility’s. You can also choose to receive a higher percent of renewable electricity than the utility provides in its electric supply plans.
- Opt for low-pollution transportation. Combine biking, walking, public transit, and EV rideshares to shrink your carbon footprint.
- Choose ENERGY STAR® certified products. From air purifiers to mini-fridges, these products use less energy without sacrificing performance.
- Swap to a portable induction cooktop to not only enable safer, faster, and more precise cooking, but also reduce energy usage up by to 40%.
- Check if your town or city offers a municipal aggregation program, also called community choice electricity). These aggregations buy electricity in bulk on behalf of residents, often negotiating better, more stable rates and/or higher renewable energy content.
If you’re unsure where to start, you can request a no-cost energy assessment through Mass Save®. A specialist can help identify the best ways to save energy in your unit — and share ideas you can take to your landlord for bigger improvements.
If you think there are even greater clean energy opportunities for your apartment, don’t hesitate to let your landlord know. In fact, as a landlord, they may be eligible for Mass Save programs that could unlock free weatherization upgrades, heat pump incentives, and more. When it comes to cleaner energy use, one thing is clear — we’re in this together.
At the end of the day, living your values isn’t about doing everything. It’s about doing something — and that something might inspire others in your network to do the same. By paying attention to how your home uses energy and making mindful choices every day, you’re saving money and helping make a difference in Massachusetts’ clean energy transition.
