Join a community or shared renewable energy program (10.1)
If you’re unable to install your own renewable energy-generating equipment, consider joining a community or shared renewable energy program. Solar Oregon has an in-depth guide to community or shared solar programs.
Check that your complex has the appropriate trash and recycling signage posted; if not, work with your property manager to obtain the appropriate signage from Clackamas County (10.2)
Clear trash and recycling signage can play a significant role in preventing recycling mistakes (which can often result in the entire batch of recycled materials being thrown out). Clackamas County offers free assistance and resources, including signage, for locations that don’t have clearly marked bins; by sharing this information with your property manager, you’ll be well on your way to helping promote responsible recycling habits complex-wide.
Have a conversation with your landlord or property manager about how they can save money by making energy-efficient improvements (10.3)
Landlords and property managers often stand to gain from making sustainable improvements: they both save energy expenses and make the housing more marketable. The Energy Trust of Oregon offers incentives for the installation of energy-efficient equipment for condos and townhomes, landlords and property managers of single-family homes, and multi-family properties. Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships also has a comprehensive guide detailing what improvements to look for in a rented or managed home. Additionally, the Database for State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency provides information on loan programs like Fannie Mae Green Financing, which offers energy-efficient mortgage financing to apartment buildings and multi-family homes with 5 or more units.
Had a conversation with your landlord or property manager about landscapers switching to using electric landscaping equipment, rakes, or brooms (10.4)
Electric landscaping equipment has countless benefits: it releases less air pollutants (which can harm the health of the user), has the ability to change modes, is lighter and easier to use, requires minimal maintenance, and costs less! If possible, raking and sweeping is an even better solution: it’s 100 percent emission-free. Talk to your landlord or property manager about working with your landscaping company to make the switch.
Have a conversation with other households in your complex about how you can collaborate to make sustainable improvements (10.5)
Getting the rest of your multi-family complex on board can be vital to making sustainability improvements, especially if you’re looking to convince a landlord or property manager to get involved. Host a round table with your neighbors to discuss group sustainability goals, and share information about the Energy Trust of Oregon’s incentives for condos and townhomes, landlords and property managers of single-family homes, and multi-family properties.
Ask for permission to install a programmable smart thermostat, and use one if granted (10.6)
Smart thermostats are a great way to take control over your home’s energy efficiency and reduce your heating bill. The Energy Trust of Oregon offers cash incentives and Portland General Electric offers cash back and special offers on smart thermostats, allowing you to expand your savings even more.
Make arrangements to drop off your weekly compost with a household that receives curbside composting services or at a yard debris collection site (10.7)
The City of Lake Oswego is working to make its composting services more accessible, but you don’t have to throw your food scraps out in the meantime; instead, you can make arrangements to drop off your weekly compost at a friend or family member’s house that receives curbside composting services. If you don’t know anyone who is willing or able to share their composting services, you can email kschmitt@ci.oswego.or.us to be matched with someone who is. Alternatively, you can drop off your compost at a Clackamas County yard debris collection site; you can read more about them on the Clackamas County website.
Plant a windowsill herb garden or a potted produce garden (10.8)
Windowsill gardens and potted plants can provide a healthy source of nutrition, improve indoor air quality, and limit emissions. Herbs such as basil, parsley, oregano, rosemary, chives, thyme, sage, and produce such as tomatoes, zucchini, summer squash, strawberries, pineapples, melons, peppers, bananas, spinach, cucumbers, kale, lettuce, radishes, quinoa, collard greens, potatoes, carrots, beets, cauliflower, beans, snap peas, onions, mushrooms, eggplants, turnips, asparagus, artichokes, and parsnips can all be grown in pots. Websites like Real Simple offer general instructions for caring for potted plants.