Sustainability in Urban Living: Eco-Friendly Practices for Chicago Apartments

Naecha Roberts • December 20, 2024

Simple Eco-Friendly Tips for Your Reside Living Apartment

living room plant

Living in the heart of Chicago doesn’t mean you can’t embrace eco-friendly habits! At Reside Living, we’re all about blending stylish, convenient living with sustainability—because small changes in our daily routines can have a big impact. Ready to do your part for the planet while loving your city apartment? Here are some fun and easy tips for going green, all while enjoying the comfort of your Reside home!

1. Power Down, Green Up

Energy conservation is essential, and it’s easy to get started. Use smart power strips to cut down on phantom energy use—those sneaky appliances that still draw power when they’re off. One of the many perks of living in a Reside apartment? Natural light is your best friend! Our thoughtfully designed spaces maximize sunlight, so throw open those curtains and let the sun brighten your day, helping you save on electricity. 

2. Get Smart with Recycling

Space might be tight in city apartments, but recycling doesn’t have to be complicated. Create a stylish little nook in your kitchen for sorting recyclables, and be sure to check your local guidelines to recycle like a pro. At Reside Living, we provide easy access to recycling options throughout our communities, helping you stay eco-conscious with ease.

3. Indoor Plants = Fresh Air

Who says living sustainably can’t be stylish? Adding houseplants to your apartment is a fun way to purify the air and spruce up your space. Snake plants, pothos, or even a little herb garden on the windowsill will bring a refreshing vibe to your Reside home. If you have pets, check out some pet-friendly plants like spider plants or Boston ferns to keep your home both green and safe. Plus, they’re low-maintenance—so you can enjoy that fresh air without much effort!

4. BYOB (Bring Your Own Bag!)

Quick trips to the market are part of city living, so why not keep some reusable bags handy? They’re sturdy, stylish, and cut down on plastic waste. Plus, you’ll avoid Chicago’s bag tax while making an eco-friendly choice. Make it a habit to bring your own bags when shopping, and you’ll feel great knowing you're helping reduce waste while living in a community that values sustainability, just like you.

5. Water-Wise Living

We know that living sustainably is all about those little changes. Swap long, leisurely showers for quicker, more mindful ones, or consider investing in a water-efficient showerhead to save both water and energy. At Reside Living, we make it easy to maintain an eco-conscious lifestyle, from water-saving amenities to energy-efficient appliances already included in your apartment.

Eco-Friendly Living, Made Easy with Reside

Sustainability isn’t about completely overhauling your lifestyle—it’s about making simple, everyday habits part of your routine. At Reside Living, we believe eco-friendly living can be stylish, convenient, and even fun. So, whether you're soaking up the natural light, tending to your indoor garden, or bringing your reusable bags to the local market, know that you're doing your part for the planet—right from the comfort of your Reside apartment.



Let’s make urban living as green as the trees outside, one small change at a time!

Exploring Chicago Neighborhoods Through Local Shops and Community Culture

September 28, 2026
Chicago is a city best experienced on foot. Beyond the skyline and downtown core, each neighborhood has its personality. In places like Wicker Park, Logan Square, Bucktown, and nearby areas, that personality shows up through independent shops, creative boutiques, and locally run spaces that bring real character to everyday living. Wicker Park and Bucktown creative energy Wicker Park is one of the most recognized neighborhoods for independent retail in Chicago. It is known for its artistic energy, music history, and strong support of local businesses. Walking along Milwaukee Avenue and Damen Avenue, you will find curated fashion boutiques, vintage stores, and unique concept shops that reflect the area's creative identity. Local favorites include Una Mae’s , a long-running independent boutique known for its mix of vintage-inspired clothing, modern fashion, home goods, and gifts. Kokorokoko is another popular stop for vintage clothing and unique finds, while shops like Eskell highlight independent fashion and creative design. These stores represent the neighborhood’s mix of style, creativity, and individuality. Many of these shops focus on sustainability, handmade goods, and small-batch design. You will also find spaces that blend coffee culture with retail, where people gather, browse, and connect. This makes shopping feel more like a social experience than a transaction. Bucktown, which sits right next to Wicker Park, continues this creative atmosphere with galleries, independent home goods stores, and fashion boutiques that highlight local designers. Exploring areas around Damen Avenue and Milwaukee Avenue gives residents and visitors access to various small businesses that help define the neighborhood. If you want to understand how these neighborhoods fit into the broader city lifestyle, you can explore more here: Neighborhoods Guide
Three people sit on a red couch in a living room, looking at something offscreen.

How to Be a Rockstar Renter

September 8, 2026
Learn essential apartment maintenance and cleaning tips for renters, from everyday upkeep to reporting repairs and protecting your apartment.
Living room with blue sofa and search bar reading “Apartments to rent”

Is It Better to Rent From a Private Landlord or Property Management Company?

August 24, 2026
Finding the right apartment involves more than choosing a floor plan. Here are the differences between a private landlord and a property management company.
Pens on a contract with wooden tiles spelling “AGREEMENT”

Understanding Your Lease: Key Rental Terms Every Tenant Should Know Before Signing

August 24, 2026
Signing a lease is a big step in the rental process. Our guide breaks down the most important lease terms every renter should know before signing!
Aerial view of Chicago skyline along Lake Michigan with a sandy beach and curving lakeside road

A Local’s Guide to Entertaining Out-of-Town Guests in Chicago’s Most Popular Neighborhoods

June 24, 2026
Discover the best dining, shopping, recreation, and entertainment in Chicago's West Loop, Gold Coast, Lincoln Park, and Lakeview neighborhoods.

How to Forward Your Mail and Change Your Address Without the Stress

June 9, 2026
Moving to a new home comes with a mix of excitement and chaos. Between packing, scheduling movers, setting up utilities, and adjusting to a new neighborhood, changing your address can feel like just another stressful task on an already long list. Planning a move to Chicago? While forwarding your mail and updating your address are important steps, staying organized throughout the entire moving process can make your transition much easier. Check out our complete Chicago moving checklist for helpful packing tips, setting up utilities, budgeting for your move, updating important documents, and preparing for moving day with less stress and more confidence. Unfortunately, forgetting to update your address or forward your mail can lead to missed bills, lost packages, delayed documents, and unnecessary frustration. The good news is that forwarding your mail and updating your address is much easier when you handle it early and stay organized.
More Posts