Princeton Happenings

With Earth Day around the corner, there’s no better time to reflect on how we care for the planet—and that includes the spaces we call home. Living sustainably is more important than ever, but for renters, it can sometimes feel out of reach when you don’t have control over big things like appliance selection, windows, or utility providers.

The good news? You don’t need to own your apartment home—or do a total life overhaul—to make a meaningful impact. Living more sustainably can start with small, intentional choices that make sense for your lifestyle and your budget. Little changes truly add up.

Here are some simple tips to help you live more eco-consciously in your apartment home:

1. Embrace Energy Efficiency 

While you might not be able to swap out major appliances, there are plenty of easy ways to boost efficiency:

• Use thermal blackout curtains to help regulate temperature year-round—cooler in the summer, warmer in the winter.
• Unplug electronics when not in use or use a smart power strip to reduce phantom energy.
• Switch to LED bulbs if your rental allows it—they last longer and use a fraction of the energy.

At Princeton Properties, we’re committed to energy efficiency too. Most of our apartment homes include Energy Star appliances, and our communities often feature low-voltage light fixtures and motion sensors to help conserve power in common areas.

2. Get Smart About Water Use 

You don’t need new fixtures to start saving water. A few mindful habits go a long way:

• Add a low-flow shower head adapter (they’re easy to install and remove when you move).
• Only run full loads in the dishwasher and washing machine.
• Keep a pitcher of water in the fridge so you’re not running the tap waiting for it to get cold.

To help conserve water across our communities, Princeton has also installed rain sensors on irrigation systems, ensuring landscape watering only happens when necessary as well as low-flow toilets and shower heads at numerous locations.

3. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle—With a Twist 

We all know the “three Rs,” but you can take them further:

• Thrift or buy secondhand when furnishing your space—it’s budget-friendly and adds personality.
• Invest in reusable items like silicone storage bags, beeswax wraps, and cloth shopping bags. (You can even look into subscriptions like Grove to help make swaps throughout the year).
• If your building doesn’t offer recycling, check with your city for drop-off locations.

Princeton supports these values with comprehensive recycling programs at many of our communities and a strong commitment to reducing waste behind the scenes. For example, we’ve adopted web-based software to cut down on paperwork and unnecessary travel, moving us closer to a paper-free workplace.

4. Green Your Cleaning Routine 

Conventional cleaners can be rough on both the environment and your lungs. Make the switch:

• Choose plant-based, non-toxic cleaners, or DIY your own with vinegar, baking soda, and lemon.
• Use reusable cloths instead of paper towels.
• Try washable mop heads instead of disposable Swiffer-style sheets. These mop pads are compatible with most Swiffers, so you don’t need to invest in a new mop!

5. Mindful Consumption at Home 

How you use resources matters as much as what you use:

• Meal prep to reduce food waste.
• Compost when possible—many cities offer local drop-offs.
• Be mindful with heating and cooling: open windows, dress for the season, and use fans before the thermostat.

And speaking of mindful changes—at Princeton, we’ve replaced chemical ice melts with a natural sand mixture for winter walkways to limit harmful runoff into our environment.

6. Grow a Little Greenery 

No yard? No problem! Plants are a renter-friendly way to green your space:

• Start a windowsill herb garden.
• Add low-maintenance indoor plants like Pothos or succulents.
• Join a plant swap to give and receive cuttings sustainably.

Our Commitment: Going Green at Princeton

At Princeton Properties, we’re serious about sustainability. Our latest development, The James in Haverhill, MA, is our first carbon-neutral construction project, setting a new standard for greener multifamily living. We also use multi-zone heating in several locations to minimize energy waste, and we’ve partnered with NStar to complete weatherization projects, including insulation, boiler wraps, and energy-efficient lighting installations.

In Maine, we’ve even launched a bike lending program to help residents reduce their carbon footprint—and we’re always looking for new ways to grow greener together.

Bottom Line: You Don’t Need to Own to Be Green
Sustainable living is about intention, not perfection. As a renter, your choices matter—probably more than you realize. Small, consistent steps can lower your impact, save you money, and build lasting habits that carry with you wherever life takes you.

 This Earth Day, take your impact one step further. Visit our Princeton Cares page to learn more about how we’re working to make the Earth a better place, or contact your leasing office to ask about local Earth Day volunteer events. Every action counts—big or small.