17 Simple Tips for Living More Sustainably in a City Apartment 

For more tips on sustainable living at home check out these resources: My House Guide to Sustainable, Simple, and Healthy Living: www.robingreenfield.org/sustainablehome My Sustainable Living Series from my bike ride across the USA: www.robingreenfield.org/sustainablelivingseries

"No matter what we do as a human race, we're going to cause some harm [to the environment]. The idea is to minimize that impact." That right there. This is how you know someone isn't a hippie totally disconnected from reality with grandiose ideas about saving the planet. Rob understands the impact people have on our world, both collectively and individually. He takes responsibility for his individual actions and finds ways to reduce environmental harm. Keep it up man. You're a leader.

Just imagine our world if we all lived , even half as eco friendly as rob does. 🌍

I wonder if the people he lives with share his habits. In my experience, the hardest part of living a lifestyle even remotely like what Rob’s doing is finding a living situation with like-minded people.

Finally someone who walks the talk instead of living in a mansion preaching how the rest of us should live.

This is how my grandmother her mother and my generation lived back in the day in the far south island of the Bahamas. Crooked island. They all lived over 90 and my great grand mother was 109 when she died. All they did was fish and grew their own foods and lived a great stress free life!

Up through the 70s, I remember when almost everything came in glass bottles. I mean everything from milk, mustard, mayo and soda. The glass, (soda , milk bottles) were turned in for money at the store to be used again. In the late 70s, 80s plastic everything came into use. I hate it. I actually try to use as much glass as possible, there is a lot less waste. In the U.S. we used to do many things that worked naturally, but they were dismissed in the name of marketing. It is funny how we realize we have to come full circle.

A full fridge actually uses less energy because the items inside retain the desired temperature more than air. But it's great if you can keep enough of your food unrefrigerated that you can use a smaller fridge.

"When I live simple, I live free." :) :) :)

I love how you recommend recycled toilet paper in this video and three years later you've posted a video on all the waste-free alternatives to toilet paper. Sustainability really is a process and you've gotten so much better at it over the years. :D

My favorite thing about you is you're so genuine and you don't feel the need to scold or look down on others. People like you invoke and inspire real change

Suggestion for the toilet paper: install a bidet. Cleaner bum, and way less paper. Only a square or two to dry your underside after washing.

Loved the tour!! The grey water was such a great idea ✌🏻

You amaze me, Rob! You are such a wonderful human being. Cheers to living zero waste!

I have been following you for a while and this is a good informative video. I do many of these things already but I have to keep my car living in the country. People don't believe it when I tell them how much I need to live especially since my house is paid off. Keep the vids coming. Good show!

When doing anything in a sink I pop a bin that also collects the water for second usage. No need for bending down collecting a bucket.

I'm familiar with Rob from his work in Florida living in the shed and having a huge garden. Interesting to see how much he has learned and experienced since this video was made.

This is a very old video .. I remember him shredding his DL and credit cards.. Love the way he lives

Hey Rob, here in South East Asia we don't use toilet paper at all, we just wash with water. Every toilet has got either a mini-shower or a bucket of water with a small pot used to pour water on your private parts. I usually carry a towel with me so I can dry myself but the locals don't bother. I was born and raised in Italy where we have a bidet to wash after your toilet business, however I find the Asian way the most sustainable and healthy. Keep up the great work! 😁😊❤️😘

The sign on his main door reads : “To get nowhere follow the crowd”. 😂

Love your videos...makes me wanna be a better me!!!

Your compost bin will turn to rich soil quicker with little or no smell with the addition of black fly larvae, (larvae self accumulate in a bucket u set up) they can then be used to fee the birds at the beach or pond. They don't bit or sting.

You are a fantastic friend of the Earth. I am inspired!

Just came across your video. You are an inspiration. Thank you.

Seriously, how could absolutely anyone thumbs down this video! If the world were full of Rob Greenfields we would be living in heaven😇

Mate, you area nerd. Super super impressive that a young man like yourself is going to the effort you are. Very very impressive. Thanks for sharing. Subbed.

I'm always looking to learn how I can do things more sustainably so thanks for the tips. Here's an idea. Instead of a bucket under the sink one can use some tubs in the sink and simply carry the used water to the garden when finished with it.

Everytime you smile... My heart stop beating 💓

Love the gray water idea! Try a bidet shower if possible, in place of toilet paper. Haven't had to buy toilet paper other than for guests since we got one.

You can swap the toothbrush and toothpaste with tooth-cleaning twigs (should be the diameter of a pencil) harvested from certain trees through creating a bristly tip by peeling half a centimeter section of outer bark to the cambium, chewed on until fibers fray fine enough that release the antiseptic fluids/resins, and then brush. Much more effective than a typical nylon toothbrush.

Rainfresh makes an amazing under counter filter. Another great tip is using dehumidifier water for laundry and or plants. Free water if you already use a dehumidifier. bamboo toilet paper is another option. Dryer balls reduce drying Time better yet hang your laundry to air dry for free

That is incredibly efficient and amazing.

I have the lo-flow shower head and I do the 'submarine shower', wet my body, then turn off, use soap, then turn on again to rinse. I have cold showers all year round (it's part of the Wim Hof Method of breathing/meditation exercises) which saves money. Finally I always have a big bucket in the shower with me, which collects excess water which is then used on plants or to flush the toilet.

This bloke is a hero

LOVE this! I can see your "can do" attitude unleashed your resourcefulness! Your vision, focus and determination make it happen. WOW! Thanks for sharing.

Stellar! Good to see more folks doing these things! (We’ve been doing it for decades, adapting how & what methods are used, to the places we’ve lived) Doing that under sink bucket the hard way, though.... We scavenged a rebuildable 2-stroke pump from surplus. Hooked tubing to it, to use to suck bath water out the bathroom window, down to a 55 gal. barrel down below. We also used another tube, up from the barrel to the toilet tank. So, most of the bath water went into the tank, then got pumped up to refill the low flush toilet tank, to flush. Another barrel was placed below the dining room window, with a spigot near the bottom. Our apartment-size laundry pair hooked to the kitchen sink to get water, but we separated the drain hose to go to a drain pipe outside the window, so the barrel could hold it long enough for any few hot water washes to cool down before trickling out around a little trench, running a “u” around garden plantings to irrigate them. That was in an older HUD housing “apartment”...and over the 20 years there, we did a LOT that was really off the usual...and had to be covert about some of it....like hopiding the washer drain pipe within a “cat ladder”...we made a cat door next to the window AC, using 2x4’s, lattice & slats, which camouflaged the pipe & barrel, & let the cats come & go as the wanted...no cat box! But, the last couple years there, we actually covertly installed drainpipe behind the kitchen cabinet, into the wall down though the wall, & out a new hole to let it irrigate the same channel, but, getting rid of the barrel (which had a problem...it stank!). The outlet pipe was painted to match the stucco of the building; the inlet was covered up again by the trim strip, easily, because the drain hose was only 1” diameter, when we moved out. Unless someone removes the cabinet, or, took out the drawers to remove the floor of that cabinet, it was invisible. The storage room below that, had no insulation in it’s outside wall; the drainpipe just dropped through the floor, curved over into that wall bay, & down & out to garden. Once installed, the drywall was repaired, painted...mostly invisible...if some did see either end, they would think it was just part of the building. There were rules against renters using washers & driers in their apartments...BUT, their real worry was over-use of the costly water heater that served the building....so....use cold water, & biodegradable laundry soap, avoid softener chemicals, & it works! The management also forbade renters using shades over the balconies....at 1st we tried potted plants growing vines up trellising, to shade the porch...that was not adequate. Our big, south-facing glass door still cooked us out, despite fans, open windows, or even AC. So, I used PVC pipe to bend a curved frame from roof edge to outer rail, covered with nice high-efficiency beige shade cloth (matched building paint) held on with small zip ties. Still kept plants. This did 3 important things, which management could NOT argue against: it cooled the apartment by about 10 degrees; it prevented an active toddler from falling off the balcony; and it gave us privacy...without the shade, apartment dwellers across the park, in the park, and from the street, could see clear through the apartment. I effectively retro-negotiated a variance to keep that shade. There are thousands of ways to do small & big things, to be more sustainable. There are loads of ways to get creative, to do bigger things, as long as those are done in ways that avoid causing damage, & benefit the landlord. Some with permission, some without. Get creative!!!

I loved watching this video. Thanks for sharing.

Looking back on this video what a journey you've gone through. It's a shocking evolution. You have made a massive contribution to the planet, shown a different way to live for your viewers. Showed the lessons of living a better life. I'm so proud of you and will try do my bit, inspired by your journey in to 2020. Well done 👍✅

A Berkey filter will remove fluoride and is gravity fed.

Very inspirational thanks

Thanks Rob, really inspiring! Living in a cave in Spain (very cheaply) but picked up some new ideas from you, like the shower heads and tap heads. Love your positive outlook.

You impress me being gentle to the world and thus yourself, thank you.

I currently have a depression causing cluttered household. Beyond recycling and donations any other ways slowly eliminate clutter from house while not contributing to problem? Not everything is recyclable or donatable... And od you look so calm and happy. I want my wife and me to have that.

Mister, you've got some beautiful teeth and a lovely smile. Good energy! And new inspiration on how to improve my life in terms of eco-friendliness. Thank you.

I love your sustainable lifestyle! Keep trying new things and sharing! I've definitely adopted several of your tips and tricks. Thank you!

You are inspiration Rob

I live in a small row home in Philadelphia suburb. I have AeroGardens inside to grow food and herbs year round and have a patio to grow food in pots and a 3 ft by 2 ft in ground garden that produces tons of organic vegetables all summer.

the audio is almost unbearable. Good practices though. Very cool. Thanks for sharing.

I started composting food garbages and recycling more plastic containers, stopping throwing cardboard in the trash making sure it’s all going to Recycling. I just hope recycling is more common place as I age.

Thanks for the minimalism tips, what you own (bedroom vs kitchen that guests use) & what you carry with you. #goals Sustainable& Minimal

Hey Rob, love your show. I have one garden tip. I saw that you were growing in fully composted soil. You can use your food scraps as a layer of mulch. This will slow down water evaporation on your bare soil. I am sure a lot of people told you this. Have a great day and way to go!

I always find your videos informative and interesting. But, I take exception to the phrase about always doing some harm without talking about the synergistic relationship and benefits we should be and can be having back toward the planet. Instead of teaching that we can coexist, this one sided perspective teaches people and especially impressionable children that we are always taking, taking which causes them to feel guilty for just being alive! I’m a teacher who witnesses this repeatedly. Feeling guilty for just breathing is no way to live and causes unnecessary stress on vulnerable young bodies and minds. I think in these conversations, it is paramount that we demonstrate not only low impact in our use of what we get from the planet, but also what does the planet we are walking through need back. This also puts a little responsibility back into our own lives; Not in the protest movement hype sort of nothingness, that waits for some government bureaucracy, but in real life scenarios in our own place on earth. Anyway, I do actually get a lot of good ideas from you because you actually live what you say! Thank you!

I'm curious, what are your thoughts on flying? How can you combine sustainable living with flying around the world, don't you feel guilty when stepping into a plane? (This is one of the "problems" I have, I love travelling but sometimes it seems absurd to me to try to live sustainably and at the same time fly around the world). Would love to hear your thoughts!! Thanks for all you do!

I hear soapberries are great for cleaning, all purpose cleaner, bath/shower, laundry, hand soap, dish soap, shaving cream, etc. Literally the BEST thing I have ever used. its a natural antibacterial and antifungal product.

you're awesome and are truly an inspiration

This is great to see how you lived before the tiny house. I must say I so miss your tiny house and would love to hear how your living now

I even had a rain barrel on a 9th floor condo balcony /terrace that had no overhang above me. Free water.

I love your spirit and your intelligence...

I love your lifestyle.Super cool tips!

I'm taking notes!

I'm not a fanatical tree-hugger or anything, but I try to do my part whenever possible. Love this video. Thank you.

I liked this video! I wish where I live had something like Car 2 Go, but alas I live in a small town that doesn't have much. I think renting out rooms in your apartment is a great idea! I also never knew that you could replace parts of your sink/shower to use less water. That could be a thing that every household does!

thanks so much for inspiring me and reminding me just how simple life can be! something ive been meaning to do is give away more of my possessions, time to do that i think! peace brother,

Oh didn't know about getting the tap adapter! Going to look into that

I just wish Everyone lives this way

I think Rob is inspiring as in: Don't get invested in things and money but in people and experiences. After watching a couple of his videos I have to say that sustainability in his way of living is the aforementioned. But it is not per se eco friendly. It might be way better than the avarage US-American citizen. If he really wants to be more eco friendly, cutting the plane travels alltogether has so much potential still.

This is a really lovely life with all the things that you need. It is good solid minimalism.

Hi ! About the toilet paper : We don't use it at home since two years now. Instead, we always have a bottle of water that we reuse and we rince with it and then just take a towel to dry ourselves ! It feels so much better

What an inspiration for all of us trying to make a difference! Thanks Rob!

Wow Rob i wish more people in our 🌎 would think more and live more like the both of us do im not as sufficient as you are just yet but just by watching your videos you absolutely give me better ideas of how to live and survive happy and freely! You rock brother! Keep doing what your doing eventually people will catch on in time god willing! Ill be looking forward to watch more of your videos

Love your approach

thanks 4 share

Raised garden out of a bookcase - brilliant.

I enjoy his videos for ideas. I come to the desire to lessen my environmental impact, conserve energy, and live sustainably from a completely different angle, philosophically, and World view point. But the practical methods and means to do so are pretty much the same. I'm still working on my home to transition to most of these practices as he shows here. I love his outdoor kitchen ideas! Great ideas for young people to rethink the consumerism that they are pounded with since babyhood.

I sold my car at age 59. Luckily, my area has good public transportation. Even with bus transportation, friends, carshare, relatives, taxi, car rentals, and walking...not having a car, the last twelve years, has been very challenging. Not having a vehicle requires lots of planning ahead...and always having a Plan B for backup. I am glad that I have accomplished being car free. It did free up dollars to cover other expenses. Where I live now, I can walk most everywhere I need to go. Also, as an older adult, I have access to a low cost bus service run by volunteers.

Very sensible man

I thank you. I live in Jerusalem, in a very condensed area and I learn a lot from your videos. Toda!

you are my hero

OMG .....I love you and your idea

Thanks.

Very interesting video. I am trying to live as much off grid in my appartment as well. I have spend a lot on replacing appliances but most also cost saving was using solar panels in combination with powerstation and replacing shower with a camping shower. Use a kettle with a camping stove or old petroleum cooking set. The only electricity I use now is to supply my fridge and internet. All other appliances I use with the powerstation when needed. I want to invest in a bigger home battery system so I can go completely of grid. I don't use gas anymore as and use less water, because I do a lot of things manually. Also because doing things more manually also means more body movement so it is also good for your health :)

You doing a great job like I do with my van DIY is the key

i do wanna live such a rural life, simple and easy. awesome dude!

thank you man! So nice of you to care.

Thank you

Thank you for being you!

I’m into some of what you promote. Reuse, recycle, repurpose. I am into salvaging items I can use in my yard. Used cedar fencing becomes a frame for a raised bed garden quite nicely... for example. I don’t subscribe to all that you encourage, but I am leaning more towards simplicity and minimalism more and more.

That's some great info. Thanks Rob!

Your amazing, I love wat Hong your video it's inflicting my life values now.

I love your smile , really opens mind right at start of video.

Instead of aper toiletpaper You can use cottoncloth strips, but You have to wash them in the washing mashine after use to reuse them.

thats what I call impressive

Wow that is smart of you to take the closet as your bedroom and rent out the other room especially since you are close to the beach. Also love all of the ways you are living green. I’m going to implement some of your green living in my own life. 😊

So cool. If you want to visit Uganda one day. You're welcome.

Alot of great ideas 😃..Thanks for sharing 😊

Keep inspiring the world - much respect.

Thanks for sharing this!

The piece that goes on his faucet is amazing! I wish I could find that. Not having a trash can in the house will most definitely be inconvenient! We are all about making our lives easier. Clever idea. Bye bye car! Wow not an easy thing in America... What an investment.

Thanks! Really good tips ☺

I’m a fan! I’ve been watching a lot of your videos and I’m just a starter of sustainable living. Looking forward to learn and practice lots of things you are doing.