Renting a place to live is an important decision that greatly affects our quality of life. The spaces in which we spend our days and nights must meet a variety of criteria, including budget, practicality, beauty, and safety. However, over the past decade, another important factor has emerged when considering rental properties: sustainability.
Living in sustainable rental properties is becoming increasingly important in today's world. This not only helps individuals and communities achieve energy efficiency and long-term savings, but also contributes to a more sustainable future.
If you are interested in renting a room in Mexico, you may know that the country experienced a real estate boom in 2023, with real estate prices hitting a record high of US$34.27 billion. Recent Expert Market Research Report. The same study predicts an annual growth rate of 4.8% from 2024 to 2032. However, it is important to note that the best real estate choices are those that prioritize sustainability criteria as they provide long-term benefits.
In response to this trend, here are some eco-friendly rental tips to help you make better choices when renting a home in Mexico.
Eco-friendly rental tips
In line with the United Nations definition of sustainability, this quality refers to best practices and achievements in efficient land use, energy efficiency, renewable energy, sustainable mobility and conservation of the natural environment.
In accordance with these standards, we recommend the following tips to make your Mexico rental environmentally friendly.
Energy and resources: Ask your landlord if the house or apartment has water-saving devices installed to save energy and resources. Specifically, ask about water-saving devices for toilets, showers, and kitchen sinks. In Mexico, in a conventional toilet he uses about 10 liters of water per flush. If your toilet doesn't have a water saving device, consider investing in or requesting a home water displacement device.
If water-saving devices are not installed in the shower or kitchen sink, Options sold by Mexican brands such as Helvex, Rotoplas, and Nacional del Cobre make it easy to install inexpensive devices that can save a lot of water. approved By the Mexican government. According to , these devices can save up to 50% water per minute in both cases. urbana islanda project to promote rainwater utilization in Mexico.
When it comes to electricity, According to the Mexican government, 72% of homes use compact fluorescent light bulbs, but LED light bulbs are the best way to reduce energy consumption. Choose a washing machine model with high energy efficiency.
Mobility: Factors such as safety, cleanliness, and beauty are obviously important when choosing a place to live. However, it's also important to consider the transportation options available in the area for daily activities such as grocery shopping, walking the dog, and exercising. Is it easy to get around without a car? Can we use alternative means such as cycling or walking for recreational activities? The transportation methods we choose can have a significant impact on our carbon footprint.
Waste management: Although waste management in many Mexican cities and towns is still in its infancy, Real estate development that brings about change By providing Mexico with eco-friendly housing that builds systems to recycle wastewater, as in the case of Brasilia Sustainable in Guadalajara and Lira in Monterrey. These sustainable options prioritize waste management and aim to reduce environmental impact.
If you can't find a sustainable option that meets your needs and budget, there are still ways you can practice greener waste management yourself. For example, if the local government does not separate recyclable waste, you can take the initiative to separate it yourself and take the recyclable waste to a recycling center. Additionally, you can turn your organic waste into plant compost or form a community with your neighbors to collectively manage your waste in a more environmentally friendly way.
Green space: Living near green areas is very important for our mental and general health. The World Health Organization recommends that everyone live within 300 meters of at least 0.5 hectares of green space.
Even if you can't find a rental property close to green space, there are ways to incorporate greenery into your living environment. Houseplants improve air quality and help create a calming atmosphere indoors. Additionally, you can consider collaborating with your neighbors to create an urban garden. This not only brings greenery to the community, but also fosters a sense of community and connection.
Already renting? Make your home more eco-friendly
green decoration: To create eco-friendly decorations, adhere to the three Rs (reduce, reuse, recycle) when decorating your home. You can find beautiful furniture and items second-hand or repurpose what you already have. When purchasing new items, make sure they are durable and manufactured using environmentally friendly processes.
Green cleaning: When cleaning your home, choose products like baking soda and vinegar. You can also find eco-friendly products at our Zero Waste Store. This allows you to avoid unnecessary packaging and use Mexican products such as the famous Zote soap and Roma detergent, which are biodegradable options for home and laundry cleaning.
Buy local and seasonal: Research seasonal fruits and vegetables and find out where you can buy them from local growers. Tianguis. Because these products are grown on a smaller scale, they are often of better quality and healthier. This typically means using fewer chemicals, using less water, and reducing your carbon footprint.
Green appliances: Every day, more energy-efficient home appliances come onto the market that make a difference to both your wallet and your carbon footprint.
Home garden: Create a wildlife sanctuary by planting native flowers that attract pollinators. This not only beautifies your garden, but also supports the local ecosystem. Additionally, you can: Grow your own vegetables and aromatic plants For cooking and medicinal purposes. This will reduce your dependence on store-bought produce and allow you to enjoy fresh, organic food. To further increase sustainability, turning organic waste into compost enriches the soil and reduces the need for chemical fertilizers.
Green rentals are a choice that will benefit the environment and your well-being, while saving you money in the long run. Additionally, by choosing eco-friendly rental properties, you can contribute to a more sustainable future and drive demand for greener housing options.
Ana Paula de la Torre is a Mexican journalist and collaborator of various media outlets, including Milenio, Animal Politico, Vice, Spanish Newsweek, Televisa, and Mexico News Daily.
