Eco-Friendly Practices for Renters in Adelaide
Living sustainably doesn’t have to be off-limits when you’re renting—there are plenty of simple ways to embrace an eco-friendly lifestyle.
You don’t need solar panels or big renovations; just a few simple, mindful swaps can make your space a little but greener, reduce utility bills and have a positive impact on the environment.
Here’s how tenants in Adelaide can keep things eco-friendly in their rental:
1. Switch to a green energy provider
Switching to a green energy provider is one of the easiest ways to make your rental eco-friendly and reduce your environmental footprint.
Many providers now offer renewable energy options like GreenPower which feeds more renewable energy into the grid.
As RealEstate.com.au suggests, you can “choose 25%, 50% or 100% GreenPower” to match your electricity usage with renewable energy sources.
This option doesn’t require changing anything in your home—it simply changes the source of your electricity, making your usage more eco-friendly right from the start.
2. Reduce, reuse, recycle
Adopting the “three Rs” in your rental property is a great way to cut waste and live more sustainably.
Start by reducing single-use items like plastic bags and disposable containers, and replace them with reusable options wherever possible.
Give items a second life by transforming empty jars into storage solutions or old clothes into cleaning rags.
And don’t forget to recycle! Local recycling rules are easy to follow and make a big impact. Correctly sorting glass, plastic and paper ensures these materials are given a second life rather than ending up in landfill.
Remembering the three Rs can significantly help reduce your waste and make a positive difference.
3. Switch to energy-saving light bulbs and water-saving fixtures
A few small and simple changes can really add up when it comes to saving money on energy bills in a rental.
Consider swapping any regular light bulbs with energy-saving LEDs, which consume about 75% less energy than traditional halogen bulbs and have a much longer lifespan.
For renters looking to save water, you can also install a low-flow shower head to reduce usage without losing water pressure.
These eco-friendly fixtures help cut water use without sacrificing water pressure, which can mean lower water bills and less strain on Adelaide’s water resources.
These small updates often require minimal effort and—as a bonus—can also be undone if you move out.
Of course, if you’re not certain about making these swaps, it’s always best to check your rental agreement or discuss it with your property manager.
But most landlords are happy when tenants take steps to save energy and protect their investment.
4. Start a small indoor garden
Bringing greenery indoors is a fantastic way to improve air quality and create a pleasant atmosphere in a rental property while supporting sustainable living.
Even if you only have a small outdoor area, indoor houseplants—like peace lilies, snake plants and pothos—not only look nice but are affordable, easy to maintain and suitable for Adelaide’s climate.
And if you have a small balcony or patio? Why not try growing herbs or veggies in planter boxes, to create a mini edible garden that’s also easy to manage. It’s a low-maintenance approach to eco-friendly living in a rental.
Adding a small compost bin for food scraps can also be a great way to reduce waste while nourishing your plants.
5. Collect rainwater
South Australia’s dry climate makes water a precious resource, so capturing rainwater is a great way to be more efficient.
And it doesn’t have to be complicated.
If you have a balcony, patio or small garden area, try placing a container or bucket near a gutter downpipe to collect rainwater.
You can then use this water to keep your plants thriving.
It’s a simple method for cutting back on mains water use, saves you money and ensures your gardening efforts are eco-friendly, especially during Adelaide’s long, dry summer period.
6. Opt for environmentally friendly cleaning products
Cleaning products often contain harsh chemicals that aren’t ideal for your home or the planet.
But by choosing eco-friendly cleaning products, you can reduce the number of chemicals in your home.
Biodegradable, plant-based cleaners offer a gentler alternative that work just as effectively (minus the harsh chemicals!), and can be easily sourced at most supermarkets.
You can also create a natural cleaning solution at home with common pantry items like vinegar, baking soda and lemon juice, which handles many household cleaning tasks well.
7. Shut down standby power
Standby power—sometimes called “vampire power,” thanks to its covert power sucking qualities—can account for a surprising chunk of your power bill.
In fact, many people don’t realise that appliances in ‘standby mode’ can constitute up to 10% of it!
That’s why smart power strips are a great option, allowing you to turn off multiple devices at the flick of a single switch.
Many smart power strips also have scheduling features that turn devices off when not in use, lowering energy consumption without having to lift a finger.
By cutting power to appliances when they’re not being used, you’ll not only minimise energy waste, but you’ll potentially see the difference on your next bill.
8. Choose efficient appliances
If you’re bringing your own appliances into a rental, aim to purchase those with a good energy rating to help reduce electricity use.
That’s because washing machines, fridges and microwaves with high ratings use less power
And while models with higher star ratings might cost a bit more upfront, they’re usually more cost-effective in the long run.
The best bit? Adelaide’s second-hand market can also be a great place to find budget-friendly, energy-saving appliances at a fair price if you prefer a thriftier approach—perfect for renters looking to keep costs down.
9. Embrace minimalism
The less you buy, the less waste you create.
So for renters, adopting a minimalist approach can help you save money, free up space, reduce waste and create a more sustainable household.
How do you do it? Buy only what you need and, whenever possible, look for sustainable or recycled goods.
Not only does this reduce clutter, but it’s a simple, low-waste lifestyle that benefits both the planet and your budget.
10. Get involved in local sustainability programs
South Australia is known for its close-knit community, and Adelaide is home to many community-based sustainability initiatives.
From e-waste and battery recycling stations to community gardens and composting workshops—even groups dedicated to reusing and repairing household items—there are plenty of ways to make a difference.
Getting involved in these programs not only contributes to a greener lifestyle but also helps renters connects you with like-minded neighbours.
Small actions really do add up.
Each tiny adjustment helps build a more sustainable way of life, proving you don’t need to own a property to make it greener.
If you’re interested in finding a rental that supports an eco-friendly lifestyle, reach out to us at We Connect Property.
We’re here to help every Adelaide tenant find a place that feels right!
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DISCLAIMER: All recommendations made by We Connect Property are general in nature and not to be relied upon as legal or financial advice. To ensure accuracy, we always strongly recommend seeking independent, professional advice tailored to your specific situation before making any investment or financial decisions.