7 Temporary Eco-Friendly Renter Hacks (Your Landlord Doesn’t Need to Know About)

Of course, you want to make your home more sustainable. But there’s just one tiny little problem – you’re renting. The landlord doesn’t exactly want you putting up a wind turbine in the garden or slapping solar panels on the roof. But don’t worry. You don’t need to own the place to slash your carbon footprint (and your energy bills).

Here’s the quick cheat sheet of the temporary eco-friendly renter hacks we’re diving into today:

• Removable insulation blankets & tape to wrap your home up like a burrito without drilling.
• No-drill window film to stop drafts from turning your flat into a human-sized fridge.
• Radiator reflectors that bounce heat back to you, not into your landlord’s brick walls.
• Wastewater heat recovery for the handy renters who want to recycle shower warmth.
• Balcony solar panels to charge your tech on the landlord’s watch.
• VOC-free paints to spruce up your walls without inhaling toxic petrochemical fumes.
• FSC-wood, bamboo & cork furniture to smuggle sustainable materials into your decor.

Let’s look at how to pull these off without losing your deposit or getting an angry email from the housing association.

1. Temporary Insulation: Cozy up without losing your deposit

We all know that insulation is the key to keeping a home warm in the winter and cool in the summer – and more importantly, to saving a few quid on your heating bill. But if you’re renting, the idea of adding insulation to walls and lofts might seem impossible. 

The good news? You don’t have to drill holes in the walls to keep the heat in. Insulation also comes in blankets or on a roll. If you apply it with carpet tape it’s suddenly a removable option. 

• Reflective foil insulation: A bit like a foil blanket for your walls, reflective foil insulation reflects heat back into your home. It’s a simple, inexpensive way to keep your flat from feeling like a sauna in summer or an igloo in winter.
• Cellulose insulation: Here’s a little surprise: cellulose insulation is basically shredded newspaper. It’s eco-friendly, affordable, and keeps your home nice and warm without costing an arm and a leg. It also comes in insulation blankets making it easy to remove. 
• Cork insulation wall: It kinda looks like wallpaper, but it’s insulation made out of cork. It’s decorative, cheap and easy to use making it perfect for your rental home. Oh, and it’s also said to reduce noise, so if you have noisy neighbours … 
• Spray foam insulation (Low-Pressure): Low-pressure spray foam is an option if you need to seal up small gaps and cracks without getting too fancy. It’s eco-friendly and comes from plant-based materials. The best bit? It can be applied to existing walls, so no need for major renovations. You’ll be toasty in no time.
• Thermal curtains: These are great for blocking out the cold in winter and preventing heat from escaping. They might look like something your nan would have, but they’re actually pretty nifty when it comes to energy savings.
• Weatherproofing tape: Stick this around doors and windows to stop draughts sneaking in. It’s cheap, easy, and won’t cause any trouble with your landlord.
• DIY insulation solutions: Feeling crafty? You can make your own insulation with bubble wrap, old blankets, or even towels. Stick them on windows, around doors, or in other drafty areas, et voilà – instant insulation. 

If you’re looking for more inspiration. Check out this website eco-bouwers.nl and let your internet browser translate for you. The options are endless. 

2. Window insulation: Stop drafts cheaply

Windows – the portals through which the heat escapes and the cold rushes in. If you’re tired of constantly feeling like you’re living in a human-sized fridge, there are still options that won’t cause your landlord to send you an angry email.

• Window insulation film: This is like cling film for your windows, but less fiddly and more effective. Simply stick the film over your windows and use a hairdryer to shrink it into place. It creates an airtight seal, keeping the heat inside and the cold out. Plus, it’s completely removable.
  
• Thermal window inserts: These are a bit more substantial than window film but are also removable. You just insert them into the window frame to add an extra layer of insulation. 

Reading tip: 11 low-cost energy-saving tips for renters

3. Radiator film: The secret to not freezing your socks off

If your flat has radiators, there’s an easy fix to ensure they work more efficiently. Radiator reflectors or heat-reflective film can be attached to the wall behind the radiator to direct more heat into the room, rather than it being absorbed by the wall. 

These films are inexpensive, easy to install, and can help you cut down on heating bills, which is always a win.

4. Heat recovery from shower wastewater – Yes, really

Now, this one’s a bit more advanced, but hear me out. When you shower, the hot water goes down the drain – and with it, a lot of energy. However, you can make use of that energy by installing a shower heat recovery system. It sounds complicated, but basically, it uses the warmth from your wastewater to pre-heat the cold water that’s coming in. 

Most of these systems require a professional installation, but there are some smaller, DIY versions available for renters who fancy themselves a bit handy with a wrench. Talk to your landlord first, but if they’re okay with it it’s a great way to save on energy and bills.

5. Portable solar panels: Green energy for your balcony

Solar panels? In a rented flat? Surely not. But what if I told you that portable solar panels exist and they’re much less invasive than you’d think? You can get lightweight, foldable solar panels that can be used on balconies or even in your windows. They don’t require permanent installation, and they can charge small appliances. 

While you’re not going to power your entire flat with them, they’re a great and eco-friendly way to charge your gadgets or power your laptop when you work from home. 

6. Eco-friendly paint: Spruce up your space without the chemicals

When it comes to paint, traditional options can release harmful chemicals and VOCs (volatile organic compounds) into the air. But there’s good news: eco-friendly paints are here, and they’re a much healthier option for both you and the planet.

What makes paint eco-friendly?

Standard paints, particularly oil-based ones, are loaded with harmful chemicals that can release toxic fumes long after the paint has dried, contributing to air pollution inside your home and in the surrounding environment.

Eco-friendly paints, on the other hand, are made with fewer harmful chemicals, are low in or free from VOCs, and often use natural pigments and renewable ingredients. In fact, many eco-friendly paints are derived from plant-based materials, like soy, linseed oil, and even natural minerals.

How to choose eco-friendly paint

When it comes to selecting the best eco-friendly paint for your home, there are a few things to keep in mind:

1. Look for low or zero VOCs: VOCs are the chemicals that cause those toxic fumes. Many eco-friendly paints advertise themselves as “low-VOC” or “zero-VOC,” meaning they release significantly fewer harmful chemicals into the air. Always check the label to ensure it’s as free from VOCs as possible.
   
2. Natural ingredients: The best eco-friendly paints are made from natural ingredients such as plant-based oils, resins, and clays. These materials are sustainable and have a much smaller environmental impact than traditional petroleum-based paints.
   
3. Certifications: Look for certifications like Green Seal, EU Ecolabel, or LEED that indicate a paint meets certain environmental and health standards. These labels help you easily identify high-quality, eco-friendly products.
   
4. Go for organic or water-based: Organic paints are made from natural, biodegradable ingredients. Water-based paints, on the other hand, tend to be more eco-friendly than oil-based paints, as they use water as the primary solvent rather than harmful chemicals.

Reading tip: Your Yearly Home Maintenance Planner + free checklist

7. Furnish with natural and durable materials

When it comes to creating a sustainable home, one of the most effective ways to reduce your environmental impact is by choosing natural and durable materials. The world is full of fantastic resources that are not only kind to the planet but can also add an incredible amount of beauty and character to your home in the form of furnishings and decoration.

What makes a material sustainable?

Before we get into the specifics, let’s clarify what makes a material “sustainable.” In general, sustainable materials are those that:

• Are renewable: These materials can be replenished naturally over time and are not finite, unlike fossil fuels or certain minerals.
• Have low environmental impact: They require minimal energy to produce and cause less pollution in their manufacturing process.
• Are durable and long-lasting: Sustainable materials have a long lifespan, reducing the need for frequent replacements and thus lessening overall waste.
• Are biodegradable or recyclable: Once they’ve reached the end of their useful life, they can either break down naturally or be repurposed and reused.

With that in mind, let’s look at some of the top natural and durable materials you can use.

1. Wood: The classic eco-friendly choice

Wood is one of the most versatile and sustainable materials out there. As long as it’s sourced responsibly, wood is a renewable material that can be used for everything from framing to flooring and furniture.

• Sustainable sourcing: When selecting wood, look for products that are certified by organizations like the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). This ensures that the wood is harvested in a way that respects forest ecosystems and promotes reforestation.
• Types of wood: Opt for hardwoods like oak, maple, or walnut if you’re looking for something durable. These species tend to last longer and need fewer repairs. If you’re working on a tighter budget, softwoods like pine can be a more affordable, sustainable option as long as they’re from a responsibly managed forest.
• Benefits: Not only is wood biodegradable and recyclable, but it also provides excellent insulation, helping to keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Plus, it has a timeless aesthetic that adds warmth and character to any space.

2. Bamboo: Fast-growing and strong

If you’re looking for something a little more exotic, bamboo is a fantastic option. It’s technically a grass, not a wood, but it’s incredibly strong, fast-growing, and renewable. 

• Sustainability: Bamboo grows incredibly fast—some species can grow up to three feet in a single day! This makes it an extremely renewable resource, and since it doesn’t require pesticides or fertilizers, it’s very low-impact.
• Durability: Bamboo is surprisingly strong, often compared to hardwoods like oak and maple. It’s naturally resistant to pests and moisture, making it a good option for areas like kitchens and bathrooms.
• Benefits: Bamboo’s fast growth rate means less deforestation, and because it’s biodegradable, it won’t contribute to landfill waste at the end of its life.

Reading tip Microplastics at Home: Where They Hide (and What You Can Actually Do About It)

3. Cork: Sustainable, comfortable, and stylish

Cork is one of the most underappreciated sustainable materials out there. Harvested from the bark of cork oak trees, this natural material is lightweight, water-resistant, and incredibly durable.

• Sustainability: Cork harvesting doesn’t harm the trees, as the bark naturally regenerates after being peeled off. This makes cork an incredibly renewable material, as a cork tree can be harvested every 9-12 years for over 150 years without being cut down.
• Durability: Cork is highly resilient and shock-absorbent, making it a great choice for flooring. It’s also naturally resistant to mold and mildew, which is ideal for damp areas like kitchens and bathrooms.
• Benefits: Besides being eco-friendly, cork has natural insulating properties, which help to reduce noise and improve the thermal efficiency of your home. Plus, it’s stylish with a unique texture that adds an organic touch to your interior design.

6. Reclaimed and recycled materials: Giving new life to old stuff

One of the most sustainable choices you can make is using reclaimed or recycled materials in your home. This can include everything from salvaged wood and metal to repurposed glass and brick. 

• Sustainability: Reclaimed materials, especially wood and brick, have a low environmental impact since they’ve already been processed and used in another building. Recycled materials like glass and metal can be melted down and reused indefinitely.
• Durability: Reclaimed materials are often more durable and unique than brand-new products. For example, reclaimed wood has often been aged and seasoned over time, making it stronger and more stable than freshly cut lumber.
• Benefits: Not only does using reclaimed and recycled materials make your home more sustainable, but it also gives your space a unique, character-rich feel. Each piece tells a story and adds to the charm of your home.

Renter-friendly, budget-conscious ways to make your space more sustainable

There you go – a handy guide to making your rented flat more sustainable, with no drilling, no drama, and definitely no landlord complaints. From insulating your windows with cling film to harnessing a bit of solar power, there’s no shortage of ways to make your home greener – and a bit cozier in the process.

If you’re looking for additional inspiration, start small, pick a few things to try out, and work your way up until your rented flat is the most eco-friendly one in the building.

Reading tip: The money-saving magic of a sustainable home