Shared living is an effective way to reduce waste, save energy, and build community. By sharing resources like appliances, transportation, and communal spaces, residents can lower costs and environmental impact. Key strategies include:
- Energy Efficiency: Look for properties with solar panels, LED lighting, and energy-saving appliances.
- Shared Resources: Use communal kitchens, laundry facilities, and carpooling to cut down on consumption.
- Waste Reduction: Set up recycling, composting, and group shopping systems to minimize waste.
- Green Building Materials: Opt for spaces built with recycled materials, FSC-certified wood, or low-emission finishes.
- Daily Habits: Conserve water, unplug devices, and use programmable thermostats to reduce utility bills.
Platforms like Coliving.com make finding eco-friendly living spaces easy, offering affordable options with all-inclusive pricing and verified sustainability features. Shared living not only helps the planet but also fosters meaningful connections among residents.
Environmental Impact of Buildings and Sustainable Coliving Benefits
How to Choose Eco-Friendly Coliving Spaces
Picking a coliving space that genuinely prioritizes sustainability means digging deeper than flashy marketing claims. The construction and operation of buildings have a huge environmental impact - construction activities alone generate 40% of annual waste production in the European Union, and buildings are responsible for about 33% of global CO₂ emissions tied to energy use. Making an informed choice from the outset can have a meaningful impact. This guide outlines key factors to help you identify coliving spaces that align with eco-friendly principles, supporting your commitment to a greener lifestyle.
Look for Energy-Efficient Buildings
Start by investigating the property's energy systems. Spaces that rely on solar panels or wind energy significantly cut down on fossil fuel use. Energy-efficient features like LED lighting and modern appliances in shared spaces, such as kitchens and laundry areas, further reduce electricity consumption. These upgrades not only curb emissions but also contribute to a smaller overall carbon footprint.
Check for Green Building Materials and Design
The materials used in construction are a major factor in a building's sustainability. For instance, traditional concrete production accounts for about 8% of global CO₂ emissions, releasing close to 1 metric ton of CO₂ for every metric ton of cement produced. Seek out spaces with certifications like LEED, BREEAM, or the Living Building Challenge, which confirm adherence to strict environmental standards. Ask if the building incorporates recycled materials, FSC-certified wood (sourced from responsibly managed forests), or low-VOC paints that reduce harmful emissions. Cutting-edge designs often include sustainable options like bamboo flooring, mass timber, or even Ferrock - a cement alternative that absorbs CO₂ during production. To verify these claims, you can request Health Product Declarations (HPDs) or Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), which provide details on the materials and their environmental impact.
Find Spaces with Shared Amenities
Shared amenities are a smart way to minimize waste and resource use. For example, communal kitchens reduce the need for multiple appliances like refrigerators, ovens, and dishwashers. Similarly, shared laundry facilities cut down on the number of washing machines required. On-site coworking spaces with reliable internet access not only save energy but also eliminate the need for daily commuting and individual office setups. These shared resources help reduce overall consumption while fostering a sense of community.
How to Share Resources in Coliving Spaces
One of the standout benefits of coliving is how it makes resource sharing both practical and eco-friendly. By sharing appliances, transportation, and supplies, residents can cut down on energy use, reduce waste, and lower overall consumption. Jo Anne Pinon from The Citylifer highlights that sharing resources helps minimize individual consumption levels. To make this work smoothly, it’s essential to establish systems that keep things fair and hassle-free. Below are some effective ways to share resources in coliving spaces.
Share Appliances and Tools
Using shared appliances is an easy way to reduce energy use and waste. For instance, a single dishwasher serving eight people is far more energy-efficient than eight separate units. Most dishwashers use between 1.0–2.17 kWh per load, so running full loads and scheduling cycles during off-peak hours can save both money and reduce CO₂ emissions. The same goes for clothes dryers - ENERGY STAR certified models are at least 20% more efficient, and heat pump dryers can save up to 40% more energy compared to standard options. To streamline usage, set up a shared calendar or group chat so everyone can coordinate laundry times and ensure machines run at full capacity.
Use Car-Sharing or Public Transportation
Living in a coliving space near shops, restaurants, and public transit hubs can significantly cut down on car use and emissions. For trips that require a car, organize carpools through group chats and split fuel costs with apps or expense trackers. When new residents move in, provide them with public transportation maps and schedules to help them get familiar with transit options right away. Even services like shared maintenance or cleaning can be scheduled together to reduce the number of trips and their environmental impact.
Buy Groceries and Supplies Together
Buying in bulk is another way to save money and reduce waste. Coliving makes it easy to coordinate group grocery runs and purchase items in larger quantities. Set up a weekly shopping system where one or two people handle the trip for everyone. Use tools like online polls to decide what’s needed ahead of time. For a more sustainable approach, shop at zero-waste stores using refillable containers for items like grains, nuts, and seeds. Old mason jars or glass containers are great for storing bulk goods and help avoid unnecessary plastic. You can also share costs for subscriptions to essentials like coffee or cleaning products, opting for eco-friendly items such as cleaning tablets or bulk washing powders with minimal packaging.
How to Manage Waste in Shared Living Spaces
Managing waste effectively in shared living spaces relies on teamwork. Just like pooling resources, handling waste properly can enhance the benefits of coliving. In the United States, the national recycling rate is about 32.1%, but multifamily properties often lag behind, with rates between 20% and 27%, compared to the 61% to 68% seen in single-family homes. By implementing the right systems, coliving communities can improve these numbers, cut costs, and reduce their overall footprint. Simply put, efficient waste management amplifies the advantages of shared living.
Set Up a Recycling System
Recycling should be just as easy as tossing something in the trash. To get started, conduct a waste audit to figure out what types of recyclables your community generates and how much. This will help you decide how many bins you’ll need and how often they should be emptied.
Position recycling bins right next to trash cans. As Eureka Recycling wisely states:
"Carts must be at least as convenient to residents as the trash containers."
When recycling is harder to access than trash, people are less likely to participate, and contamination becomes a bigger issue. Use clear, visual signage with images and color-coding to make sorting simple for everyone.
Provide residents with small, reusable containers for collecting recyclables in their apartments. You might also appoint a "Green Captain" to oversee the recycling area and help educate others. Many property managers offer rent credits - ranging from $50 to $150 per month - for this role, which can be a cost-effective alternative to hiring outside help.
The impact of these efforts can be impressive. For example, a 180-unit property in Kirkland, Washington, boosted its recycling capacity from 0% to 40% in 2021, saving nearly $20,000 annually in garbage-service costs. Similarly, a 130-unit property increased its recycling rate from 14% to 34%, cutting garbage expenses by about $10,000 a year.
Start Composting Food Waste
Food and yard waste make up over 30% of landfill material, and food scraps alone are responsible for more than half of the methane emissions from landfills. A communal composting system can transform this waste into nutrient-rich compost.
Choose a composting method that fits your space. Vermicomposting, which uses worms, is odor-free and works well indoors. Bokashi fermentation is another option - it fits in small spaces like cabinets and even handles meat and dairy with the help of specialized bran. For larger budgets, electric composters automate the process and include odor control. If outdoor space is available, a traditional compost pile can handle higher volumes at a low cost.
Provide residents with lidded kitchen caddies for collecting food scraps, along with clear instructions on what can be composted. Focus on "greens" (like fruit and vegetable scraps) and "browns" (such as shredded paper or dry leaves), maintaining a 3:1 ratio of browns to greens to prevent odors. To keep things tidy, encourage freezing scraps or using charcoal filters in countertop bins before transferring them to the main compost area.
"Composting is nature's way of recycling. It is one of the most powerful actions we can take to reduce our trash and build healthy soil." - US EPA
Beyond environmental benefits, composting can save residents money. Lower trash disposal fees and reduced reliance on commercial fertilizers can add up to $100 or more in annual savings per person. Considering that U.S. households waste an average of $728 on food each year, composting helps repurpose materials that would otherwise go to waste.
Create a Shared Garden
A shared garden can turn compost into fresh produce while reducing the need for store-bought food and the packaging that comes with it. Growing food on-site also cuts down on transportation emissions.
Start with easy-to-grow, high-yield crops like tomatoes, lettuce, kale, radishes, or herbs. Opt for native plants that thrive in your area to reduce water usage and limit the need for chemical fertilizers. Encourage residents to harvest only what they need for each meal, which helps avoid spoilage that often happens with bulk purchases.
Shared gardens also eliminate packaging waste - no more plastic wrap or foam containers. If the garden produces more than residents can use, the surplus can be shared among neighbors or donated to local food banks, keeping food in circulation and reducing waste.
Beyond the practical benefits, gardens enhance air quality, support pollinators like bees and butterflies, and even increase property values. Studies suggest that green spaces within 100 meters of a home can raise its value by 1.9%. More importantly, shared gardens create a sense of community, offering residents a space to connect and learn sustainable practices together.
How to Reduce Energy and Water Use Daily
When it comes to sustainable coliving, small, everyday actions can make a big difference in cutting down energy and water use. Developing simple conservation habits can help reduce utility bills and contribute to a more eco-friendly lifestyle.
Practice Energy-Saving Habits
Start with lighting: swap out incandescent bulbs for energy-efficient LEDs, which cost about $5 each and use significantly less electricity. Take advantage of natural light during the day by keeping curtains open, and use task lamps to focus light where you need it.
For heating and cooling, set shared thermostats to 68°F–70°F during the day in winter, lowering them to 58°F–60°F at night. In the summer, keep the temperature at the highest comfortable setting. Lowering your water heater temperature by just 10 degrees can cut energy costs by up to 5%. A programmable thermostat, available for around $25, can help automate these settings for added convenience.
To reduce wasted electricity, unplug devices when not in use or use power strips to eliminate "phantom load", which accounts for about 5% of total electricity usage. Set laptops to sleep mode rather than using energy-draining screensavers.
In shared spaces like kitchens, washing clothes in cold water can save up to 90% of the energy a washing machine uses. When cooking, cover pots to retain heat and consider using microwaves or induction stoves instead of traditional ovens. Regularly clean refrigerator coils and check door seals with the "dollar bill test" - if a dollar bill slides out easily when the door is closed, the seal needs replacing.
These energy-saving habits often go hand-in-hand with reducing water usage, further cutting down overall utility consumption.
Reduce Water Consumption
Water conservation is another key part of sustainable coliving. Start by limiting showers to 10 minutes, which can save 30–50 gallons of hot water each time. Installing low-flow showerheads can save about 3 gallons per minute without compromising water pressure. Adding inexpensive aerators to faucets in shared kitchens and bathrooms can reduce water flow by 40% while maintaining good pressure.
Be proactive about leaks - report them to management as soon as possible. Leaks can waste an average of 180 gallons of water per week in a typical household. Upgrading to high-efficiency toilets is another effective step, saving around 12,000 gallons of water annually compared to older models that use up to 7 gallons per flush. Modern toilets use just 1.28 gallons per flush.
In shared laundry or kitchen spaces, scrape food off dishes instead of rinsing them before loading the dishwasher. This small change reduces water usage and minimizes the energy needed to heat water, helping lower utility costs while supporting the community's sustainability efforts.
How to Join Green Initiatives in Your Community
Living sustainably as a group magnifies individual efforts, creating a ripple effect that benefits the entire community. By participating in organized environmental activities, you can take personal green habits to the next level and work toward shared environmental goals.
Organize Workshops on Green Living
Workshops are a great way to bring people together and align everyone's sustainability efforts. Host sessions on topics like zero-waste practices, energy-saving tips, or sustainable cooking methods. Another idea? DIY repair cafes. These events encourage residents to fix broken items instead of tossing them, reducing waste while teaching useful skills.
Start Group Environmental Projects
Group projects can turn small, individual actions into something much bigger. For example, you could set up a community garden in a shared outdoor space or even on a rooftop. It’s not just about growing food - it’s also a way to build connections among residents. Another option is to establish a bulk-buying system for household essentials like cleaning supplies or pantry items. This reduces single-use plastic and saves money for everyone involved.
Volunteer for Local Environmental Programs
Getting involved in local environmental programs can expand your community's impact. For instance, you could join the EPA's Soak Up the Rain program, which helps manage stormwater to reduce pollution and flooding. Another option is participating in the Green Power Partnership, which promotes the use of renewable energy like solar and wind. You can also organize group activities like park clean-ups, tree planting events, or recycling drives. These outings not only help the environment but also strengthen the sense of community among residents.
Finding Green Coliving Spaces on Coliving.com
Living sustainably starts with choosing the right space, and Coliving.com makes it easier than ever to find eco-friendly options that fit your lifestyle.
Discover Eco-Friendly Spaces Effortlessly
Coliving.com offers access to over 2,000 properties in 70+ countries, many designed with sustainability in mind. Listings highlight green features like energy-efficient appliances, LED lighting, renewable energy systems, and recycling facilities. You can even filter your search across 60+ community types, including those centered on conscious living or remote work - perfect for anyone prioritizing shared resources and eco-conscious practices.
Each property listing provides clear details about amenities such as low-flow water fixtures, composting setups, and shared gardens. Plus, with a verified host system, you can trust the sustainability claims listed, so there are no surprises when you arrive.
Affordable Green Living Made Simple
Eco-friendly coliving doesn’t have to break the bank. On Coliving.com, prices start at just $100 per month, with all-inclusive packages covering utilities, Wi-Fi, and cleaning services. This setup not only saves residents 20–50% compared to traditional rentals but also reduces individual CO₂ emissions by as much as 50%.
David Uriarte, CEO of Aticco Living, highlights that coliving significantly cuts domestic emissions - currently responsible for 20% of total U.S. emissions - by promoting resource sharing. With a community of more than 110,000 members, Coliving.com is helping make sustainable living accessible and impactful for everyone.
Easy Online Booking and Community Tools
Booking your green coliving space is straightforward. Simply search by location and budget, browse photos and amenities, and secure your room online in just three steps. Virtual tours offer a close look at eco-friendly features, while the platform’s 21,000+ reviews provide insights into the quality and sustainability of each space.
Once you’ve booked, Coliving.com’s community features help you settle in. Event calendars, resident forums, and shared activities make it easy to connect with like-minded individuals. Many spaces host green workshops, maintain shared gardens, or offer bike-sharing programs, enhancing your sustainable living experience. Thousands of positive reviews attest to the ease and satisfaction of joining this eco-conscious movement.
Coliving.com’s user-friendly tools ensure your transition to a greener lifestyle is smooth and rewarding.
Conclusion
Shared living provides a practical way to live more sustainably. Opting for eco-conscious coliving spaces - featuring energy-efficient buildings and shared amenities - can significantly lower your carbon footprint. By pooling resources and sharing daily essentials, residents can make a real impact on the environment, aligning with the strategies discussed in this guide.
This collaborative lifestyle also strengthens community ties. When residents come together for initiatives like composting, shared gardens, or green workshops, they create lasting environmental progress and foster meaningful connections. Take Ithaca Ecovillage in the U.S., for instance - residents there managed to reduce their ecological footprint by 70% compared to the average American simply by sharing resources.
"Sharing with others helps you find meaning, belonging and acceptance in life." – Coliving.com
Coliving doesn’t just benefit the planet; it’s also a budget-friendly way to embrace sustainable living. With savings of up to 40% on housing costs compared to traditional rentals and all-inclusive packages covering utilities and amenities, it’s a financially smart choice. Explore eco-friendly spaces on Coliving.com and join a community of over 110,000 people who share your commitment to sustainability.
FAQs
How can I confirm if a coliving space is truly sustainable?
When evaluating the eco-consciousness of a coliving space, it's essential to dig into the details of their practices. Ask about their efforts in areas like energy and water efficiency, waste management systems, and whether they incorporate sustainable materials in their design. Check for third-party certifications that back up their claims, and don’t overlook reviews or testimonials from residents - these can offer valuable insights into how well the space aligns with its environmental promises.
You might also want to inquire about shared resources. For instance, do they use energy-efficient appliances? Do they have robust recycling and composting programs in place? Clear, transparent answers to these questions often signal a genuine dedication to sustainability.
What are the main benefits of shared amenities in coliving spaces?
Shared amenities in coliving spaces bring together affordability, ease, and a vibrant sense of community. By sharing resources like gyms, kitchens, workspaces, and outdoor areas, residents get access to top-notch facilities without the hefty expenses of managing them on their own.
These communal areas also create opportunities for collaboration and building connections, making it simpler to engage with others who share similar interests. On top of that, shared amenities help cut down on resource consumption - like energy and water - by encouraging communal use, which supports more eco-conscious living. From enhanced security to environmentally friendly initiatives, coliving amenities are thoughtfully designed to improve your daily life and reflect today’s focus on sustainability.
How does coliving help reduce waste?
Coliving offers a smart way to cut down on waste by promoting shared use of resources such as appliances, furniture, and utilities. This approach naturally reduces individual consumption and waste generation. Many coliving spaces take it a step further by introducing organized recycling and composting programs, making it simpler for residents to handle waste responsibly.
This community-driven lifestyle also encourages habits like carpooling, buying in bulk to reduce packaging waste, and embracing sustainable practices. Together, these efforts not only lessen environmental impact but also make eco-friendly living more accessible and straightforward for everyone involved.
