Sustainable Finds I Love for My First Apartment

...and I think you'll love them too!

I officially graduated college and moved into my first apartment. Exciting... but now what?

For as long as I can remember, I've been interested in living more sustainably. Whether it was convincing my parents to switch to more eco-friendly household products or asking for high-quality, long-lasting items for birthdays and holidays (thanks for always going along with it, Mom & Dad!), sustainability has always been important to me.

So when it came time to set up my first apartment, I knew I wanted to carry that same mindset with me by choosing products that are practical, sustainable, and worth the investment. By no means am I perfect, but I believe small, intentional choices can make a difference, and often save money over time, too.

These are the products and everyday habits that have helped me create a more sustainable home, and I hope they inspire you to try a few of them too.

Shopping Smarter

Before I even bought new products, I looked to see what I already had and what was in perfectly good condition to buy secondhand.

Thrifted Art

All of the art in my apartment is either thrifted, handmade by a family member, or purchased from a small artist. These pieces add so much personality to my space while supporting sustainable shopping. Another great place to find unique artwork is Facebook Marketplace, you'd be surprised by the amazing pieces people are selling for a fraction of the original price. Just keep in mind that finding the perfect pieces can take a little time, especially if you're picky like me, hehe! But trust, it's worth the wait.

Secondhand Furniture

I was lucky enough to receive several larger furniture pieces from my family, but before I knew that was happening, I spent hours browsing Facebook Marketplace, thrift stores, and local ReStores. If you're just starting out, buying secondhand can be a great temporary solution while you save for the pieces you really want. It gives you time to figure out your style, prevents impulse purchases, and often saves you hundreds of dollars.

Shop the Outside of the Grocery Store

One of the best habits I've picked up is shopping around the perimeter of the grocery store. That's where you'll typically find fresh produce, meat, dairy, and frozen foods. While every grocery store is different, sticking to these sections can naturally encourage fresher, less processed foods and reduce purchases of heavily packaged items. It's a simple habit that's good for the environment, your body, and often your wallet.

Kitchen Essentials

Meal Planning

Oh my goodness, let me tell you, meal planning has been a lifesaver! You don't necessarily have to be specific about when you're planning to eat something if you know you can freeze it. I've also been loving grocery shopping digitally so I'm not bombarded by all the extras in person. I can find the deals before I go, make my list, and then actually go in person and select the items I need. It's so nice to make something ahead of time and have it ready to go with just a little reheating. This will save you time, money, and help prevent you from wasting food. Plan one day where you can just make a ton of food, it will be worth it.

Reusable Meal Prep Containers & Ice Cube Tray

In order to save food, you're going to need containers. Plastic bags honestly just don't do it. Sure, they'll work in a pinch, but overall, you're going to want something more substantial. Having containers that you can use over and over again will save you so much in the long run. I haven't yet committed to glass for all of my containers, but that's definitely the best option if you're able to make the switch.

I recently bought a juicer from a yard sale and I have been putting it to work!

I also don't have a built-in ice maker, so having ice on hand this summer has been essential. It's been nice to not only make regular ice cubes with water, but also electrolyte ice cubes, watermelon, pineapple, lemon, leftover broth, and fresh herbs. The options are limitless!

Glass Jars for Storage

You can reuse mason jars, which you can often find for super cheap at estate sales and sometimes thrift stores. You can also reuse pasta sauce jars, jam jars, or really anything that comes in glass. If you want to remove the label, make a warm bath with dish soap and let the jar soak for a little while to loosen the sticky residue.

Reuse these containers for drinks on the go, leftovers, snacks, or even around your house, like a holder for your toothbrush. There are so many ways to give these jars a second life.

Cleaning & Laundry

Lemons

Lemons have so many uses. Something I've known for a while but recently realized not everyone knows is that lemons are a great garbage disposal cleaner when you need to freshen it up. You can even do this right before you leave for vacation, and it works great! (Although, I have heard limes work even better.)

You can also use lemons as a natural cleaner. Save your lemon peels and mix them with white vinegar. Let it sit for a couple of weeks, then mix it with some water, and you've got a great all-purpose natural cleaner!

Dryer Balls

I honestly can't remember the last time I used dryer sheets. Dryer balls have become a pretty well-known essential for helping reduce static, but did you know you can add your own essential oils to make your clothes smell good, too? No need for artificial scent boosters when you can give your clothes a fresh, natural scent for much less money, and with fewer unnecessary products!

Mesh Dryer Bags

These have been a clothing saver ever since college. I started putting all of my undergarments in mesh bags, not only to keep them from getting caught or damaged, but also to make sure I don't lose anything. If you feel like your dryer likes to eat your socks, mesh bags would probably be a great investment for you. They're also great for any sort of delicate item, especially those that maybe should be hand-washed but you don't really feel like it.

Home Habits That Save Energy

Turn Off Lights & Fans When You Leave

This is such a simple habit, but it's one that can make a difference over time. Turning off lights and fans when you leave a room not only helps reduce unnecessary energy use, but it can also help lower your energy bill. It's a completely free habit to start, and once you get used to doing it, you'll hardly even think about it!

Keep Blinds Closed During the Hottest Part of the Day

If you don't have energy-efficient windows, keeping your blinds closed during the hottest part of the day can help keep some of that heat from coming into your apartment making your AC work less. It can make your space feel much more comfortable.

Add Houseplants to Brighten Your Space & Improve Your Environment

A touch of Mother Nature inside your home is always a good thing. I keep very easy houseplants, nothing too complicated to take care of, like pothos and monstera. These plants can naturally help clean the air while also bringing a little extra life and joy into your home.

Biggest Takeaways

Instead of buying the cheapest option over and over, I've learned that investing in quality products that last usually saves money and creates less waste over time. Sustainability isn't about being perfect, it's about making small, intentional choices that add up.

At the end of the day, trying your best to live sustainably isn't always about the products you use, it's about the habits you adopt, the choices you make, and finding what works for you and makes you happy!