If you don't own a home, but rather rent a home or an apartment, you may often feel like an outsider with all the talk of 'green home renovations' around here. I'll let you in on a little secret: I'm a renter, too. And if you think about it, renting is inherently green: these spaces often have smaller carbon footprints in terms of size and location. Just because you don't own doesn't mean you can improve your home's energy efficiency and indoor air quality.

Before You Move In
For those who haven't yet signed away a year or more of their lives on the dotted line, keep in mind these factors when looking for a rental:

• Proximity to your office and other amenities (grocery store, post office, bank, restaurants and stores, etc.) - can you walk or take public transportation?
• How much natural light and ventilation does the space provide?
• Do you really need that much space? The answer is always yes, but consider your potential heating and cooling costs.
• Some Realtors or websites specialize in green rental properties, but make sure it's not just a marketing gimmick.
• Does the landlord or super seem to be a flexible and reasonable person? (this is one thing you never know for sure, unfortunately, until it's too late)
• Note the age and condition of any appliances, plumbing fixtures and of course, the type of heating and cooling system

Greening Your Rental

When you rent, it just doesn't make sense to spend a lot of money to improve someone else's space. A few coats of paint and a good scrubbing are all the effort most people are willing to expend on such temporary homes.

Not to mention, your landlord might not appreciate your well-intentioned renovations. But there are a few inexpensive and unobtrusive changes you can make to green your rental unit.

Note: ALWAYS consult your lease and personally ask your landlord before altering the unit in any way (he or she may even do the work for you! Or not...).

Weather-proof

You can't do much about the insulation within your walls, but you can install some caulking and weatherstripping around the doors and windows to prevent drafts. Also consider installing blackout shades to prevent solar heat gain during warmer months (and block the view of your nosy neighbor).

Avoid VOCs

If you do choose to repaint your rental unit, but sure to use low or no VOC paints. Same goes for any caulks and adhesives. Another way to improve your rental's air quality is to adopt some house plants or consider creating a living wall.

Switch the Lights

Replace energy-burning incandescents with CFLs or LED bulbs. They'll easily outlast your lease, and you can unscrew them and take them with you to your next place.

Ask your Landlord

Again, sometimes it's best to go straight to the source. If your rental's appliances are on their last legs, encourage the landlord to replace them with ENERGY STAR-approved appliances. Same goes for plumbing fixtures - replace outdated versions with new low-flow models. Ask the landlord install a programmable thermostat or a ceiling fan to help keep cooling costs under control. Hey, it's worth a shot, and the worst that he or she can say is no, and you can always buy your own and take it with you.

On the scale of the entire building, ask your landlord about setting up a designated recycling area if your city supports such a program. Although it's less likely to get your landlord on board with renewable energy sources like solar panels or energy-efficient hot water heaters, it doesn't hurt to ask. Mention the tax incentives and that might at least get his or her attention! Remember, being a greener renter not only benefits you directly, but it also financially benefits the building owner and potentially improves quality of life for other residents.