Stay Eco-Conscious as a Renter With These Tips For Portlanders

Jun 10, 2025 | Insights | 0 comments

a man and a women hold two bags containing plastic and paper recycling as they live out their eco-conscious values

Living in Portland means you’re part of a community that takes environmental responsibility seriously. From bike lanes to community gardens, Portland offers plenty of opportunities to live green. But what happens when you’re a renter and don’t have the freedom to install solar panels or rip out the lawn for native landscaping? Good news: there are still plenty of ways to stay eco-conscious and make a real impact—even in an apartment or rental home.

Composting in Small Spaces

Composting isn’t just for homeowners with big backyards. Even renters in compact apartments can reduce their food waste dramatically with some creative solutions:

  • Countertop Compost Bins: Small, sealed bins are designed for indoor use and prevent odors from escaping. You can fill them with fruit and veggie scraps, coffee grounds, and more.
  • Freezer Composting: Not into the idea of a bin sitting on your counter? Store compostable items in a sealed bag or container in your freezer until you’re ready to drop them off.
  • Community Drop-Off: Many neighborhoods in Portland have compost collection sites or farmer’s markets that accept compost. You can also look into services like Curbside Compost PDX or talk to your landlord about enabling food waste pickup if it’s not already available.

Grow Native Plants in Containers

You might not be able to dig up your rental yard, but that doesn’t mean you can’t garden. Growing native plants in pots on your balcony, porch, or windowsill is a great way to be eco-conscious by supporting local pollinators like bees and butterflies.

Here are a few native Oregon plants that thrive in containers:

  • Oregon grape
  • Red-flowering currant
  • Yarrow
  • Lupine
  • Douglas aster

Not only are these plants great for the environment, but they’re also low-maintenance and thrive in Portland’s climate.

Pro Tip: Native plants are adapted to the local ecosystem, which means they require less water and no chemical fertilizers—making them perfect for sustainable gardening.

Minimize Plastic Packaging

Single-use plastic is one of the biggest contributors to landfill waste, and renters can make a big difference by choosing reusable or low-waste options in everyday life.

  • Shop in Bulk: Many Portland grocery stores encourage you to bring your own containers for bulk goods like grains, coffee, and spices.
  • Support Low-Waste Brands: Seek out companies that prioritize compostable or recyclable packaging or participate in take-back programs.
  • Choose Reusables: Ditch the disposable paper towels and plastic wrap. Instead, opt for cloth towels, beeswax food wraps, and silicone storage bags.

Even swapping out a few items from your usual grocery list can add up to a significant environmental impact over time.

Research Sustainable Brands

Every purchase is a vote for the kind of world you want to live in. From laundry detergent to clothing, many brands now offer greener alternatives. Take a little time to research companies that prioritize sustainability, ethical labor practices, and carbon-neutral production.

Websites like Good On You, Ethical Consumer, and Sustainable Jungle can help you evaluate whether the brands you buy from align with your values.

When you do shop, consider these environmentally friendly habits:

  • Buy second-hand from local thrift stores or online platforms like Buy Nothing groups, Craigslist, or Facebook Marketplace.
  • Choose higher-quality products that will last longer instead of cheaper, short-term alternatives.
  • Try repairing items before replacing them. Portland even hosts repair cafes where volunteers will help fix small appliances and clothing.

Recycling Right

Most Portlanders are eager recyclers, but many well-meaning residents accidentally “wishcycle”—throwing things into the recycling bin that don’t belong there. This can contaminate the recycling stream and lead to more waste ending up in landfills.

Here are a few recycling tips:

  • Familiarize yourself with Portland’s accepted recycling list. Just because something is made of plastic doesn’t mean it’s recyclable in your bin.
  • Keep items clean and dry. Residue from food containers can ruin entire batches of recyclables.
  • Don’t bag your recyclables. Plastic bags often jam recycling machinery and are not accepted curbside.

Need help? Visit Portland’s Bureau of Planning and Sustainability website for an updated guide on recycling and waste disposal.

Talk to Your Landlord About Green Programs

As a tenant, you might not have control over how your building is managed—but that doesn’t mean you’re powerless. Consider reaching out to your landlord to suggest eco-friendly programs or upgrades.

Here are a few things you could suggest:

  • Ridwell Subscription: This popular Portland service collects hard-to-recycle items like plastic film, batteries, and lightbulbs. If your building doesn’t already subscribe, ask if they’d consider a community subscription.
  • Energy-Efficient Lighting or Appliances: Older appliances use more energy. Ask if your landlord is open to replacing old fixtures with ENERGY STAR-rated models or installing LED bulbs in shared spaces.
  • Native Landscaping: Even small landscaping tweaks, like planting native grasses or shrubs, can reduce water usage and improve biodiversity. Suggest a few low-cost changes and offer to help with the research.

Remember: Many property owners appreciate environmentally conscious tenants and may be more receptive than you think—especially if you can frame your suggestions as potential cost-savers or community builders.

Cut Down on Energy Use

You may not be able to install solar panels, but there are still many renter-friendly ways to reduce your energy use:

  • Use Power Strips: Plug appliances into power strips and switch them off when not in use to avoid phantom power drains.
  • Weatherproof Windows: Temporary plastic window insulation kits can keep heat in during the winter and are easy to remove in the spring.
  • Use Fans Instead of A/C: Ceiling or portable fans use far less energy than air conditioning. Blackout curtains can also help regulate indoor temperatures.
  • Switch to LEDs: If your rental still has incandescent bulbs, ask your landlord if you can replace them with energy-efficient LED bulbs. They last longer and cost less to use.

Get Involved in Local Sustainability Initiatives

Portland is full of eco-conscious organizations and community programs that welcome renters. Whether it’s volunteering at a community garden, helping organize a neighborhood cleanup, or participating in local sustainability forums, there’s always a way to get involved.

Some places to check out:

Not only will you be contributing to a greener Portland, but you’ll also build community connections with like-minded neighbors.

Live Green, Anywhere

Being eco-conscious doesn’t require owning property or making major home renovations. As a renter in Portland, you can still reduce your environmental impact with everyday decisions that support sustainability. If you’re interested in exploring rental properties that emphasize eco-conscious initiatives, Rent Portland Homes Darla Andrew’s Office can help connect you with the best Rose City has to offer. Check out our available rentals on our website. We’d love to connect you with your next home!