When undertaking purchasing, residents should aim to make bulk purchases to reduce packaging when appropriate, specify recycled material content, and buy items that can be recycled after use. For example, engage a local company to provide refillable water coolers, rather than purchasing single-serving bottled water, particularly if there are no plastic recycling services available (see Materials: Green Purchasing).

Tenant Measures

Where appropriate, residential gardens can be used to provide rainwater retention, improve resident health and well-being, reduce heat island effect, control pests, offer a location and a reason for composting, and even provide food for residents. Distribute compost bins to collect yard and food waste.

In addition to composting food scraps and yard waste, consider opportunities for recycling and reuse:

•  Identify groups that would benefit from donated clothing, books, or small electronics.
• Contact food banks or neighborhood groups that could pick or consume the fruit, if fruit trees are abundant.
• Identify recycling companies for metals, paper, cardboard, glass, plastic bags, and plastics.
• Work with the local government to identify programs for hazardous waste, such as oils, paints, chemicals, batteries, CFLs, and electronics.

Acquire containers for separating recyclables, both curbside and indoors, and gather information to indicate acceptable materials (see Residential: Staff Engagement). Ensure that outdoor disposal receptacles
are located away from the home, and are securely fastened against pests and insects that are common to the region.

Owner Measures

Renovations present an opportunity to demonstrate environmental leadership through the use of healthy, environmentally-friendly, and local materials, as well as the responsible disposal of demolition waste.

When undergoing demolition, consider the following best practices:

• Use appropriate precautions when working with asbestos, lead, or other hazardous materials.
• Carefully separate waste to allow reuse or recycling.
• Contact community organizations or local businesses to ask if they want reusable or salvaged items such as doors, millwork, furniture, flooring, or working appliances.
• Seal ductwork and minimize dust generation.
• Keep all exposed wall cavities dry to avoid moisture and mold damage.

When undertaking renovations, consider purchasing products from the local region, using salvaged or recycled materials, selecting low-emission and low-toxicity products, and creating less packaging waste through bulk purchasing (see Materials: Green Purchasing).

Recommended residential renovation product and material attributes include:

• Low-VOC, low toxicity products, such as paints, coatings, adhesives, and caulks
• Local products (sourced within a 500-mile radius)
• Certified products and materials (e.g., Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), Global Ecolabelling Network or similar Type 1 International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 14024, Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) Green Label, FloorScore®, Energy Star®, Energy Labeling Directive, WaterSense, Cradle-to-Cradle, Greenguard®, Scientific Certification Systems (SCS) Indoor Advantage)
• Post-consumer recycled content in insulation, concrete, gypsum board, flooring, and carpeting
• Reclaimed or rapidly renewable materials, such as recycled paper-based countertops, or bamboo or cork flooring
• Energy and water-efficient fixtures and appliances
• Durable, low-maintenance finishes and products, such as LED light fixtures that require infrequent lamp replacement, or hardwood floors instead of carpet
• Products from manufacturers with take-back programs (those that accept used products or packaging for disposal or remanufacture at the end of their useful lives)
• Products with limited waste potential, through buying only as much as needed, or requesting minimal packaging