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Environmental Initiatives

Environmental Initiatives in Kitsap County

At Harcourts Peninsula Properties, we're committed to fostering a sustainable and environmentally friendly community. Our initiatives are designed to encourage recycling, efficient waste management, and energy-saving practices among our tenants and within the broader community of Kitsap County. Here’s how you can join us in this important effort:

Recycling and Waste Management

Recycling Programs: Kitsap County offers comprehensive recycling programs aimed at minimizing waste and conserving resources. Residents can recycle paper, cardboard, glass, metal cans, and certain plastics at various drop-off centers and through curbside collection services. For specific guidelines and locations, visit Kitsap County Recycling.

Household Hazardous Waste: Proper disposal of household hazardous waste is crucial to prevent harm to the environment and human health. Kitsap County provides designated facilities for safely disposing of hazardous materials like paint, batteries, and electronics. Learn more about drop-off locations and acceptable items at Kitsap Hazardous Waste.

Yard Waste and Composting: Turning yard waste into compost is an excellent way to reduce landfill use and enrich the soil. Kitsap County encourages composting by offering resources and tips for starting your compost pile at home. Additionally, yard waste collection services are available for leaves, grass clippings, and branches.

Energy Efficiency Tips

Heating and Cooling Smartly

  • Programmable Thermostats: Utilize programmable thermostats to automatically adjust your apartment's temperature when you're not home or asleep, saving energy without sacrificing comfort.

  • Regular Maintenance: Ensure vents are not blocked by furniture and that air filters are replaced or cleaned regularly for your HVAC system to run efficiently.

  • Use Fans: Ceiling or portable fans can make a room feel cooler during summer months and reduce the need for air conditioning.

Conserving Water

  • Fix Leaks: Report leaky faucets and running toilets to your property manager as soon as you notice them. A small drip can waste a lot of water over time.

  • Low-Flow Fixtures: If possible, install water-saving showerheads and tap aerators to reduce water use without affecting water pressure.

  • Efficient Water Heating: Lower the temperature setting on your water heater to 120°F to save energy while still enjoying hot water for your needs.

Efficient Use of Appliances and Electronics

  • Energy-Efficient Products: When purchasing or replacing appliances and electronics, look for those with the ENERGY STAR® label, indicating they meet energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

  • Smart Power Strips: Plug electronics into smart power strips to easily cut power to multiple devices when not in use, preventing energy waste.

  • Unplug Chargers: Unplug phone and laptop chargers when not in use; they can draw power even when they're not charging anything.

Additional Tips

  • Natural Light and Insulation: Make use of natural light during the day. In winter, opening curtains on south-facing windows during the day can reduce the need for heating. Consider using thermal curtains to help insulate windows against heat loss or gain.

  • Personalize Your Space Responsibly: If decorating, use LED string lights which are more energy-efficient than traditional bulbs. When possible, choose eco-friendly materials and products.
    By implementing these strategies, you can play a significant role in energy conservation and cost reduction, making your rental both comfortable and eco-friendly. Always communicate with your property manager or landlord when making changes that affect plumbing, electrical systems, or the structure of your rental unit.

Engage with Your Community:

Participating in local clean-up events, tree planting, or other community-led environmental initiatives can make a big difference in our collective impact on the planet.

Get Involved

We encourage all our tenants and community members in Kitsap County to embrace these environmental initiatives. Together, we can make a significant difference in creating a more sustainable and eco-friendly community. For more resources and information on how you can contribute to our environmental efforts, please contact our office or visit the Kitsap County Environmental Programs website.