If you’re eyeing Solstice Apartments for your next home—or already call our luxury, pet‑friendly community home—you’ve got the perfect backdrop to make sustainable New Year’s resolutions stick. From a zero‑entry lap pool and 24/7 fitness center to an outdoor lounge & grills, dog spa, golf simulator, barista bar, and even visibility to Disney’s fireworks, Solstice’s amenities make it easy to live well and live green—without sacrificing comfort or style.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to weave sustainability into everyday apartment life—energy, water, waste, transit, and wellness—with local Orlando resources and practical tips tailored to renters.
Why Sustainability Matters in Apartment Living (and How to Start)
Even small changes reduce your footprint and your bills. The EPA and ENERGY STAR recommend renter‑friendly steps like swapping to LED bulbs, using smart or properly programmed thermostats, and closing blinds during Orlando’s sunny afternoons to cut cooling loads. LEDs use up to 90% less energy and last far longer, while smart thermostats can trim heating and cooling costs by 8%+ on average.
Resolution #1: Cut Energy Use (Without Cutting Comfort)
Do this in January:
- Switch to ENERGY STAR LEDs in lamps and fixtures you control. One efficient bulb prevents ~780 lbs of greenhouse gas emissions over its lifetime.
- Dial in your thermostat. The U.S. Department of Energy’s renter tips recommend smart or correctly programmed settings and seasonal set points to reduce energy waste.
- Block the sun, not the view. Keep shades/curtains closed during peak heat; open during cooler daylight in winter.
Pro Tip at Solstice: Skip driving to the gym. Use the 24/7 fitness center, indoor resistance pool, jogging trail, and outdoor fitness area right onsite—fitness without extra car miles.
Resolution #2: Save Water (and Lower Your Utility Costs)
Easy apartment wins from EPA WaterSense:
- Fix leaks fast and report maintenance issues; even small drips waste gallons daily.
- Shorten showers and install a water‑saving showerhead where permitted.
- Run full loads in dishwashers and washing machines; scrape plates instead of pre‑rinsing.
- Turn off the tap while brushing teeth or shaving.
For renters, these low‑to‑no‑cost steps curb both water and energy use—perfect for apartment living.
Resolution #3: Recycle Right & Reduce Waste
The City of Orlando has a strong zero‑waste vision and requires recycling access for multifamily and commercial properties under its Solid Waste code.
- Use the city’s “What Goes Where” tool to check items (plastic, glass, paper, cardboard) and avoid contamination—especially around the holidays.
- Orlando’s Trash & Recycling portal centralizes pickup info, recycling verification for multifamily properties, and more.
Pro Tip at Solstice: Keep a small bin for recyclables in your kitchen and a second one near your home office or resident lounge areas so paper and cardboard actually make it to the right place.
Resolution #4: Tackle Food Waste
Americans waste 30–40% of food; EPA and USDA are driving a national strategy to cut food loss and waste by 50% by 2030—because preventing waste saves money and reduces emissions (especially methane).
Start with EPA’s Preventing Wasted Food at Home tips: plan meals, buy only what you’ll eat, use up leftovers, and store food to extend freshness.
Resolution #5: Go Car‑Lite with Transit Near I‑Drive & Universal
Orlando’s LYNX bus network connects International Drive and Universal area corridors with express and local routes—like Route 38 (Universal/Intl. Drive Express), Route 40 (Americana Blvd/Universal), and Route 21 (Kirkman Rd/Universal)—making it easier to reach work, shopping, or entertainment without a car.
Pair buses with SunRail (weekday service only) for regional rail connections—from DeLand down to Poinciana—with central stops at LYNX Central and Church Street downtown. Trains run every ~30 minutes during peak commuter hours, and schedules are easy to access online.
Pro Tip at Solstice: Work remotely from our business center, private offices, and conference rooms to reduce commute miles—and use resident social spaces for meetings or study groups.
Make It Easy: Habit Stack Your Green Resolutions at Solstice
Weekly:
- LED check: Replace one bulb per week until your apartment is fully LED.
- Filter reminder: Add a calendar alert to inspect HVAC filters monthly.
- Meal plan + inventory: Build meals around what’s already in your fridge/pantry.
Monthly:
- Energy dial‑in: Adjust thermostat seasonally and review settings.
- Recycle audit: Use What Goes Where to fix common mistakes.
- Compost bucket swap: If subscribed, set out your bucket and track your impact.
Lifestyle:
- Onsite fitness instead of driving to a gym;
- Outdoor lounge & grills for low‑impact gatherings;
- Dog spa & park for pet care without extra car trips;
- Barista bar + lounges to reduce single‑use cups and WFH coffee runs.
Why Prospective Renters Choose Solstice for Green Living
- Resort‑style amenities support a car‑lite, wellness‑focused lifestyle.
- Prime Orlando location near I‑Drive/Universal with solid transit options (LYNX + SunRail).
- Pet‑friendly community with dedicated dog spa and expansive dog park.
- Spaces to live, work, and play—from business center and private offices to resident lounges.
Ready to tour or learn more? Explore the full amenity lineup and book a visit on the official site: Solstice Apartments Amenities.
Bonus: Quick Local Links
- City of Orlando Trash & Recycling: pickups, verification, programs
- What Goes Where (Orlando): item‑by‑item recycling guidance
- Zero Waste Orlando: goals & policies (multifamily recycling)
- OUC Efficiency Delivered® (Renters & Owners): upgrades up to $2,500
- SunRail Maps & Schedules (Weekdays): plan car‑lite commutes
- LYNX Routes (Universal/I‑Drive): 21, 38, 40 and more
- Composting Guide (City of Orlando): learn the basics
- O‑Town Compost: subscription pickup in Orlando/Kissimmee/Sanford
