When I moved to Budapest, I was pleasantly surprised by the many earth-friendly habits ingrained in daily life...from the clothes line installed in my kitchen to the shopping carts and whicker baskets in the markets. When renting or relocating abroad, the approaches to living green can vary and require some creativity. Here are some tips we've compiled of how can one maintain a sustainable lifestyle when living in CEE?

Lighting

An easy upgrade, whether you rent or own, is to purchase energy efficient light bulbs. IKEA outlets carry them in a variety of shapes and sizes. Refer to our translations below and visit your local store or check availability online by visiting your country’s IKEA webpage.

Windows and Doors

**Check during your Home Search** When conducting a property search, look for homes with solar panels. They can be difficult to find in CEE but are sprouting up in some Budapest properties.

For strong sun in the summer, apply nonadhesive window film. They reduce sunlight during the day and protect fabrics from fading. The non-stick material is easy to add to and remove from windows, while modern designs allow you to make an inexpensive upgrade to your home décor.

Reseal windows and doors with caulk to ensure heat does not leek out. Install weather-stripping on outside doors.
Leave your curtains and shades open during the day. Sunlight seeps in and will help maintain warmth.

**Check during your Home Search** Look for a home with PVC windows, which are long-lasting and provide good insulation and reduce heating costs.

Water Consumption

If you’re already living in CEE, you likely already have a low-flow toilet. Here are some more ways to reduce water usage:

• Add aerators to all faucets
• Cover your pool or Jacuzzi when not in use

Floors & Counters

Use alternative materials like Bamboo for your floors and countertops. It is durable, natural and the crop renews quickly. It takes just four to six years for bamboo to mature, compared to 50-100 years for typical hardwoods. It’s also attractive and easy-to-clean.

European Beechwood is plentiful in Central Europe and can be used for flooring and indoor/outdoor furniture. Central Europe is home to about 25% of the world's deciduous trees and the most common type of the region is beech. European beech is tough, strong and malleable.

Buy an organic mattress made from wool and cleaned in a chemical-free, non-toxic soap solution. IKEA carries organic mattresses like the Sultan Erfjord.
In Central Europe, take advantage of the Hungarian goose down pillows and comforters available in small shops or online.

Other feautures to look for in a home:
A LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) home

Geothermic heat pump
A geothermic (or ground source) heat pump uses the earth as a heating source. In warm temperatures, it acts as a cooling mechanism that transfers heat into the earth. Geothermic heat pumps require 40% to 70% less energy than traditional heating systems.

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