2d ago

Solarpunk applications for apartments

Hey everyone, I'm fairly new to the concept of Solarpunk and since in the near future I'm going to be the owner of an apartment I wanted to know if the community has any suggestion about practical things I can do in an indoor only environment.
The place is a small attic and has 3 rooms: a kitchen+livingroom, a bigger bedroom and a smaller bedroom/studio. It has got plenty of sunlight coming in. If you need more info please ask

Edit: Thanks for all the kind suggestion, unfortunately the house has no balcony, but I'll try to gather knowledge on the other topics that came out in the comments.

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You can check out !balconygardening@slrpnk.net.
I'm doing !hydroponics@slrpnk.net, but I also have quite a few pots of soil (dirt) there.
They are mainly there for co-plants that attract beneficial insects and help to improve the biodiversity of this concrete hell I live in.
This "intact" ecosystem with healthy organic living soil, beneficial plants and other stuff also has the benefit that it attracts predatory insects like ladybugs, which naturally kill any lice and other harmful pests without any pesticides.
Oh, and it looks nice, and I always can gift other people I like some flowers if the need arises, for example as a last-minute birthday present ;)
I will also create an insect protection community here on SLRPNK if you're interested :)

You might be interested in the balcony gardening community here, much of it can also be done indoors near a window (or in a growth tent with LED lights).
If it is an attic apartment you might also be able to install some solarpanels on the roof.
But in general Solarpunk isn't primarily about growing plants and solarpanels, that's just the maybe most visible part of the aestethics.
Much like punk culture in general it about all sorts of anti-consumer and DIY culture as well as connecting with others for mutual aid and disaster preparedness.

To piggyback off someone else's idea, Technology Connections has some neat videos on passive thermal management of his house through things like blinds, awnings, and paying for power intentionally at off-peak hours, that are kinda solar punk
I wish I could remember more of the strategies he talked about, but reducing your energy load and improving power efficiency leaves more energy for other people and things :)
I think that's a fairly solarpunk idea
A countertop composter to reduce waste would be another idea, and could help you grow things like herbs if you want an application for your compost
- I had to do a double take cause I'm watching that channel on my second monitor right now. He's great.
- I had a worm bin in my bathroom closet. They don't smell (if properly maintained and healthy) and it was exciting looking for things to throw in there. Once the worms are established and get going, they consume an insane amount per week
  Bokashi is another way to compost but it uses fermentation. I've heard this way is able to compost meat which you want to avoid feeding worms (generally)

One thing I think about is making sure to get as much out of the sunlight as possible so you don't have to turn on your lights so much. You can grow plants including herbs or even veggies on your window sills.

@pH3ra Well--when you have plenty of sunlight, you can grow veggies. Starting with potatoes is easy.

I would start or participate in your local community garden. They are solarpunk af! If they don't already have it, an apartment composting scheme at the community garden.
As far as inside goes: maximising natural light and doing a balcony garden and filling the living space with house plants. Hydroponics is solarpunk. I would set up a wee fishtank nutrientcycler like they do in east asia. They look aesthetically solarpunk and help fertilise your garden..just make sure you get the right sized tank for the fish you choose.

https://youtube.com/@footprinthero This guy talks about what he can power with solar panels using only a bit of money. With enough sun, and right battery system, maybe your fridge runs for free?

Balcony solar is getting popular in Germany so I heard

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