Given that it is Earth Day today, we decided to check in with some of our green buildings in New York City, and find out what they actually do to be, well, green! Kermit the Frog may have said that “it’s not easy being green,” but these rental buildings prove that incorporating eco-friendly features in your home doesn’t mean that your luxury lifestyles will be compromised—on the contrary, they enhance it! Here are some examples of how some Manhattan residences are boosting their green quotient:

Well, don’t say we didn’t warn you: the latest rental market report from Elliman says that rents in Manhattan and Brooklyn have been steadily rising since the beginning of 2013. Increases in rental prices have been seen across all apartment sizes in the city, with the average rents in Manhattan and Brooklyn coming up to $3,930 and $2,971, respectively, in March.

Chelsea is one New York City neighborhood that has a lot going for it currently, and if the latest rental market report released by MNS is to be believed, now is a good time to consider renting in this very vibrant locality. According to the report, two-bedroom apartments in Chelsea have had the greatest declines in rent as compared to the previous month, making Chelsea an extremely attractive neighborhood for both individuals and families looking for a place to live in Manhattan.

If there’s one thing luxury apartment hunters in Manhattan scrutinize more than their potential new home’s features, it would have to be the amenities being offered in the building they choose to inhabit. From grand swimming pools to state-of-the-art fitness centers, New York’s luxury rental buildings are putting out a stunning variety of amenities to lure in potential residents. Interestingly enough, out of all these dazzling services, it is the hotel-style concierge service that’s become an increasingly in-demand amenity in New York City apartment buildings.

For most of us in New York City, the start of every month sees us either writing a check or withdrawing cash from the nearest ATM to pay our apartment rent. While this is a routine we have all got accustomed to, wouldn’t it be great if we could pay our rent using our credit cards instead? Think of the benefits involved—besides the relative ease and comfort in paying with plastic, we would also be able to rake up a whole lot of credit card reward points!