There are many ways one can go green in the bathroom like through using natural products, purchasing recycled accessories, install ventilation fans and sensor taps, and reducing water usage. When going green, it’s always wise to start with the bathroom. Making changes for a more eco-friendly bathroom can be easily done by following some of the below suggestions.
Toilet Water Usage
Almost 30% of water usage in an average household comes from the bathroom. Compared to traditional toilets that use up to 8 gallons per flush, installing a dual-flush toilet considerably helps save water.
Flushes have evolved over the years from weak flow to the strong and rapid flush. Replacing a traditional toilet with a new efficient one will save you on your water bill and is the first step towards making the bathroom a greener place.
Efficient Showerheads
Conventional showerheads dispense five to eight gallons of water in a minute. The new efficient models available in the market nowadays make do with a lot less water but give you the same satisfying experience. The low-flow showerheads reduce consumption, lower energy bills and save water.
Green Air Cleaners
Bathrooms are rarely spacious and are often poorly ventilated, particularly those located under the stairs. Hence, use green, eco-friendly air cleaners instead of the toxic ones. Even, common household products like vinegar and baking soda will be enough to handle most of the cleaning works in the bathrooms. Use a properly functioning ventilating fan to keep a healthy air rotation at all times. Crack open a window to prevent mold and mildew build up which could result in breathing related allergic problems like asthma.
Green Curtains
The PVC (polyvinyl chloride) curtain is the most common type of bathroom curtain and needs to be avoided. Made from toxic chemicals, these curtains release dangerous gases and odors in the air resulting in conditions like hormone disruptions. And these can’t be recycled as they’re a form of plastic and dumping of PVC products has deteriorated water quality in many areas. They are cheap and found in plenty in local supermarkets. Green alternative solutions include hemp that are naturally mold-resistant and heavy cotton duck curtains.
Green Cleaners
The standard cleaning products used in households contain a mixture of hazardous chemicals that are poisonous, corrosive and combustible. You can make your own green cleaning potions for a fraction of the cost of commercial products. Or, buy green products certified by companies like green Seal for a natural and healthy solution.
Green Products
Even the products that are used in bathrooms like bath linens should be made from organic cotton. They will be soft and comfy and would have used considerably less pesticides to manufacture. Then there are 100 percent natural product manufacturers that use high quality organic cotton with natural color dyes and softeners. Good for the environment and good for you.
The above is just a few suggestions that will make your bathroom more eco-friendly and help reduce costs within your home. Should you wish to completely renovate your bathroom you should consultant a professional bathroom designer and installer such as Ripples Bathrooms for further advice and suggestions.
