As climate change continues to take its toll around the world, more people are becoming environmentally conscious.
Fortunately, there are many ways to reduce your carbon footprint, including making adjustments to your bathroom.
So let’s go over different ways you can make your bathroom more green and save money while you’re at it:
1. Install low-flow faucets and showerheads
Bathrooms waste a lot of water. To save water, try using low-flow showerheads and faucets. You can do this by adding aerators to them. This will reduce not only the water flow but any splashing when the water hits the sink or the shower floor. You can also upgrade to motion-sensing faucets to make sure the water doesn’t run longer than it needs to.
2. Get an efficient toilet
Older toilets use 5 to 7 gallons of water per flush, while newer low-flow toilets only use 1.6 gallons per flush. So make sure you install a low-flow toilet in your bathroom.
Another way you can lessen the amount of water you flush is to add a filled bag or bottle to the toilet tank. This reduces the amount of water available to flush.
3. Use a bidet
A bidet is a bathroom appliance that cleans you after you use the toilet. It sprays you with water so you only need to use toilet paper to dry yourself. This helps the environment and saves you money on toilet paper and water expenses.
But if you prefer using toilet paper, consider switching to recycled toilet paper. Opting for such is a simple yet effective way to reduce waste and promote recycling, aligning to create an eco-friendly bathroom.
4. Use natural building materials
Flooring, shelving, counters—almost any bathroom item can be sourced from natural or recycled materials. So instead of using acrylic, MDF, or plastic, use any of the following: glass, wood, stone, bamboo, concrete, porcelain, or reclaimed wood.
Boldly, explore options like terrazzo made from recycled glass or ceramic, offering a durable and stylish finish. Consider cork for flooring, known for its natural warmth, comfort underfoot, and mold-resistant properties. For an elegant touch, marble or granite remnants can be repurposed for countertops or shelving, reducing waste and adding a touch of luxury. Each material brings a distinct character to your bathroom while supporting eco-friendly construction practices.
5. Get a glass shower screen
Shower curtains are pretty standard in bathrooms, but most are made out of plastic that harms the environment. So install a solid glass shower screen instead. It’ll last longer and doesn’t require plastics.
Opting for a glass shower screen reduces your use of plastics but also elevates the aesthetic appeal of your bathroom. Glass screens are easier to clean and maintain than fabric or plastic curtains, preventing mold and mildew buildup. They also allow for more light transmission, creating a brighter and more spacious feel.
6. Use eco-friendly wallpaper and paint
Older wallpapers and paint tend to have a lot of volatile organic compounds (VOC) that can contaminate the air. So you want to use VOC-free wallpaper and paint when building your bathroom to ensure it stays toxin free.
7. Get a compost trash can
Though it might seem like too much hassle, using a compost trash for small biodegradable waste can help the environment, too. Think tissue, cotton, and nail clippings.
8. Improve the lighting
Every bathroom needs lighting. And one of the best things you can do here is switch to LED bulbs. They’re more efficient than regular bulbs because they only lose 20% of their energy to heat while regular bulbs lose 80%.
Another thing you can do is install large windows or a skylight to let in more natural light. That way, you minimize how much electricity you use on powered lights.
9. Get an efficient water heater
Most water heaters run 3 to 5 hours per day and cost about $50 per month. You can significantly cut down on how much energy your water heater needs by getting a tankless version or one with a heat pump.
10. Install heated flooring
Consider installing heated flooring. It’s far more efficient at heating your bathroom than central heating. And it’s not as expensive as you might think: only about $5 to $12 per square foot. Of course, it’s easier to install when you’re building or renovating already.
11. Add plants
Finally, a simple way to help the environment in your bathroom is to put plants in it. You could bring in some ferns or succulents, for example. They’ll help purify the air by reducing the level of CO2 in it. Plus, the natural green colors tend to have a calming effect on us.
12. Choose Sustainable Personal Care Products
Personal care items, often overlooked, play a crucial role in bathroom sustainability. Opt for products with biodegradable ingredients and minimal packaging. For instance, use bar soaps and shampoos instead of bottled ones, as they often come with less packaging and are more concentrated, reducing transport emissions. Other eco-friendly choices include toothbrushes made from bamboo or recycled materials, refillable deodorants, and menstrual cups instead of disposable tampons or pads.
By selecting these products, you reduce waste and support sustainable practices in the beauty and personal care industry.
Final Takeaways
Even if you can only adopt one or two of these suggestions, you’ll be working toward a better environment for you and future generations. Remember, every bit counts. So design and build your bathroom with a long-term perspective.
Article Submitted By Community Writer
