A lot of people are trying to have a sustainable homes these days, and there is one particular room in the house which, despite it being small, is one of the biggest culprits when it comes to damaging the environment. Believe it or not, your bathroom is responsible for a whole range of eco issues, from water waster through to harsh chemicals. With this in mind, let’s take a look at a few things you can do to have a sustainable bathroom and do your bit for the environment. Read on to find out more!
Cut down your water use
Even if you only take showers instead of baths, there’s a good chance you are wasting too much water. There are two things you can do that can make a huge difference. Swap your current shower head for a low-flow alternative and make the switch to a low-flow toilet. According to statistics, toilets are responsible for more than a quarter of the water consumed in your entire house, and an old toilet can use up to 7 gallons per flush. You can pick up a flush converter for a smidgen over $20. It makes sound financial – and environmental – sense to get one for each of your toilets. Your shower is a big drain on your water, too. A low-flow shower head uses something like 2.5 gallons per minute, whereas a standard showerhead pumps anything up to 8 gallons per minute – so you can see how easy it might be to save water and cash.
Cut out the chemicals
There is an astonishing array of chemicals in the typical bathroom – and we’re not just talking about cleaning products, either. Many toiletry products are packed with petrochemicals, and of course, there is the manufacture of the plastic bottles to consider. Where possible, you should buy your toiletries in bulk. Look for eco and sustainable products instead, that are made from natural substances – and that are created by ethical businesses. Even your towels might be an issue. The cotton fibers are often grown with nasty pesticides. Some might be made from polyester (which is made from petrochemicals). Your little towel could be responsible for everything from the pollution of water supplies to disruption of land and marine habitats. Instead, go for something like a bamboo towel, which is both soft and eco-friendly. Bamboo requires little processing and is grown in abundance all over the world. Finally, don’t forget about the chemicals you use to clean your bathroom – you can switch these to home-made alternatives. Baking soda, vinegar, and lemon juice can all work wonders on the bathroom without the huge carbon footprint you will leave from using store-bought disinfectants and cleaners.
Change your light bulbs
Finally, don’t forget about your lighting. If you are still using old-fashioned incandescent bulbs, you are wasting the opportunity to save money by using LED light bulbs instead. LEDs use around 80 percent less energy than incandescent. You can save money, energy, and do your bit for the environment at the same time. Another reason to go for LED lighting is that you can create some incredible effects with the right technology. Look for different colors to create an atmospheric bathing experience. Maybe enhance the mood by installing LEDs around your mirrors, on your walls, and even in your bath and shower.
Making your bathroom look good is a must for most homeowners, but a few tweaks here and there can also improve your green credentials, too!
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