When you’re in your own bathroom, do you: 1) Wash your face and hands? 2) Take a shower? 3) Flush the toilet? 4) Blow dry your hair? 5) Use commercial products to clean your bathtub or sink?
If you’ve said “yes” to any of these questions (and you know you did) your bathroom could use an eco-friendly touch-up. Don’t worry — it’s easier than you might think. A trip or two to your local home improvement store and you’ll have a “green” bathroom before you know it.
All it takes are a few small upgrades that make a big difference in creating an eco-friendly bathroom. A few simple changes at a time will see you on your way to lower water and electricity bills and a happier environment. It’s a win-win for you and the planet.
Here’s how:
1. Decrease Your Water Use
This is extremely easy and you don’t really have to think about it once you’ve made the changes. Install the following items and you’ll be in much better shape.
Low-flow faucet aerator: This super inexpensive appliance adds air to your sink’s water stream. You still get more than enough water without all the waste.
Source: Home Depot
Low-flow shower head: Don’t worry, this doesn’t result in flat hair — with a low-flow shower head, much like the faucet aerator, your water pressure remains intact but the amount of water coming out at one time is decreased. Choose a reputable option and you’ll never even notice the change.
Source: Home Depot
Dual-flush toilet: Whether you install a new toilet or purchase a retro-fit dual flush system, this idea is basic and saves tons of water. You have two flushing options. One is for liquid waste and utilizes a smaller amount of water. The other flush is for solid waste and utilizes more water. A simple idea with big benefits!
Source: Home Depot
2. Reduce Your Electricity Output
Tankless water heater: You might think this belongs in the “water” category, but your water heater is raising your electric bill and wasting energy. Go for a tankless water heater to replace your current tank — you’ll save money and energy; tankless water heaters only heat up water as needed.
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Source: Home Depot
Energy efficient light bulbs: Get rid of your current bulbs and replace them with energy-efficient ones. The bulbs convert most of the energy they use into light rather than heat and they last much longer than your less efficient models. Although these are more expensive than regular bulbs, you’ll have to replace them much less frequently, and that means you save money. A more efficient design means a lower electricity bill and less impact on the environment.
Source: Home Depot
3. Swap Out Disposables for Eco-Friendly Products
Go Natural: Read packaging thoroughly before you buy and opt for “greener” options. Consider castille soaps and plant-based ingredients. For a sparkling bathroom, try more natural cleaning options such as diluted white vinegar and baking soda. These are cheaper as well as much easier on the environment.
When you decrease your use of water and electricity, you contribute to the well-being of the planet. Just imagine if everyone in your neighborhood followed suit — now imagine everyone across the globe joining in. While you may feel that making changes in one or two private bathrooms doesn’t make much of an impact, the opposite is actually true. You’ll inspire others while saving energy and money — certainly something to make a splash about.
By Tarah Damask
Do you want to get started on your bathroom? Take a look at eieihome’s directory of bathroom renovators.
