Nearly every aspect of bathroom design, from appliances and furniture to accessories, has an eco-friendly alternative that will leave high-end tastes satisfied. So, if your bathroom needs remodeling and environmental conservation is on your radar, the following tips will get you started in the right direction.
- Bamboo Products
Choose bamboo products for a stylish look and an eco-friendly alternative to oak or maple. It’s a renewable alternative that grows quickly enough to be harvested every five years without depleting our natural resources. Bamboo is great for flooring, cabinets and vanities, and its fibers can even be used to make bathroom accessories such as towels and rugs.
- Recycled Glass
Use recycled glass tiles for your bathroom countertop or for a funky, colorful mosaic on your walls or in your shower. Recycled glass comes in exquisite colors and finishes, but is made from 100% recycled glass material, benefiting the environment.
- Water-Saving Products
Use low or dual-flush toilets and low-flow faucets and showerheads to conserve water use in your bathroom. Older toilets use as much as five or six gallons of water per flush compared to 1.6 gallons per flush in newer models.
- Lighting
Choose bathroom lighting that is EnergyStar® compliant, and use compact fluorescent bulbs. They use about 75 percent less energy and can last up to 10 times longer than standard incandescent bulbs.
- Tankless Water Heaters
Use a tankless water heater to make sure your showers are hot and your energy savings substantial. It also only heats the water when you need it, saving gas and energy.
- Decorative Accessories
To decorate and accessorize your eco-friendly bathroom, choose natural fabrics and paint with low Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) levels.
- Cleaning and Personal Care Products
Eco-friendly bathrooms go beyond just the design elements. Choose cleaning and personal care products and supplements that won’t do damage to you or the environment. Tom’s of Maine carries personal care products including hand and body soap and toothpaste that are free of harsh chemicals and artificial ingredients while still fighting off harmful bacteria.
GREENandSAVE.com is a free resource for anyone that wants to save energy, money, and the environment. The articles, product reviews, online tools, and return on investment calculations are researched from a diverse range of public and private sector sources. Overall, the company is passionate about saving money as well as creating healthy homes, offices, and lifestyles.
Before you start any Bathroom Remodeling projects, check out the Return on Investment calculations for the Home Remodeling options that will make the biggest difference on your energy bills, and your wallet.
