Are you remodeling your bathroom? Then this is the perfect opportunity for you to do your bit for the environment by installing eco-friendly bathroom accessories.
Low-flow showerheads
You can save over 2000 gallons of water per person per year by installing a low-flow showerhead. In addition, you can also save up to 50% energy derived from not heating all the water you have saved.
There are two types of low-flow showerheads: Aerating and Non-Aerating. Aerating showerheads, the most popular type, mixes air into the water stream for steady pressure and even full shower spray. Due to air mixing, the water can cool down a bit as it reaches the shower floor. Non-aerating showerheads, is not mixed with air and hence maintains temperature while delivering a strong spray. As water flows in pulses, this type of showerhead has a massaging effect in the shower.
Look for low-flow showerheads rated 1.5gpm or lesser. They can range anywhere from $8 – $50 or more depending on the style and available features.
Faucet Aerator
In addition to energy costs, you can save up to 280 gallons of water per month by adding an aerator to your faucets. Most modern faucets have the necessary threading to install aerators. Faucet aerators work by mixing water with air without impacting the water pressure. The aerator has tiny sieves that separate water flow into tiny streams, thereby introducing air into the water flow.
Look for aerators rated 2.75gpm or lesser. They are inexpensive and range from $5 – $10.
Dual Flush & Low-flow toilets
A low-flow 1.6 gallon toilet will save a family of four up to 11,000 gallons of water every year. The latest low-flow toilet designs provide ample flushing power even when using less than half the amount of water used by traditional toilets. Low-flow toilets with dual flush system will save you even more water. These toilets have two buttons: one button to flush liquid waste using only 50% of water in the tank and another button for solid waste which flushes down at full capacity.
Energy saving bulbs
LED bulbs last up to 30 years and are the most energy efficient bulbs available in the market. Even though initial costs are high, around $25 per bulb, the long term savings make it worth the expense.
CFLs are the second best option. They are more affordable and use 75% less energy than normal incandescent bulbs and last 10 times as long.
Other tips:
- Invest in energy efficient bathroom fans.
- Install windows for ventilation reducing the amount of time the bathroom fan needs to run.
- Go for eco-friendly sustainable natural linoleum flooring.
- Use low-VOC paints or natural plasters like American Clay on the walls.
Finally, tips to reuse material from your old bathroom:
- If you have a good functioning faucet, just thread in an aerator instead of buying a new aerator.
- Reclaim the wood from your old vanity. Refinish and reuse to create storage shelves.
- Broken tiles can be used to create a mosaic on the floor or wall.
- Donate undamaged sinks, vanity, toilet etc. to organizations like Habitat for Humanity (http://www.habitat.org/restores)