How To Create the Ideal Green Bathroom

Bathroom renovations continually prove to be a good investment for conscientious homeowners, whether they want to boost the overall value of their property to sell in the future or just try to make some important improvements to their home in general. Anyone who wants to upgrade their bathroom should remember that incorporating ‘green’ construction solutions is fast becoming more and more popular across the planet.

No matter what your style, there are a number of options to choose from in terms of both design and function, which makes eco-construction very appealing. A green bathroom not only respects the environment, but it can also save a great deal of money over time on utility bill costs as well.

Here are some of the easiest and smartest ways to make the ‘most used room’ in your home also the most environmentally conscious.

Eco-Friendly Construction Materials

One of the first steps in planning a green construction project is to choose the right materials for the job. This means using products that can be recycled in the future or else made from recycled material. Many eco-minded retailers offer a variety of products and materials that fall into this exact category. When looking for the ideal materials for your project, look for the ‘Green Seal’ certification to prove that what you’re buying is actually environmentally safe. Green Seal refers to an independent, non-profit organization that puts its stamp of approval on anything they consider eco-friendly and safe for the environment.

Dual-Flush and Composting Toilets

Homeowners have a number of options when it comes to installing a green toilet, including innovative dual-flush toilets. A dual-flush toilet has two separate flush volumes, including a reduced type of flush for just liquids, and a fuller flush for more solid waste. Also, homeowners can install a composting toilet for a true eco-friendly bath design. A composting toilet will leave a larger green footprint and contrary to what most people think, composting toilets have evolved enough so they look and feel very similar to their traditional counterparts. They need little to no water, meaning they can offer a plausible solution to unclean, biological problems overall.

Water-Saving Faucets and Showerheads

The average household uses tens of millions of gallons of water each year, which is why everyone should consider installing low-flow faucets and showerheads. Look for the ‘WaterSense’ label on showerheads to ensure you’re buying one with maximum efficiency. WaterSense is a government-based program that certifies a variety of water-saving devices like faucets and showerheads, similar to how Energy Star identifies energy-efficient appliances.

Also, replacing the aerator on a faucet will enhance its overall water efficiency without actually replacing the faucet itself. In general, aerators are a very cost-effective way to reduce the water consumption in a typical household. Cut your water bill even further by repairing any leaks found in pipes and faucets throughout your home.

Stylish and Eco-Friendly Flooring

• Ceramic tile: Most ceramic tile floors consist of 20 percent or more post-industrial recycled material, such as waste material from ceramic items like tableware and discarded clay pieces. Many recyclable ceramic floor tiles are affordable and offer a variety of options, including sparkling mosaics.
• Pebble tile: Smooth, soothing stones underfoot have the ability to gently massage tired feet and lend a tranquil, spa-like atmosphere to your bathroom. Although most traditional pebble tiles come from mining stone, some eco-friendly flooring experts have developed a full recycled glass version of unique pebble tiles that provide a peaceful spa vibe while keeping the integrity of the environment in mind.
• Recycled glass tile: Recycled glass tiles, with their bevy of color choices and jewel-like qualities, make both ‘greening’ and cleaning your bathroom floor a breeze.
• Cork: Cork is a very popular green flooring material due to its warmth and ability to quickly renew. Once every nine years, workers in Spain and Portugal strip off the thin bark of cork trees into wide, long slabs, taking care not to cause any damage to the tree. Wine corks are first stamped out, and those scraps are subsequently ground and then pressed in order to produce flooring, carefully utilizing every bit of the harvest.

There are many available opportunities for turning your bath renovation into an eco-friendlier, energy-efficient process. Not only will this reduce some of your household costs and help the environment, but it will inevitably create a more comfortable and healthier place to spend time in your bathroom.