We’re all trying to reduce our carbon footprint these days, and the importance of being more eco-friendly is becoming well known. If you’re keen to make your home more sustainable, your bathroom is a good place to start. There are lots of simple changes that you can make to improve the “greenness” of your bathroom without compromising the beauty and style of your space.
Painting Carefully
Although a coat of paint is a great way to give any room of the home a quick and simple makeover, it’s important to check the paints that you choose to ensure that they contain no Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). These compounds can worsen the air quality inside your home and they aren’t good for the environment. Using a paint sprayer will make sure that you don’t waste paint and get more even coverage so you won’t need to use strong chemicals to remove any excess. Check Paintsprayers.reviews to find out more about the best paint sprayers on the market today.
Replace Your Shower Curtain
If you have traditional vinyl shower curtains and liners, you’ll probably find that they’re made from PVC, a material that may release VOCs. Since VOCs increase the amount of toxins in the air of your home for as long as a month, it’s important to keep these to a minimum. Also, many shower curtains also contain phthalates which can be harmful too. If you only have the option of vinyl shower curtains, make sure that you leave it outdoors to air off and off-gas for several days before you hang it in your bathroom. Whenever possible, avoid shower curtains and go for glass shower doors instead. Alternatively, go eco-friendly with a hemp, bamboo or organic cotton fabric shower curtain.
Upgrade Your Bath Mat
A new bath mat can make your bathroom look brand new while also adding an eco-friendly touch. Opt for one that is made from bamboo to be confident that you’re making a sustainable choice, or, for a really natural option, why not invest in a moss carpet that will naturally flourish in your bathroom’s damp environment.
Water Saving Showerhead
You probably use more water than imagine every time you take a shower however, if you invest in a water saving showerhead, you will be able to indulge in your morning routine without wasting excessive amounts. The latest water saving showerheads are beautiful and stylish, and with both classic and modern options available to choose from, you’re sure to be able to find one to match your interior décor.
A Steel Tub
While most bathtubs these days are made from fiberglass or acrylic, it’s time to go for a more vintage feel. Steel bath tubs aren’t just incredibly stylish but they’re also eco-friendly. Not only are they recyclable once you decide it’s time to get a replacement but they also allow you to use less hot water since the metal surface is an amazingly effective conductor.
LED Lighting
Get a contemporary look for your bathroom and benefit the environment at the same time by switching to modern LED lighting. This energy saving option not only uses less energy to produce the same amount of light but also lasts much longer saving you money in the long run. Clever use of lighting can bring a stylish new look to your bathroom, and you can be as creative as you like since the latest LED lights can even be used inside your shower cubicle.
Clearing The Air
Too much humidity in your bathroom can cause mold, and the upshot of that can be asthma, allergies and respiratory problems. Not only that, but it can often only be removed using harsh chemicals and bleaches which are bad for the environment. Your bathroom is often the most humid space in your home because of all the bathing and showering that goes on in there, so ventilation is the key. Opening your windows is the obvious solution to removing the moisture, however there’s a more attractive eco-friendly way of cleaning the air. By putting some oxygen-producing plants on your windowsills, you’ll reduce the humidity in your space and, even better, a whole host of indoor air pollutants will be absorbed. Spider plants not only look great, but they’re a great choice for bathrooms since they require no direct sunlight and they prefer minimal watering.
Choose Ceramic Tiles
If you’re completely remodeling your bathroom and thinking of re-tiling your walls and floors, ceramic tiling would be the perfect choice for you. Since they can’t be damaged easily by excessive moisture, ceramic tiles are surprisingly easy to maintain and don’t require any harsh chemicals to keep them clean. Check that you’re choosing tiles that have been made using a manufacturing process which has a low environmental impact. There are lots of environmentally friendly tiles out there which are made from recycled materials like bottles and car windshields.
Cleaning Green
When it comes to cleaning your toilet and bathtub, you probably use standard cleaning products, however it’s important to take a closer look at the warning labels. You should always choose products which are environmentally conscious and which don’t warn you about toxic chemicals. It also goes without saying that we use plenty of paper in our bathrooms, from tissues to toilet paper. Always choose a recycled brand to be confident you’re doing your bit for the environment.
We all need to take more responsibility when it comes to caring for our environment, but if you want to do your bit while making sure your home looks its best, your bathroom is definitely the easiest place to start. Whether you’re giving your room a complete overhaul or whether you’re simply making a few basic changes, you can make sure that those alterations are environmentally friendly ones that reduce your carbon footprint.
Follow these helpful tips and you’re sure to enjoy the benefits of an eco-friendly home with the extra advantage of an eye-catching and beautiful space.
1 Comment
Wow, It’s looking amazing. You make it so nicely. I like your all tips. But I have a question I never heard before about water saving shower head. Can you suggest me some water saving shower head? I want to set these at my bathroom. Thanks in advance for your suggestion.