 EnviroCitizen.org has found that renovating the bathroom can be hard work as well as expensive, but with new green solutions, bathroom renovations are becoming one of the most creative ways to make the bathroom a true work of art inexpensively with conservation in mind.
Saving water is the most important thing to consider when performing a bathroom makeover, as the toilet alone can use as much as 27% of all water used in a household. Although much of the waste is caused by bad habits, installing and maintaining water-saving bathroom fixtures is an important step. Start by installing low-flow showerheads and faucets. Next, fix any leaks as soon as they happen. This can be done rather inexpensively and will save gallons of water in the future as well as money.
Beyond purchasing a water-conserving toilet, make sure you choose the right sink. First, the sink vanity height should be at least about three feet, which will allow someone of average height to stand up while using it. This is considered good ergonomic practice. Next, consider a kitchen-type faucet with sprayer, so that you can rinse the sink easily. It helps to save water as well as give new uses to the sink such as hair-washing. Finally, consider the materials and layout of your sink. Go with recycled and eco-materials, such as natural ceramic or non-toxic cement, for your hardware and sink basin.
Water heating is another area to consider while redoing the bathroom. More than 10% of our energy bills typically come from heating up water. Although the best way to reduce that number is to use less of it for bathing, washing your hands and doing household chores, you can also consider a few options. First, consider setting up a solar water heater. They are now reasonably priced and very effective. You can also install a waste-heat recovery system that preheats the shower water with the warm water going down the drain. Consult a green building expert on how to do this.
Bathrooms are warm and damp, which can allow mold and mildew to grow. You can fix this problem with cleaners or you can simply keep the humidity levels low. Every house or renovation should include the installation of a Heat Recovery Ventilator or HRV. This will ensure that there is a constant flow of air to keep indoor air pollutants at bay and continuous removal of excess humidity.
EnviroCitizen.org knows that there are many other ways to make your bathroom green such as what materials to use. Everything from floors to countertops can be made greener. We suggest doing some research prior to purchasing new materials for your bathroom so that you can make the best purchases possible.
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