Eco Bathroom Products & Design
The bathroom is one area in which people waste a lot of water and energy and contribute to polluting the environment with the use of toiletries. There are some steps you can take to improve upon your eco credentials in the bathroom and save yourself time and money in the process.
Recyclable & Non Toxic Bathroom Products
Simple, cheap yet effective steps to a greener bathroom include using energy efficient light bulbs and extractor fans and switching to non toxic shampoos and shower gels. Many cosmetic products contain chemicals that are bad for the environment when washed into the waste water system. Look for products that don`t use artificial fragrance and come in biodegradable packaging. Use recycled toilet paper as well - there are many brands available, including affordable supermarket own brands.
Safer Home Made Bathroom Cleaning Products
You can easily find eco-friendly cleaning products for the bathroom in any supermarket or you can make your own using everyday household items such as vinegar and bicarbonate of soda. These are especially useful for people who suffer from allergies that may react to harsh chemical cleaners. You could also try microfibre cloths which only require water to clean bathroom surfaces.
Short Showers, Light Flush Toilets, InterFlush Kits & Tap Inserts
Save water by taking shorter showers and switching off the shower while you lather up. Install a dual flush toilet which uses far less water to flush than single flush versions. You can also insert a special bag into your cistern which will save water every time you flush. You may be able to source these for free from some water companies.
The `InterFlush` kit can be installed into the toilet cistern and the toilet will only flush for as long as the handle is held down.
Inserts for taps are available which reduce the water flow from the tap into a spray - useful for hand washing, but it can easily be overridden if you want a normal flow, for example to fill the basin. Water saving shower heads are also available.
Environmentally Friendly Bathroom Refurbishment
If you are refurbishing your bathroom, choose recycled and sustainable materials. Recycled glass, timber and rubber are all good options. Ceramic is also a good bathroom material as it is less vulnerable to moisture damage and has little adverse effects on the environment during the manufacturing process. Linoleum is an excellent eco bathroom material as it is produced from renewable materials. Bamboo is a good option as it is a sustainable and fast growing plant and can withstand the high humidity of a bathroom.
Low Capacity Bath
You could opt to remove the bath completely and just use a shower, or if you really can`t live without a bath install one with a smaller capacity.
When accessorising go for organic cotton and fair-trade towels, natural bristle brushes and laundry baskets made from natural materials.
Tankless & Combi Boilers & Solar Water Heating
Save money and energy by purchasing an eco friendly water heater such as a solar heater. Choose a tankless or `combi` boiler based heating system that passes water pipes through the boiler, rather than heating and maintaining constant heat in a large tank of water. These may be more costly to install but you will recoup that extra cost in the energy savings you make in the longer term.
Plumbing repairs are expensive and the dangers of burst pipes are a real threat during very cold winters so it pays to look for reasonable home insurance quotes that provide extensive coverage, especially if you decide to invest in installing a new and greener bathroom.
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