Getting to a Greener Bathroom
If you are looking for ways to improve your bathroom, you should know that there are a variety of green home improvement techniques you can use to improve the overall look of your bathroom, including the lavatory sink. By following one or all of the following ten tips, you will be able to improve your lavatory naturally and help the environment at the same time.
1. Look for companies and professionals that use chemical-free or non-toxic substances when working on home improvement projects. By doing this, you will be helping keep your home and the environment free from harsh chemicals that are usually washed down the drain and released into air.
2. Purchase bathroom sinks and other items that are environmentally friendly and disburse minimal amounts of water. By choosing a lavatory sink or shower head or faucet for your tub that is properly regulated, the amount of water you will use will drop dramatically. Modern faucets and spouts help people minimize how much water they waste when washing their hands or taking a shower.
3. Replace your older faucets and spouts with modern equipment. This employs the same thought pattern as item number two. Many newer fixtures are designed with “low flow” in mind.
4. Search for and buy recycled products when working on any bathroom home improvement project. There are many vendors that sell recycled or refurbished materials that individuals and professionals can use when installing a new lavatory and bathroom sink.
5. Search for and buy vanities and cabinets that are made from recyclable or refurbished materials. Individuals who are committed to helping the environment should purchase recycled vanities and cabinets.
6. Purchase recycled or refurbished tile instead of buying brand new. Recycled items don’t always look “used, so keep an eye out. Landfills are filled with tile that could have been refurbished and recycled.
7. Purchase non-toxic sealants, caulking and adhesives. There are eco-friendly items out there than won’t emit the harsh chemicals that your family and the environment despise. Pay attention to the labels. Green items will often feature a green leaf or a green recycled symbol to show you that you’re headed in the right direction.
8. Purchase energy efficient windows for your lavatory. Keeping in heat and keeping out the cold or vice versa, will help to reduce energy bills when heating or cooling your home.
9. Shower more, bathe less. Unless you’re the type that takes 45 minute showers, a shower generally consumes much less water than filling up the tub. So if it wasn’t one of those “eternally long days” where a bath is helpful to relax, take a quick shower to save water use.
10. Use environmentally-friendly non-toxic paint when giving your bathroom a new look. Not only will you smell the difference, but the environment around you will feel the difference too.
Clearly, there are many things you can do to go green in your bathroom. Whether you are planning a major home improvement project or just planning on changing the lavatory sink, faucets, vanities, cabinets and windows, there are many things that you can do to go green and make your lavatory environmentally friendly.