Outdated bathrooms are not just in need of renovations, traditional set-ups and appliances can be harmful to the world. Old toilets, faucets, and showers waste a lot of water, and the materials they are made of are not up to the current standards on energy efficiency. Recently, there has been an uptick in the designs of environmentally-friendly appliances and fixtures for the bathroom that can help you not only achieve a stunning bathroom renovation but make it much more green.
Here are some ways to make your bathroom more eco-friendly.
Cabinets and Vanities
Although most cabinets and vanities in bathrooms contain things like plywood, pressed wood, particle board, or medium density fiberboard (MDF), which you might think is safe, these materials are often contain formaldehyde. Avoid these items, since they are terrible for the environment and not always recyclable.
Instead, we recommend choosing eco-friendly vanities and cabinets that are comprised of solid wood, reclaimed and recycled materials, or even bamboo, recycled concrete, ceramics, glass, or repurposed paper products. All of these are becoming more widely available, so search around for options.
Steel Bathtubs
Say goodbye to acrylic and fiberglass tubs. Those tubs can’t be recycled and are not biodegradable. Instead, think about a steel tub, which has tons of character, has an incredible lifespan, and, even if it does end up in a landfill somewhere, steel can be recycled.
Low-Flow and Water-Efficient
Whenever you take a shower, run the sink faucet, or even flush the toilet, older appliances will waste an excessive amount of water—and that adds up. Low-flow showerheads and faucets, as well as energy-efficient appliances, will both reduce your water bill but will use far less water. In a world where water supply is at risk, saving as much water as possible is important.
Flooring Options
The floor of your renovated bathroom is just as important as the walls. You should consider natural materials, like bamboo or wood. Other eco-friendly options for the bathroom include natural tile or eco-friendly concrete or linoleum of the flooring, since these choices don’t contain any harmful chemicals and can be made from sustainable materials. Be sure to avoid PVC and vinyl flooring, since those plastics contain harsh, poisonous chemicals that can cause health problems.
Green Products
When you are renovating your bathroom, you can make more green choices. For example, you can choose a no-VOC paint for the walls that contains no toxins. You can also look into natural bamboo for fixtures, vanities, furniture, and even the floor mats. Natural bamboo is one of the best materials right now for your new bathroom, and it looks wonderful too. Once you start to furnish your bathroom, you can select items made from bamboo, hemp, and cotton.
As you can see, you can design a bathroom that looks amazing but is also sustainable. Keep these tips in mind as you start drafting up the plans for your bathroom renovation. This way, you get the bathroom of your dreams while helping maintain the environment and, most importantly, the planet we all call home.
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