Introduction
Going green in the bathroom is easier than you think! With a few simple swaps, I transformed my bathroom into an eco-friendly oasis. In this article, I’ll share my experience and provide tips for sustainably refreshing your bathroom.
Reduce Water Usage
One of the best ways to green your bathroom is to reduce water usage. Here are some of my favorite water-saving solutions:
Install Low-Flow Fixtures
Replacing old, water-guzzling faucets and showerheads with low-flow fixtures can significantly reduce water usage. I installed a low-flow showerhead that uses only 1.5 gallons per minute. For faucets, aerator nozzles help reduce water flow.
Upgrade Toilets
A standard toilet flushes with 3-5 gallons per flush (gpf). Newer high-efficiency toilets (HETs) use only 1.28 gpf or less. Installing an HET in my bathroom cut my toilet water use by more than 60%!
Check for Leaks
Dripping faucets and leaking toilet tanks waste a surprising amount of water. I regularly check for leaks and fix them promptly. Replacing old toilet flapper valves can prevent leaks.
Use Sustainable Materials
When remodeling your bathroom, look for sustainable and natural building materials:
Bamboo Flooring
I installed beautiful bamboo floors which are made from fast-growing grasses. Bamboo is renewable, biodegradable, and absorbs CO2.
Recycled Glass Tiles
For my shower surround, I chose recycled glass tile containing 70% recycled content. Using recycled building materials reduces landfill waste.
Natural Stone Surfaces
Quartz, granite, and marble make lovely sustainable countertop options. I chose locally-sourced quartz which does not require chemical sealants.
Green Flooring Options
Cork, concrete, linoleum, and rubber are other eco-friendly flooring alternatives. I used linoleum for the bathroom’s accent wall.
Use Green Cleaning Products
Harsh chemical cleaners are terrible for the environment. I swapped out all toxic cleaners with these green alternatives:
Baking Soda and Vinegar
Baking soda is a gentle abrasive that tackles soap scum and stains. White vinegar disinfects and removes grime. This duo cleans my entire bathroom!
Hydrogen Peroxide
For extra disinfecting power, I spray 3% hydrogen peroxide solution on surfaces. It kills germs naturally without toxic chemicals.
Essential Oil Cleaners
Adding a few drops of antimicrobial essential oils like tea tree, eucalyptus, or lavender to vinegar cleans naturally. I put this in a spray bottle for an all-purpose bathroom cleaner.
Castile Soap
Plant-derived castile soap like Dr. Bronner’s makes an effective natural hand soap. Diluted castile soap also works for surface cleaning.
Be Water-Wise In Your Routines
With my bathroom refreshed, I’m mindful of my daily habits:
Take Shorter Showers
I switched my shower routine to 5 minute navy showers – wet down, lather up, rinse off. For extra motivation, I put a 5-minute hourglass in my shower.
Turn Off Tap When Brushing Teeth
While brushing my teeth, I turn the faucet on only for rinsing which saves gallons of water. I have a cup in the bathroom to scoop water as needed.
Reuse Towels
Unless visibly soiled, I use my bath towel multiple times before washing. This simple change saves on water and energy usage. I also utilize old towels and rags for cleaning instead of paper towels.
Conclusion
With easy upgrades like water-efficient fixtures, eco-friendly finishes, non-toxic cleaners, and water-wise habits, I’ve made my bathroom kinder to the planet. Small changes add up to big water savings and a reduced environmental footprint. What sustainable swap will you tackle first in your green bathroom refresh?
