Reduce your bathroom’s impact on the environment with these eco-friendly upgrades. Install a skylight to decrease your reliance on artificial lighting, and use low-VOC paints during renovations.
Low-Flow Toilets and Faucets
Choosing eco-friendly toilets and faucets can drastically reduce your home’s water consumption. They’re also great for reducing energy costs!
Aerators in your sinks can cut down on water usage, as well. These attach to your faucets and add air, which decreases water flow without affecting the water pressure.
You can also opt for a low-flow bathtub, which can reduce water waste by a significant amount. However, this is only effective if you don’t take long showers.
For a sustainable bathroom remodel, you can choose a composting toilet, which requires no plumbing and eliminates the need for toilet paper. Composting toilets aren’t as smelly as some might think and are becoming more and more aesthetically similar to traditional toilets. They can also save you up to 86 gallons of water per day.
Concrete Flooring
Bathroom remodeling St. Charles MO is an opportunity to make cruelty-free and environmentally conscious choices that will save you money in the long run by reducing water and energy consumption. By incorporating sustainable upgrades, you can create a space that will be comfortable and beautiful for years to come.
Concrete flooring is becoming a stylish staple in homes with a contemporary aesthetic. It’s also an excellent option for bathrooms, as it doesn’t harbor moisture that promotes mold and mildew growth.
Alternatively, you can opt for bamboo or stone countertops that are both long-lasting and eco-friendly. Be sure to use a durable finish to withstand moisture and temperature changes. A professional will be able to recommend the best options for your home.
Natural Fiber Bath Mats
Incorporating sustainability into your bathroom design doesn’t stop at your choice of materials; it also extends to bath decor like shower curtains and mats. These small changes can have a big impact.
Jute mats are a sustainable option as they are made from natural fiber that is renewable and biodegradable.
Another eco-friendly alternative to traditional fabric mats is diatomaceous earth stone mats. These mats are anti-mildew, anti-bacterial, super-absorbent, and don’t require machine washing and drying. Plus, at the end of their life, they can be turned into a powder to help plants grow! So they’re an environmentally friendly and stylish way to finish your bathroom remodel.
Recycled Glass Countertops
Choosing materials with low embodied carbon is one of the most critical steps when renovating your bathroom. Look for recycled and reclaimed materials where possible, and choose those with finishes designed to withstand moisture.
Consider recycled glass surfaces for a countertop that looks as good as it is eco-friendly. These are made from salvaged glass, bound with resin, and available in many hues. They are non-porous, which helps keep bacteria populations down and makes them suitable for high-traffic areas.
Opt for muted colors in eco-friendly paints to keep your bathroom looking fresh. Add plants to the space to add a calming element to your decor while reducing stress, absorbing carbon dioxide, and releasing oxygen. If possible, install windows and a skylight to let natural light flood the room and reduce electricity usage.
Energy-Efficient Light Fixtures
Changing your bathroom light fixtures and bulbs to energy-efficient options is an easy way to save money on utility bills. LED (light-emitting diode) bulbs are highly energy efficient, use less electricity to produce the same amount of light, and have longer lifespans than incandescent lights.
Similarly, replacing an old tank water heater with a new on-demand system will reduce energy consumption and help you lower energy costs. You can also reduce water consumption by building a rainwater collection system and using a low-flow shower head and toilet.
Another simple way to make your bathroom more eco-friendly is using paint with low or zero VOCs. VOCs are volatile organic compounds that can contribute to environmental degradation.
