20 Green Bathroom Tips

Today there are more ways than ever to incorporate environmentally friendly components into your bathroom. They can be beneficial to your family, the environment and even your pocketbook.  Making ecofriendly bathroom remodeling choices are good for you, the environment, and even your wallet.

1. Design for longevity. Pick materials that are long lasting and not too trendy. This means you – or your home’s next owner – won’t want to replace them too soon.

2. To save water, use low-water faucets, faucets with sensors, or faucets with foot pedals.

3. Use low or no VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) paints and finishing materials to maintain good air quality.

4. Put CFLs in you lighting fixtures and buy fixtures that are energy efficient.

5. Install low-flow shower heads which save on both water (up to 4 gallons a minute) and energy (you spend less money to heat water).

6. Put in an ultra-low-flush toilet, or consider a dual-flush toilet, which allows you to choose the amount of water needed for each flush.

7. An efficient exhaust fan will preserve air quality by reducing mold and mildew.

8. Use reclaimed lumber for cabinets and anywhere else wood is used. Or use wood that is Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified.

9. Whatever kind of cabinets you buy, make sure they don’t emit formaldehyde.

10. Consider wheatboard or bamboo cabinets. Wheatboard is created from a combination of wheat straw and a nontoxic binder. Bamboo, a fast-growing sustainable grass, is also a good option.

11. Attaching an air shower device to your showerhead can cut water use by 30%. The device adds extra air to each water drop, making it feel as big and strong as a typical drop while using less water.

12. Use recycled glass tiles on the floor or choose countertops made of recycled glass.

13. Consider ceramic tile or finished bamboo, which are sustainable flooring choices.

14. Add windows and skylights. You’ll need fewer electric lights.

15. Heated floors sound luxurious, but they’re actually energy efficient.

16. Although it’s not technically a bathroom element, consider replacing the water heater.  Installing a tankless or solar water heater can save a lot of energy.

17. Be sure to insulate the pipes in and around the bathroom.

18. Avoid vinyl wallpaper. It retains moisture and creates a perfect environment for mold.

19. Don’t put regular drywall behind tile or a tub/shower surround. It can lead to mold and mildew.

20. See if you can find used lighting fixtures, antique claw-footed tubs, or old cabinets. They can add a vintage element to your bathroom.

At 4YourHomeServices we can help design and create the perfect bathroom environment for you.

For more information on bathroom remodeling projects contact 4YourHomeServices, The Bath Masters… We make you want to go to the bathroom!  And Love It…