A boring and outdated bathroom is more than just an eyesore. It is also hard to clean and less energy efficient. Fortunately, there are a lot of things we can do to refresh and green up your bathroom. Many incredible innovations have been developed from fixtures to décor.
You can now drastically reduce your eco footprint, lessen your utility bills, and save money by making your bathroom space more environmentally friendly. Here’s a checklist you can follow for a greener and more sustainable bathroom remodel:
Use Eco-Friendly Cabinets and Vanities
Shop around for cabinets and countertops made from safe and organic materials. Don’t choose formaldehyde materials, which is a carcinogen that causes pollution. Instead of materials with harmful chemicals, opt for countertops made from glass, wood, or stone. You may also consider recycled or reclaimed wood for your cabinets.
Use as much natural materials as much as you can to save on resources and prevent more items from ending up in the landfill.
Buy LED Bulbs
For bathroom remodels, it is recommended to utilize natural light as much as possible. Natural lighting is the best form of lighting. This is one of the most energy-efficient options to make your bathroom look like that of a magazine. Get rid of those blinds over windows and install a skylight to add an extra burst of light. If you are concerned about your privacy, use frosted window glasses instead of the typical clear ones.
Switch to light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs to make your bathroom even more eco-friendly. They save 80-90 percent of energy and last up to 25 times longer. LEDs emit bright, clear light that is close to natural sunlight. Such lighting effects are ideal for makeup application and shaving.
Replace Your Old Toilet
A typical old toilet uses 3.5 to 7 gallons of water per flush. Meanwhile, a conventional low-flow toilet uses considerably less water at 1.6 gallons per flush. Toilets use approximately 27% of the water consumed in your home, which is more than what a washing machine or shower uses.
If you want to undertake a bathroom remodel, update your toilet and look for high-efficient models. These modern toilets usually have vacuum technology that allows you to save a lot of money on your water bill while helping the environment.
Remove Shower Curtain
You might not be aware, but your shower curtains are bad for your health and the environment. Vinyl shower curtains have volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and semivolatile organic compounds (SVOCs) that can even be toxic to your health. These also give off harmful fumes when burned.
Cotton and linen shower curtains are good alternatives to plastic options. These are biodegradable and free of toxic chemicals that can harm you or your family. In addition, you can get rid of your toxic shower curtains by installing glass-tempered shower screens or choosing an open-design shower.
Use VOC-Free Paints and Coatings
VOCs are solvents that evaporate as the paint of coating dries. This process is called off-gassing, which can be dangerous and concerning. They can cause headaches and make you nauseous and lightheaded.
Create a healthy, eco-friendly bathroom safe by choosing zero-VOC paints. These products seal in off-gassing and help improve indoor air quality. If you are sensitive to chemicals or suffering from asthma, buy water-based coating for your bathroom walls and cabinets. Nontoxic paints also provide good coverage and a durable finish.
Recycle Old Vanities and Fixtures
When undertaking a bathroom remodel, you don’t need to buy new fixtures and toss the old ones away. You can recycle your old brass faucet, sink, and other plumbing fixtures. Instead of adding to landfill waste and air pollution, you can sell them on online market sites or salvage stores and earn extra money.
Achieve a Green Bathroom Makeover
Contact Erie Bathroom Remodeling if you would like to turn your bathroom space into an energy-efficient and eco-friendly one. We will discuss your ideas and help you get the most value out of your investment. Schedule a no-obligation consultation for your bathroom upgrade!