Environmentally Friendly Bath Design

If you are looking for ways make your life more eco friendly, you might consider starting right in your own home.  You can reduce energy by investing in insulation and solar power, increase your recycling, and minimize your use of single use plastic. If you are considering remodeling your home, you might also look at incorporating energy efficient design and eco-friendly materials into your home. The bathroom is one frequently used room that we often take for granted but can really contribute to reducing your carbon footprint. Learn how you can make sure your bath design is eco-friendly.

Sparkling Water

Water conservation in the bathroom is the obvious place to start. Hotels have long been using aerators in their plumbing fixtures. These ingenious devices can be fitted or come built into showerheads and low-flow faucets and toilets. You get the same water pressure, but the volume of water is reduced as it’s filled with air bubbles. Dual flush toilets have hugely reduced the gallons of water used in flushing. New, rimless toilets from Europe are reducing the water volume even more and are far more sanitary.

So Fresh and So Clean

Poor air quality affects our mental and physical health. Potted plants purify the air and add lush beauty to your bath design, so choose plants that thrive in a humid environment. Make sure you have adequate ventilation to prevent mold and mildew. You can throw your windows open or go all the way with an ionic air filter to really purify your bathroom.

A Clean Break

Using strong bleach or ammonia might feel like the best cleaning products, but they’re not good for the environment or for you. You can make excellent cleaning products with vinegar, lemon and baking soda or opt for green versions in the store.  Most include essential oils and plant products, are in biodegradable packaging and have not been tested on animals. The best part is they are kind to all surfaces while cleaning thoroughly and leaving your air and water unpolluted.                              

The Right Stuff

The materials you choose for your fixtures should be sustainable. Steel and enamel are stylish and hard-wearing and can be recycled. Wooden tubs and cabinets are always beautiful but often at the price of biodiversity in forests. Check that your wood comes from forests that have been managed sustainably and are as local as possible. Fewer polluting container ships, planes and unregulated mass production can only be a good thing. Try recycled brick or wood for feature walls for a cool and eco-friendly touch. Choose natural textiles like bamboo, hemp and organic cotton for robes, bathmats and towels.

Light up Your World

Factor in as much natural light as possible in your bath design. Large windows, skylights and sun tunnels add to the character of your bathroom and conserve energy. They also help with wellbeing and, of course, makeup application!  When buying light bulbs, go for LEDs. They last 40 times longer and use up to 90% less energy and are getting better all the time. They might cost more than conventional bulbs but come in a huge range to suit any room, are infinitely better for the environment and are long lasting so can save you money in the long run.

Bathroom products are energy intensive to make but if you spend extra on quality products, they last a long time and can eventually be recycled. Know where your products come from and what they’re made of and pay attention to water use and air quality when planning your bathroom remodel. When done right, these changes can be good for the environment and save you money in the long run. Check out our inspiring bathroom design gallery and talk to us today. We can advise you on how to get the most sustainable bathroom without sacrificing style.