It’s easy to go green in your home as the seasons come and go, but what about the one room in the house that’s consistently green: the bathroom? If you’re thinking about remodeling your bathroom or just looking to green up the most used room in your house, here are some tips to go green in your bathroom.
Change light bulbs or add windows or skylights
If you don’t have the budget to completely renovate your bathroom, changing the light bulbs to incandescent bulbs is the easiest step to take. If the idea of fluorescent light bulbs seems harsh, try opting for efficient halogen bulbs that will reduce energy use. If you’re rebuilding your bathroom, consider adding a skylight that lets in as much natural light as possible; Not only will it reduce bills, but it will create a more relaxed environment. Even adding a tube window above the shower will make a difference. Also, to spice up any bathroom, look into using recycled light fixtures for a personal touch, and if they need to be refinished, make sure the renovator uses low-VOC materials.
Make sure your bathtub or shower saves water and protects the environment
If you haven’t already, be sure to change your shower head to one that can conserve water. If you’re rebuilding, look for recycled glass porcelain or ceramic tile to use in your bathroom. Try to get thinner grout lines – they are easier to clean and maintain and at the same time easier to protect against mold and mildew. If you can, avoid buying fiberglass or acrylic bathtubs, as they are not made with green manufacturing practices. Even old upcycled bathtubs can look great in new bathrooms!
Watch labels and materials for VOCs
Many of the sealants, caulks, and adhesives on the market today use mold-inhibiting compounds or anti-mold products that can help keep your bathroom clean, but they contain a lot of harmful VOCs, which may mean you can use less irritating cleaning products, but in a closed space like the bathroom, it can cause harmful effects in the future. Be sure to look for labels that explicitly say “Low VOC” or “No VOC.” Also, when choosing materials for vanities or countertops, look for wheat board or other low VOC materials, since most countertops are made with urea-formaldehyde. Vanity countertops that use recycled tile can look great and don’t need as much maintenance as kitchen countertops.
Whether you’re just looking to go green in your bathroom or do a complete makeover, it’s important to be eco-friendly. We have some tips for going green in your bathroom this year.
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