5 Ways to Go Green in Your Bathroom

Your bathroom may only take up a fraction of space in your home, but in terms of consumables, water and energy, it is one of the most wasteful areas of the house.

Not only does this unnecessary waste have a harmful effect on our environment, it is also costing you money. Thankfully there are plenty of ways, both big and small, to cut down on consumption, curb waste and give Mother Nature a helping hand.

Here are five ways you can make your bathroom a little more environmentally-friendly.

1. Reduce Waste at the Sink

One of the simplest ways to reduce water wastage in the bathroom is to modify your habits. Don’t let the water run while you’re brushing your teeth or shaving – use water mindfully and only as required.

Installing a low-flow faucet aerator reduces the flow of water without a reduction in pressure and is an easy and inexpensive way to cut back on the amount of water going down your sink.

It’s also important to fix leaky taps as soon as possible. A single dripping tap can waste a surprisingly large amount of water over the span of a year, for what is usually a quick and inexpensive repair.

2. Get Eco-Friendly with Your Toilet

An easy way to go green in the bathroom is to choose toilet paper made from recycled sources. Not only is it a better option for preserving trees and saving energy, but it also helps keep recyclable paper out of landfill.

If your toilet is getting a bit long in the tooth, it may be time to look at upgrading to a newer, water-friendly model. A dual flush toilet has two buttons allowing for two separate water settings – a larger and smaller flush – which gives greater control over the amount of water being used.

Modern low-flow toilets are designed to use a fraction of the water that older models use, but if you want to take it to the next level, there are also options utilising tank water or even compostable toilets.

3. Conserve Your Shower Water

The easiest way to minimise water wastage in the shower is to use a timer – those leisurely 20-minute showers are just wasting water and adding to your bill.

If your shower takes some time to warm up, you can put a bucket down to collect the initial water that would otherwise be wasted and use it on the garden. Your plants and veggies will thank you!

Replacing your old showerhead for a low-flow or water-saving showerhead is an easy and inexpensive DIY job that will not only reduce your water consumption but also the energy used to heat your water. Renovation companies such as My Bathroom can assist with this during a bathroom remodel.

4. Modify Your Hot Water System

Check the temperature on your hot water system and turn it down to 120 degrees if it hasn’t already been done. Anything hotter is burning energy unnecessarily and puts you at risk of scalding when using hot water inside the house.

If your hot water system has seen better days or doesn’t perform as it used to, it may be time to upgrade. Heating the water to your house uses up a large portion of your home energy costs, so getting a more efficient heater may save you money in the long run if you have the budget for the upfront costs.

If you’re serious about going green with your hot water, you may want to consider a solar system. These environmentally friendly water heaters are being installed in many 6-star energy rated homes (like the ones from these home builders in Melbourne) and while they are more expensive to buy and fit, can greatly reduce your ongoing running costs.

5. Go Naturally Clean

Last but not least, make the switch from chemical cleaners to environmentally friendly alternatives. There are now many green cleaning products on the market that are made using sustainable manufacturing practices and utilise non-toxic and biodegradable ingredients.

Better yet, make your own cleaning products! A quick search on the internet is all it takes for numerous methods and ideas for keeping your bathroom sparkling clean using little more than white vinegar and bicarb soda. Not only will you be doing your bit for the environment, but you’ll also be saving money by avoiding harsh, packaged cleaners.

You don’t have to take drastic measures to go green in your bathroom; even small changes to your daily habits can help minimise consumption and wastage, and you might even save yourself some money while you’re at it!

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