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So you want to start living the “green lifestyle” but aren’t sure where to start. Or maybe a bathroom? Your bathroom is a great place to start as there are many sustainable bathroom renovation ideas you can choose from.
Or maybe start by saving water? Your bathroom is where the most water is wasted. Here are some DIY ideas to make your bathroom environmentally friendly:
1. Low flow aerators
You can install these low flow aerators on all of your faucets and you can also match them to your shower heads. They’re great because they add air to the water before it comes out of the tap, which in turn distributes the water over a much wider area. So you don’t have to use that much water when showering, brushing your teeth, brushing your face, etc. These low flow aerators restrict the flow of water but increase the force and pressure of the flowing water, making less water more effective.
2. Paint your bathroom green, but it can be any color you like. Painting the bathroom will give it a great new look, but you don’t have to spend a lot of money on it. You should also purchase “green” paint, that is, paint with little or no volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These types of paints contain natural pigments derived from plant sources. Since bathrooms are usually small spaces, you don’t want to use paint that contains harmful fumes.
3. A great way to save money and use less water is to upgrade your toilet. The older model restroom uses 3-5 gallons of water for each flush. Modern toilets only use a gallon of water per flush. This saves you between one and a half to three and a half gallons of water per flush. If you add up how many times you flush the toilet each day, you can see where this update could save a lot of money. The cost of a new toilet will be recouped in no time. If you really can’t afford to upgrade your toilet now, you can convert your older toilet to a low flow toilet by placing a weight in the tank.
To weigh in, find a water and rust resistant container such as a plastic milk jug or a plastic 2 liter soda bottle. Fill the bottle with gravel or sand and seal it tightly. Place the bottle in the toilet tank, making sure the flap, float, flush arm and all other parts in the tank do not touch the bottle. This is to push some of the water out of the toilet tank. When your tank is full, less water will fill.
Another thing you can do if you are unable to replace your toilet is to install a dual flush system on your old toilet. This gives visitors the option to choose to use a little or a lot of water. You can buy it and install it yourself for around $ 30.00.
4. Replace the plastic shower curtain with one made of natural fibers. Plastic shower curtains give off toxic fumes due to the nature of soft plastics. You can buy a linen or cotton shower curtain or make it yourself.
5. Another option is a tankless water system for your bathroom. Instead of drawing hot water from the water heater, the water is stored in a separate tank. You don’t need to run the water until it warms up. It’s heated as it reaches your overhead shower or sink tap. This change alone will save a lot of money, not only on the water, but also on the electricity bill.
The above items are not only environmentally friendly ways to improve your bathroom home, but also ways to save money on water and electricity bills.
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Source by Catherine Quel