When remodeling a part of your home, your common concern would be the cost and how long it will take to finish. Making it sustainable and eco-friendly might not be at the top of your list.
What you don’t know is that sustainable home renovation can be low-cost and energy-efficient. That said, here are eight tips on how you can go green when remodeling your bathroom:
Install a Low Flow Faucet and Showerhead
Installing a low-flow faucet and showerhead in your bath reduces water usage. This allows you to save more water every time you wash or take a shower.
It will also help if you install a gray-water system. Doing so allows you to get water from the shower or sink and then reuse it in the toilet.
Although making this upgrade isn’t easy, it will significantly help the environment.
Choose a Dual Flush Toilet
If you’re thinking about replacing your toilet, then search for a dual flush model. That’s because dual flush toilets can significantly reduce your water usage.
Usually, a dual flush toilet isn’t difficult to clean or care for compared to your previous bathroom. This helps lower the water bills as well.
Since most toilets usually use up a quarter of the water in your household, you can make a significant improvement by simply making this change.
Better Ventilation
Exhaust vents, fans, and windows are essential for every bathroom that wants to be more eco-conscious. That’s because it keeps your bathroom well-ventilated and eliminates any molds that might cause humidity.
Without all that extra moisture, molds wouldn’t grow in your bath, and you don’t have to rely so much on chemicals to keep a clean bath. You’ll get better air quality as well!
You might also consider placing some plants in the bathroom to eliminate any pollutants while bringing in a touch of nature in your space.
Add a Bathroom Skylight for Natural Light
Another worthwhile upgrade that you should consider getting would be a bathroom skylight. This feature can help you bring natural light into the space.
The best part about it is that you can easily install it yourself. Letting natural light in decreases and prevents mildew and molds from forming.
Also, one of the essential benefits of skylights is that they have solar heating and better ventilation overall. This allows you to save more money in the long run when it comes to energy costs.
Use Natural Ceramic Flooring
Similarly, you might want to consider the type of flooring that you’ll use.
The best option here is to stick with something sustainable in the long run. The last thing you want is to create a burden to the environment with the kind of flooring you use.
For instance, you’re choosing between natural ceramic, bamboo, laminate, or vinyl. Marble and natural stone are also significantly great choices for the shower walls or bathroom floors.
Incorporate a Reclaimed Wood Vanity
If you’re looking for the perfect spot to place all your bath essentials, opt for a vanity that is made of reclaimed wood.
The thing with recycled materials like these is that they’re a lot more sustainable in the long run. No new materials were procured via a machine that creates so much toxin in the environment.
You can also recycle something from your own homes. It can be a nightstand or a dresser that you can transform into a bathroom vanity.
Install an Energy Star Water Heater
Do you know the second-highest energy source that you have in your home comes from water heaters? That’s why you must opt for something that’s more energy-efficient in the long run.
Ideally, choose a heater that uses less energy than standard heaters and will allow you to save a lot of money on utility costs.
For instance, tankless water heaters are excellent in giving off hot water only when needed. Heat pump water heaters are also greener options. That’s because they provide electricity that moves heat from one place to another rather than generating it.
Use Low-VOC Materials
You’re already aware of it by now. If you have lead plumbing, you should consider getting it replaced immediately. But it isn’t the only thing that you should be worrying about, especially if it’s from a health perspective.
Most traditional materials emit VOC, also known as volatile organic compounds. Over time, this can significantly affect the air quality indoors and give off more severe health risks.
As much as you can, choose paints, adhesives, sealants, and the likes with low VOC.
Over to You
Remodeling a bathroom does not have to be expensive. And one of the best ways to save money is to do green remodeling.
This means following the tips listed above so you can spruce up the bathroom while protecting the environment. Happy remodeling and good luck!
Photo by Francesca Tosolini on Unsplash.
