The question of sustainability and environmental practices has been present for years now. The concept revolves around implementing innovative ideas into everyday lifestyle in order to reach the maximum level of sustainability, protect the environment and our health in the process. But the question that arises quite often is in what ways can an individual contribute to a concept like this one? Well the basic idea is starting from yourself and introducing eco-friendly ideas into your own home and into your everyday routines. The most convenient place for implementing these environmentally friendly practices is of course the bathroom. And here are a few examples on how to do exactly that:
Low Flow Toilets
Did you know that toilet flushing is responsible for most water consumption in the whole house using more than 800 gallons of water per week? These numbers are quite alarming, taking in consideration the fact that installing a low flow toilet could decrease these numbers up to 1.6 gallons per flush. Another effective way of conserving water while flushing is switching your old toilet with a dual-flush. This design provides just the right amount of water per flush, saving not only water but also money in the process.
Install Aerators
When it comes to conserving water and energy while showering, the best solution is installing aerators onto shower heads and faucets. This will drastically reduce the amount of water used during washing and showering. What could also be useful is low-flow shower heads, which work on the same principle as low-flow toilets, conserving water up to 50%. Making some alterations in your everyday habits could also greatly contribute to the complete eco-friendly concept. For instance, switching from baths to showers or simply turning off the water while brushing your teeth could save substantial amounts of water.
Eco-Friendly Products
One of the most important aspects of sustainable development is taking care of one’s health and the complete environment. Studies show that conventional bathroom products used on daily basis contain toxic chemicals that are quite harmful and could have severe consequences. This is why it is recommended switching the conventional products to organic and eco-friendly ones, made from natural ingredients that are not damaging to neither humans, animals nor their surroundings.
Tankless Water Heater
Not only do traditional water heaters consume high amounts of money, energy and water, but they are also responsible for emitting carbon dioxide. Making a switch from a traditional heater to a tankless one will significantly reduce the costs of energy and regulate possible hot water problems which could arise. Tankless water heaters are known to use 20% less energy than traditional ones, simply by heating up only the required amounts of water, when needed.
Lighting
Another important factor that greatly affects the quantity of used energy is the choice of illumination in the bathroom. Simply by switching from incandescent light bulbs to compact fluorescent or LED ones could drastically decrease the energy costs. Other than the fact they conserve energy, they are also quite durable and last much longer than conventional bulbs.
There are many reasons why people should embrace the eco-friendly practices and the sustainable lifestyle. If financial stability and cutting the costs of utilities is not a good enough motivation, then surely your health and the health of your loved ones and the environment should be.
