The bathroom might only take up a fraction of the space in our homes, but it is the one spot where we overindulgent in water use, use excessive amounts of paper and have cleaning and beauty products multiplying at an enormous rate. It is just as important to keep this space as green and non-toxic as possible while reducing our impact on the environment.
Here are 7 tips that can help turn your bathroom into one of the most enjoyable and sustainable places in your home.
- Install a low-flow shower head
Many people have already figured out that taking an hour long shower while singing their favorite song is not the most eco-friendly way to begin the day. Investing in a low-flow shower head (find them here – affiliate link) and taking a shorter shower might be a great option to reduce the amount of water going down the drain.
- Install a low-flow toilet
Toilets use 27% of the water consumed in our homes, which is more than any other appliance. Installing a low-flow toilet (find them here – affiliate link) will help reduce the amount of water being consumed daily. If you already have one, try installing a dual-flusher which will help to decrease the amount of water even more. If neither is an option, simply place a rock or a bottle filled with sand in the tank.
- Install a motion sensor faucet
A large amount of unused water flows down the drain at a rapid rate when you brush your teeth or wash your face. Installing a motion sensor faucet will drastically reduce the amount of wasted water. If this is not an option at this point, installing an aerator on the faucet will be a great step in the right direction.
- Make the switch to organic towels
Embracing a sustainable lifestyle is all about using what we have and trying to avoid unnecessary purchases, but if your towels are on their last legs and they seem more suitable as a rag; go out and make a sustainable purchase by switching to organic or hemp towels (find them here – affiliate link).
- Use a non-toxic and environmentally-friendly shower curtain
Did you know that many PVC (plastic) shower curtains contain nasty chemicals that can be released into the air? That does not sound very healthy. Ditch the plastic for a more sustainable curtain like hemp or cotton or a PVC-free on (find them here – affiliate link)
- Clean with homemade or non-toxic store-bought cleaning products
If you are a DIY kind of person, break out the water and vinegar (get DIY recipes here) and make your bathroom sparkle. If making your own is not your thing, there are many green options (find them here – affiliate link) on the market that are less toxic and keep the environment and your health in mind.
- Use non-toxic and eco-friendly personal care products
Most people tend to use various different personal care product (read more here) during the day from toothpaste (my favorite brand here – affiliate link) to mouthwash and hand cream to soap (my favorite brand here – affiliate link). What we put on our bodies is just as important as what we put in our bodies. Stocking up your bathroom with organic and natural products will help lend to a more sustainable and healthier you. Simply using coconut oil in place of cream is one way to green up your routine.
What are some other ways you have added some green to your bathroom?