5 Tips for Creating an Eco Friendly Bathroom
A growing number of Brisbane households are looking for ways to make their homes eco friendly. From installing water tanks to composting household waste and investigating solar, as a nation we are gradually becoming more environmentally aware. Not only is this good news for the planet, but it can also result in long-term savings for homeowners who are gradually making Eco Friendly Bathroom and their houses more energy-efficient.
One area of the home that can really benefit from this changed mindset is the bathroom – a room that has traditionally been responsible for a lot of power and water usage. And while “eco-friendly” used to be synonymous with self-sacrifice (compromising on comfort, function or aesthetics), these days things are quite different. There is a fantastic range of bathroom fittings and fixtures that can reduce your carbon footprint and minimise water usage, while still looking fantastic and functioning perfectly.
So, whether you’re renovating or building new if you’re interested in having a “greener” home, here are our top 5 tips for creating an eco friendly bathroom:
1. Incorporate Water-saving Bathroom Fixtures
This is one of the easiest ways that you can minimise how much water your family are using. Choosing a 3- or 4-star showerhead is one way that you can do this (and unlike the original “water-saving” models, 4-star showerheads have to pass a “spray force” test to ensure user comfort). Another option is to look for low flow taps, which have been designed to incorporate air into the flow of water (so it still feels like a standard tap, but you use less water). Finally, make sure you opt for a dual-flush toilet, which saves an average of $148 of water usage per year when compared to a single flush model.
2. Minimise Your Mains Power Usage
To reduce the amount of mains power you’re using you can make some simple changes, such as switching to more energy-efficient lighting or incorporating dimmer switches. However, for maximum impact, try investing in either a solar hot water service or a continuous flow hot water service. These options use substantially less power than a traditional hot water service since they’re not trying to keep a big tank of water heated 24/7.
3. Look for Recycled Materials That Can Be Upcycled
Just because you’re renovating your bathroom, that doesn’t necessarily mean you need to buy brand new everything. For example, if you like the size and shape of your original bathroom mirror (and it’s still in good condition), could you keep the glass and just change the frame to match the new style? Can the old bathroom cabinet be transformed into some open shelving? While some items will invariably only be fit for the tip, upcycling where possible can help to reduce the amount of landfill that is generated.
4. Select Natural Products Where Possible
Steering away from plastic and choosing natural materials is another way that you can create a beautiful looking bathroom that is also eco friendly. Think of products made from granite, marble, timber, bamboo or linen. In addition to requiring less processing during manufacture, good quality natural materials will often last longer than the cheaper plastic options.
Choose Products Backed by Sound Environmental Practice:
Try to look for product manufacturers that have environmental certifications or that incorporate closed-loop manufacturing techniques. Polytec produces a range of high-quality and long-lasting Woodmatt laminate products that are ideal for bathroom installations and that are backed by environmental certifications with international recognition. You can also look for tiles with LEET (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) Certification since companies must comply with strict environmental regulations to gain LEET approval.
