Tips for an Eco-Friendly Bathroom
Green is the new mantra. An eco-friendly bathroom not only saves environment but also offers a healthy living.
Every day we use thousands of gallons of water in various household activities like cleaning, washing, brushing, bathing etc. All these activities leave behind large amount of germs which are cleaned using chemicals.
The eco-friendly bathroom has numerous natural ways of keeping your bathroom clean as well as maintaining your bathroom. A little change in your habits and wise usage of resources will make a huge difference in making the planet a greener place. Ensure proper ventilation and clean air to avoid mould or dampness and warding the toxins away. Here are some simple steps for converting your bathroom into an eco-friendly one.
Conserve water and use it efficiently: It is advisable that you avoid flushing the water in large amount down the drains. It is always better to have bathroom equipments which use less water in your bathroom. Install a shower head which has a low flow, a faucet aerator with low flow and a dual flush toilet which can dispose less water. Following these steps would save gallons of water each year. There are also composting toilets available which do not make use of water. Avoid having showers for longer hours and try having a navy shower (Turning the shower off while you lather up).
Shower care: make sure to spray the shower with a natural mould fighting solution after each use. This helps you to eliminate mould by the usage of natural solutions rather than a chemical based one. Spraying your shower regularly will also save your energy from scrubbing and cleaning later. The natural spray should be placed in your bathroom which can be easily used. A mixture of white vinegar, water, tea tree oil and lavender essential oil can be used as a disinfectant for the shower.
Avoid flushing oodles of water: Although most of us prefer using water rather than a toilet paper, it is advisable to flush a lesser amount of water. The toilet paper in your bathroom can contain a roll of recycled paper. Avoid using products which are made from trees in the forest. Also avoid the spread of bacteria and close the lid before flushing the toilet. Installing a dual flush toilet and retrofit saves large amounts of water.
A natural scrub for your sink and bath tub: Making use of a natural scrub for your sink and your bathtub will avoid your bathroom from being exposed to chemicals. You can make use of a sponge or a brush to clean the required objects. This non-toxic cleanser to clean your tub can include a mixture of liquid soap, antibacterial essential oil and baking soda.
Avoid disposable items: A most commonly used disposable product is the toilet paper in your bathroom. Avoid using disposable items and replace them with re-usable rags or micro fibre to clean up the mirror, sink and other objects. Avoid buying disposable toilet cleaning brushes and spray bottles. Instead, use the old ones.
Ventilate your bathroom: Proper ventilation in your bathroom is required in order to ward off foul smell. For this you need to keep your windows open, keep the door ajar or install an exhaust fan. As the temperature and steam level is higher in this place, it is very important to ward off the dampness which can cause a mould growth all over your bathroom.
Sink care: To avoid extreme wastage of water it is always better to install a low-flow faucet aerator in your sink. Make sure to turn off the tap while you’re brushing or doing any other activity. Also installing a stopper in the sink will help you save water.
Mirror care: One of the best natural remedies to keep your mirrors clean is the usage of white vinegar to remove stains. Follow this routine regularly and wipe them with a recycled paper to get a shiny surface.
Eco-friendly curtains: Avoid installing a PVC curtain for your bathroom; instead go in for a green curtain. They can be made out of materials like linen, organic cotton, hemp or coated nylon. The PVC curtains release harmful chemicals called dioxins and create a foul odour.
Eco-friendly personal care: Replace your branded body moisturizer with essential oils, shea butter or cocoa butter. For your toothbrush you can use a replaceable head or a recyclable plastic toothbrush. Select eco-friendly items such as shampoos, conditioners, skincare and hair care. Boys can use replaceable head razors rather than disposable ones.
Lighting: Install a Compact florescent light bulb to avoid too much production of heat.
Bathroom sprays: To get rid of foul odours, make use of natural sprays containing mixtures of vinegar, baking soda and essential oils.
Eco-friendly fabrics: Opting for organic towels and linens in your bathroom not only helps you but also results in a good health. Towels and linen made out of bamboo can also be used, as it has antibacterial properties. Most of the towels and linens in your bathroom contain pesticide in them which are a great hazard to human health and environment.
Also read:
Tips for Easy Bathroom Makeover
