7 ways to make your bathroom more eco-friendly
From saving water to being more mindful of the products you use, here’s what you can do to make your bathroom a more environmentally conscious space.
Image: Dunelm
There’s not many rooms that wouldn’t benefit from some re-thinking to improve our home’s overall eco credentials, but the bathroom is certainly high up on that list.
Take a holistic approach when it comes to your bathroom, as you can make a change at a variety of levels – from the individual elements you choose during a renovation project, right down to what products you buy and your behaviour when using the space.
Looking for a place to start? Try these 7 sustainable swaps towards a greener bathroom.
Opt for an efficient toilet
Image: Geberit
On average, it’s estimated that a typical household uses over 33 litres of water every day from flushing alone, so choosing a more efficient toilet cistern when renovating your bathroom can make a substantial difference.
Homeowners can significantly reduce their daily water consumption by installing a cistern with dual flush technology, such as the Geberit Sigma concealed cistern, which requires up to half the amount of water as traditional flushing systems. These advanced cisterns use as little as 4.5 litres per flush compared to the average 9 litre systems used in most bathrooms, immediately cutting consumption. Dual flushes also allow you to be smarter with how your toilet uses water.
You could also consider looking at a shower toilet, which can help to reduce the amount of toilet paper you use – another eco-win!
Pick a water-saving shower
Image: Methven
We know by now that a shower is better for the environment than a bath, however, did you know that you can make an even more eco-choice by specifying a water-saving shower head?
The feature you want to pay attention to is the amount of litres a shower uses per minute – the lower the number, the more efficient the shower. And don’t think that this means you’ll be left with a lacklustre shower spray – new designs combine air with water to deliver good coverage and power, even while using less water.
Why not check out our guide to choosing a new shower head and make the change today?
Install LED lighting
Image: Kyoto lights by Astro, Dusk Lighting
We’re passionate on the topic of getting your bathroom lighting right, but your choice should also consider the environmental impacts too. Opting for LED lighting instead of incandescent bulbs is a much greener option and can save up to 90% less power, saving both money and energy.
Give your bathroom products an eco-overhaul
Image: Zed Bees
From toiletries that don’t use plastic packagaing, to recyclable toothbrushes and re-usable, natural clothes and sponges, there’s so much you can do to improve your bathroom’s green credentials by modifying your shopping habits. For an easy place to start, the Zed Bees starter box is full of eco-friendly products specifically for the bathroom.
Refill bottles
Image: Glass refillable bathroom bottles, Wearth London
To reduce the amount of plastic your household consumes, why not re-fill bottles with essentials like handwash, shampoo, shower gel and conditioner? You can find stylish bottles for the job, and refill pouches which use less packaging and are easily recyclable.
Stock up on eco-cleaners
Image: Dunelm
There’s a growing concern in the amount of chemicals entering our water system due to the use of non-environmentally friendly cleaning products. There are many more ecologically sound brands now on the market, or you could even try to make your own with natural products.
Dry towels naturally
Image: Egyptian cotton towels, Soak & Sleep
Towels are a pain to get dry, especially after washing them, but tumble driers are huge consumers of energy. Think about creating a space in your bathroom where towels can dry naturally – especially just in the open air.
How have you made your bathroom a more eco-friendly spot? Tweet us @goodhomesmag or post a comment on our Facebook page. Or, tag us in your own bathroom photos on Instagram, using the hashtag #ThisGoodHome.