When it comes to upgrading rooms and features of your house, a bathroom upgrade adds more value than many others. But, if you’re environmentally conscious, it’s challenging to know how to upgrade your bathroom in an eco-friendly way.
Fortunately, there are many small improvements that can turn a tired, out-of-date bathroom into a modern, environmentally-friendly sanctuary. The experts at Kitchen & Bath Renovations give us a few examples of these eco-friendly bathroom upgrades.
Install an Energy Efficient Ventilation Fan
In most cases, a bathroom either has to have a ventilation fan or a window, but often, they have both. In designing an eco-friendly bathroom, installing an energy efficient ventilation fan can both control and eliminate odors and prevent moisture from accumulating on the walls. Newer ventilation fans with humidity sensors conserve energy by using less electricity and are excellent for preventing the growth of mold in your bathroom.
Install a Bathroom Skylight
Skylights are used throughout a house to bring in more natural light, but for some reason, they aren’t often used in bathrooms. Maybe it’s a fear that others can see into the room through the skylight, but unless they’re climbing trees or roofs, that isn’t really a concern.
A skylight not only brightens the area, but it also lets in natural heat, so you can use less electricity for light and heat. Plus, the more light you have in damp spaces, the less likely mold can grow.
Install Motion-Sensing Lights and Faucets
A lot of electricity is wasted when lights are left on, which is why commercial buildings were quick to adopt motion-sensing lights that automatically turn off when motion hasn’t been detected for a set amount of time.
The same is true for water, as it can become a habit to leave the water running while you brush your teeth or wash your face. A motion-sensing faucet will reduce your water usage by automatically shutting off when an object is no longer detected.
Install an Low-Flow or Composting Toilet
If you haven’t replaced your old standard toilet yet, it’s time. The low-flow models that are now available aren’t the low-flow models of yesterday. These no longer get clogged with the slightest obstruction and you get the benefit of using significantly less water with each flush.
Hard-core environmentalists may opt for a composting toilet, which turns human waste into soil for flowers, plants, and trees. Don’t worry! They don’t stink as long as you maintain them properly and they’ll make a huge difference in the amount of water you use.
Use Recycled Materials
From the floor to the cabinets to the windows, almost every renovation you can think of in your bathroom can be done with recycled or earth-friendly materials such as bamboo, concrete, glass, and reclaimed wood. By carefully planning your bathroom renovation and design, you can incorporate recycled materials and extend their lives.
Conclusion
There’s no reason why your bathroom renovation can’t be good for the planet. There are plenty of ways to go green when you redo your bathroom that will also give you a beautiful result. Discuss your options with your bathroom renovation specialist to ensure you get the materials you need and the bathroom you want.
