7 ways to make your bathroom more eco-friendly

The discussion for an energy-efficient and environmentally friendly home has been particularly active in recent years. There is increasing talk of the so-called "greening" of the home, which includes a number of changes both at the furnishing level and in its equipment with energy-saving and other technologies. Although the bathroom occupies a seemingly small part of the home, it is often one of the areas where there is the most pollution and consumption of resources. Too much water, paper, toxic cleaning agents and electricity are wasted daily. The bathroom furniture you choose can help you use fewer harmful detergents, waste less water and electricity for heating. Here are 7 tips on how to make your bathroom more environmentally friendly.

Install a low-water toilet

Toilets are the source of 27% of water consumption in the average European home, more than any other appliance, be it a washing machine, dishwasher or even a shower. Replacing your toilet bowl and cistern with ones designed for low water consumption will significantly reduce your bills. The idea that these types of toilets are less hygienic is misleading, as they have a special device that regulates the speed and angle at which the water is flushed, thus using it much more efficiently.

If you still have a regular toilet, you can improve its efficiency by installing a dual flush, one that would release less water than the other when needed. The difference between the two flushes is usually a liter.

Install a shower with a lower water flow

For many people, showering is about relaxation and unwinding, and we don't really need the water to be running at full capacity all the time. While a normal shower uses 18 to 30 liters of water per minute, a low-flow shower uses just 9 liters at the same water pressure. By reducing the amount of water you use in the shower, you save in two ways: on the one hand, you save liters of water, and on the other, you save on heating it. In addition to being extremely efficient, these types of showers are also an easy-to-install solution. They cost a little more than a normal shower and can be installed in 10 minutes, with no need to change a battery.

We also recommend purchasing a showerhead with a water filter, especially if you live in an area with harder water. These types of filters trap chlorine and other chemicals, preventing potential skin and respiratory problems.

Install motion-sensitive veneers

Another part of the bathroom, besides the shower, where huge amounts of water are wasted is the sink. Despite the self-discipline we impose on ourselves, almost everyone uses more water than they need when washing their face, teeth or hands. Imagine how much unused water goes down the drain the moment you reach for soap or a toothbrush. Motion-sensing faucets save you the effort of turning the faucets on and off every time you move. In addition, such devices are more hygienic, since most of the bacteria in a sink are around its faucets.

Replace the light bulbs.

If you haven't switched to LED lighting yet, it's time to do so. In recent years, the lighting industry has developed new color solutions for LED bulbs, so they can now be purchased not only in the cool white-bluish colors, but also in the classic yellow that older bulbs emit.

LED lights are a good solution as they will reduce your electricity bills and save you from constantly replacing bulbs, which burn out especially quickly when placed in the bathroom. Another reason to switch to LED is that more and more countries are outlawing high-voltage bulbs.

Get an energy-efficient fan

How is your bathroom ventilation done? If you rely on a fan to keep moisture out, it's a good idea to consider a more energy-efficient solution. Devices are now available on the market that consume up to 60% less electricity than classic fans.

Invest in environmentally friendly materials

Here we mean not only the soap, towels and toilet paper you use, but also the flooring and the materials from which the furniture in your bathroom is made. Having more natural materials in the bathroom not only increases the efficiency of your home, but also makes the bathroom safer for your own health. The use of low-quality paints, adhesives, grouts, plastics, detergents and others leads to the daily release of dozens of harmful toxins in your home. More and more bathroom furnishing companies offer eco-friendly solutions such as wood, cork, resins and other materials.

Good thermal insulation

In countries with humid climates and longer winters, good thermal insulation is a key factor in maintaining a healthy temperature and humidity level in the room. Investing in good plasters, underfloor heating and flooring that are heat conductors is the formula for quality thermal insulation .