Guest Blogger: Designing a Chic, Eco-Friendly Bathroom

Guest Blogger #590, Entry #1374, July 9, 2012

There is a false belief that an eco-friendly bathroom cannot possibly be beautiful or chic. Nothing is further from the truth. A plethora of green products on the market can be selected for your bathroom to make it one of the showplaces of your home. Today, these products are affordable for every budget. Some water saving appliances qualify for rebates. Local water boards and tax entities can give specific information to consumers.

Create a bathroom that looks great and saves water

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Double vanities for bathrooms allow greater use bathrooms while eliminating waiting in line. Low-flow faucets are available in a wide array of finishes and designs. If you desire a lever, dual-handle, single handle, with or without pop-up drain, there is a model for your décor style.

Save water in your bathroom with these helpful tips

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Sinks

Eco-friendly sinks are available on the market. Several products are used to make sinks including:

Bamboo • Glass • Copper • Recycled metal or glass bowls • Stone • Composites

It is considered very chic to recycle unusual bowls to make a custom sink for a bathroom. It can become the focal point of the vanity.

Vanities can be made from terrazzo, composites, stone, concrete, sustainably harvested woods and more. Vetrazzo is made from recycled glass. It is highly desired and requires a professional hand to install. These products are easy to maintain with cleaners that have low abrasive levels.

Saving water should be the focus of the eco-friendly bathroom. This one room uses most of the water in the house. Low-flow shower heads on the market supply water that feels like high flow modes. In some, air is incorporated into the shower head where a small turbine creates pressure. Instead of 5-10 gallons of water per minute, 2 to 2.5 gallons of water per minute are used. This will save significantly on the water bill.

Low flow toilets

Low flow toilets are required in any new construction or remodeling project. Single flush models and dual flush models are available. The dual flush models use less water than the single flush models. The draw back is that more than one flush may be necessary to remove solid waste. For most people, this is not a problem.

Low flow toilets can helps ave your home valuable dollars

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The toilets are available in a wide range of shapes, sizes and colors. Dual flush models cost more than single flush models and may require more attention to cleaning. They tend to streak inside the bowl.

Using recycled mirrors, sink materials, vanities and cabinets, you can have a luxurious bathroom while spending very little. Selecting low flow toilets, shower heads and faucets will save money and help save water for the environment.

For more eco-friendly ideas on Stagetecture, click here.