Sunday, November 9, 2008

How To Create An Eco Friendly Bathroom

Whether planning a new bathroom or remodeling one, creating an eco-friendly bathroom can be a money-saving option that’s healthy for the environment and the people living in the home.

Step 1
CONSIDER using ceramic tile for floors, countertops and walls surrounding the tub and shower. Ceramic tile is less prone to damage from moisture, and some tiles are even made from recycled products.

Step 2
INSTALL a low-flow shower head, and save money on water and energy bills over time. New models no longer drastically reduce water flow, and they typically use about 2 gallons of water per minute. Conventional shower heads use about 6 gallons per minute.

Step 3
SAVE more water by installing an ultra-low flush toilet, which typically uses about four liter of water for flushing. Dual-flush toilets have two knobs that allow users to conserve water by selecting the amount needed for flushing waste. Pressure-assisted toilets also save water and use compressed air for efficient flushing but they can be noisy.

Step 4
LOOK for wheatboard bathroom cabinets, which are typically made from wheat straw and a nontoxic binder. Cabinets made from conventional particleboard and medium-density fiberboard, known as MDF, can emit toxic chemicals such as formaldehyde. Cabinets made from supportive, harvested wood are another eco-friendly option.

Step 5
PREVENT mold by installing a bath fan that reduces moisture. Make sure the fan is safe for installation over tubs and showers.

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