When designing your home, especially the bathroom, consider incorporating eco-friendly elements. This can help create a space that is both functional and environmentally conscious. From bathroom furniture to repurposed tile, the ideas are endless. In this blog, we will delve into sustainable bathroom upgrade ideas and DIY techniques to transform your space.
Sustainable Bathroom Upgrade Ideas
You can improve modern bathrooms with sustainable and aesthetic upgrades like antique accents, energy-efficient lighting, water conservation, and sustainable personal care. These tips serve as a combination where style seamlessly aligns with ecological responsibility:
1. Design and Renovation
To begin with we should first find ways to upcycle and repurpose things already present there.
A) Sustainable Furniture: Look for companies devoted to eco-friendly practices that utilize materials like concrete, glass, steel, stone, and recycled plastic, preventing bathroom fixtures from ending up in landfills. Additionally, prioritize furniture made from renewable options like mud, straw, and wood.
B) Antique Accents: Preserve original elements like a butler sink and zinc backsplash, vintage mirrors, reclaimed floorboards, and salvage yards will give an antique WC. Choose vintage bathroom lighting that is safe near water sources and consider aesthetics and eco-friendliness. You can follow these tips for both aesthetics and environmental friendliness.
C) Stylish Upcycling: Transform vintage furniture into a vanity unit for an aesthetically pleasing and environmentally conscious design. Choose sturdy furniture capable of supporting a basin and countertop weight. Consider height adjustments and upgrade old hinges and runners for improved comfort and accessibility.
D) Creative Repurposing: Use a fallen branch as a curtain pole and linen shower curtains made from repurposed bed sheets. This showcases a commitment to sustainability while adding texture and warmth to the bathroom space.
E) Remodel with Natural and Reclaimed Materials: Choose eco-friendly materials like glass, bamboo, cork, porcelain, clay ceramic, and stone for bathroom furniture, fittings, and flooring. They are durable and can be reused, providing a unique and stunning look along with preserving the environment.
Different ideas to minimize your environmental impact while adding charm are as follows.
- Installing an antique clawfoot tub,
- Creating a reclaimed wood feature wall,
- Integrating vintage lighting,
- Refinishing and painting reclaimed items, and
- Blending modern aesthetics with eco-conscious design.
Also See: How to Recycle Rice Pellets to Make Waterproof Wood
2. Flooring and Lighting
Changing the lights will help us save energy in the long run, but there are other changes required too.
A) Transition to LED Bulbs: Replace traditional light bulbs like compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) with LED bulbs. They are a more environmentally friendly and energy-efficient option for bathroom and home lighting.
B) Radiant Heated Floors: For this, explore hydro-based systems as they are energy-efficient heating solutions that can be installed throughout the house to provide consistent warmth. They are an efficient alternative for bathroom renovations that outperform traditional baseboard and forced-air systems.
C) Additional Eco-Friendly Bathroom Remodel Ideas are as follows:
- Increase natural light with a skylight to reduce reliance on artificial lighting.
- Use energy-efficient lighting and LED bulbs for improved sustainability.
- Prioritize water conservation with low-flow showerheads, water-saving faucets, and aerators in older fixtures.
- Maintain excellent air quality and prevent mold growth with a high-quality ventilation fan.
3. Cleaning Products
Little did we know that these bathroom cleaners are toxic to bacteria, but they are harmful for us and environment too.
A) Veto VOCs in Bathroom Products: For this, opt for eco-friendly toilet and bathroom cleaners that align with ecological principles and are readily available at reasonable prices. Additionally, select low- or no-VOC paints for a reduced environmental impact and enhanced indoor air quality.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are found in various bathroom products like paint, varnishes, finishes, caulks, sealants, adhesives, flooring, cleaning products, and disinfectants. They lead to various health issues.
B) Plastic Reduction Strategies: Adopt proactive measures and choose products with minimal or no plastic packaging. This includes environmentally friendly toilet paper, handmade soap, shampoo bars, and zero-waste razors.
4. Bathroom Sustainability Tips
A) Reduce Water Consumption: By replace high-flowing taps, toilets, and showerheads and installing low-flow faucets and toilets you can reduce excess water wastage. Also, turn off water while brushing teeth and fixing dripping faucets.
Did you know: A 10-minute shower with a standard shower head can use up to 18 gallons of water and emit 4 lbs. of CO2?
B) Eco Friendly Showerheads: It is a practical sustainable bathroom idea that not only refreshes the bathroom’s look. They are available in various shapes and sizes, thus saving both water and energy. The average American showerhead has a high flow of 2.1 gallons per minute, making a low-flow alternative a significant water-saving measure.
C) Motion-Sensing Faucets: Replace traditional faucets with modern, motion-sensing alternatives. They turn on only when water is needed, eliminating wasteful bathroom faucet water usage.
D) Efficient Toilets: Upgrade to energy-efficient low-flow or dual-flush toilet models that offer enhanced functionality and consume less water, saving up to 6 litres of water per flush. Ensure overall water efficiency by selecting toilets with MaP (Maximum Performance) ratings and WaterSense certification, as WaterSense-certified toilets can save up to 13,000 gallons of water per year.
E) Utilize Bath Tap Water for Plants: To speed up the time it takes for your shower water to heat up, collect the initially cooler water in three one-quart containers. Use this water for your plants, reducing waste and promoting water conservation and environmental awareness.
Also See: 10 Most Water-Efficient and Sustainable Toilets
5. Storing Personal Care and Hygiene Products
For these products, let us change our purchasing and storing habits in the following ways.
A. Embrace Refillable Containers: Replace single-use plastic bottles with refillable containers for shampoo, lotion, and soap. This not only saves money but also minimizes plastic waste in landfills and oceans. Consider buying these items in bulk and transferring them to refillable containers.
B. Zero-Waste Personal Care Products: Consider zero-waste silk floss as a compostable alternative to traditional dental floss and transition from plastic to bamboo toothbrushes. You can also choose toilet paper from more sustainably sourced materials and switch to shampoo and conditioner bars to eliminate plastic bottles. These concentrated bars reduce plastic packaging and extend product lifespan, contributing to reduction of overall waste in ocean and landfills.
C. Introduce a Compost Transport Container: Introduce a compost transport container into your bathroom along with compostable Q-Tips, hair, tissues, and paper towel rolls. By gathering these compostable items in a mini compost bin within your bathroom, you can easily transfer them to an outdoor, effectively reducing landfill waste.
This simple step contributes to a more sustainable waste disposal system, allowing for the composting of items like toenail clippings, stray hairs, and cotton swabs.
D. Switch to Sustainable Bathroom Choices: For eco friendly bathroom and shower experience, you can opt for the following products:
| Traditional Option | Eco-Friendly Switch |
| Plastic Toothbrush | Wooden Toothbrush |
| Plastic Shower Gel Bottles | Handcrafted Natural Soaps |
| Plastic Loofahs | Dried Gourds Or A Coconut Coir Scrub |
| Plastic Floss | Bamboo Fibre Dental Floss |
| Aerosol Deodorant Sprays | Natural Roll-On Deodorants |
| Face Wipes | Washable Wipes |
| Standard Taps | Automatic Or Sensor Taps |
6. Changing the Decor
For an aesthetically appealing yet sustainable bathroom we can consider the following methods.
A. Shop Sustainably for Bathroom Decor: Explore affordable eco-friendly options for sustainable decor to align with your commitment to sustainability while being cost-conscious. Such items include thriving plants, carefully selected vintage pieces, and eco-conscious wallpaper.
B. Embrace Nature-Inspired Decor: Incorporate plants, twigs in repurposed glass jars, or river rocks. Explore handmade art featuring leaves and trees to enhance your bathroom’s connection to nature.
C. Eco-Friendly Wallpaper Accents: Choose non-toxic alternatives crafted from recycled or natural materials. Bathroom tiles produced from recycled materials, especially glass and porcelain, provide sustainable choices for walls and floors.
They elevate your bathroom’s aesthetics and redefine your bathroom walls sustainably, showcasing that eco-conscious design can be both lively and responsible.
Also Read: 7 Best Eco Friendly House Designs
7. Drying Laundry and Repurposing Towels
One of the sustainable bathroom upgrade ideas is to consider a sturdy drying rack or a line-drying towel and clothes as an alternative to using a machine dryer. Choose a mold-resistant linen shower curtain to eliminate the need for a plastic liner.
Consider using a traditional rug or the towel-on-the-floor trick as an alternative to a bath mat. Verify the eco-friendly claims of bath towel brands by checking for certifications and transparent environmental initiatives.
8. Adopting Green Products and Brands
You can choose cleaning supplies, hygiene products, and personal care green products from companies sharing your environmental values, with many in the beauty and personal care industry committed to sustainable ingredients, eco-conscious manufacturing, and shipping practices.
DIY Sustainable Bathroom Products
Crafted with an eco-friendly touch, these DIY bathroom accessories bring character to your space, promoting a more sustainable lifestyle with cost-effectiveness. Explore these innovative ideas to creatively transform your space.
1. DIY Eco Friendly Toilet and Bathroom Cleaner: To make your all-purpose cleaner, follow these steps:
- Step 1: In a bowl, take 1/2 cup of Castile soap and add 1/2 cup of bicarbonate of soda.
- Step 2: Add 1 cup of cooled boiled water, mix well all the ingredients
- Step 3: Add 15–20 drops of your chosen essential oils, mix again
- Step 4: Pour the mixture into a squeeze bottle
- Step 5: For toilet cleaning, pour 1/4 cup of the solution into the bowl and around the sides, allowing it to sit for ten minutes before scrubbing and flushing.
Cross-Reference: BEST Eco-Friendly Homemade Toilet Cleaner
2. DIY Hair Products: You can create homemade hair products like dry shampoo by mixing cornstarch and cocoa powder in a repurposed glass jar for a plastic-free and toxin-free alternative.
3. DIY Liquid Soap: Create your DIY zero-waste liquid soap by simply placing small soap pieces in a jar with water overnight. Choose bar soap that aligns with your sustainability goals, like avoiding palm oil or opting for brands committed to sustainably sourced palm oil.
4. Self-made Toothbrush Holder: Take a small glass jar or mug and decorate it with eco-friendly paint or materials like sea glass or beach stones. Enhance your sustainability efforts by using a bamboo toothbrush and crafting your bamboo holder with a bamboo skewer and a piece of wood.
5. Homemade Soap Dish: Craft a simple homemade soap dish by covering a small piece of driftwood with eco-friendly paint. This not only adds a decorative touch but also extends the life of your soap by preventing it from becoming soggy.
Or you can create a chic soap dispenser by repurposing a mason jar. Drill a hole in the lid, add a used soap pump, and customize with glass etching cream. This one is generally one of the best good sustainable bathroom upgrade ideas.
6. Upcycled Shower Curtain: Express your style by creating a personalized shower curtain from organic cotton or hemp fabric. Utilize natural dyes to design a pattern that aligns with your preferences. You can also upcycle an old shower curtain into a trendy bath mat or window curtain.
7. Reusable Cotton Rounds: Instead of frequent purchases, make your reusable cotton rounds from old t-shirts or towels. This not only cuts down on waste but also proves economical in the long run.
8. Repurposed Bath Mat: You can easily craft it by cutting old towels or t-shirts into small strips and braiding them together. If you are planning to upcycle an old shower curtain into a trendy bath mat. Cut it to your desired size and add a non-slip backing for the bath mat. Repurposing these materials results in a soft and absorbent mat for your bathroom.
9. DIY Toilet Paper Holder: Decorate an old tin can or a piece of driftwood to your liking. Enhance functionality by adding a small hook or knob to keep the toilet paper in place.
Now we’ve explored sustainable bathroom upgrade ideas to create a chic and environmentally conscious space. Moreover, when starting a bathroom renovation, let us first check thrift and vintage finds followed by making a budget, obtain quotes, and avoid unnecessary costs for long-term savings. For more interesting topics, keep reading our blog posts.
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