More than 40% of the world’s population is impacted by water scarcity and this issue is expected to worsen. For our day-to-day activities, conventional flush toilets are commonly used, which account for about 30% of household water consumption in the US. Embracing eco-friendly toilets presents a solution to mitigate this concern. In this blog, we dive deep into this concept and provide an overview of the most water-efficient and sustainable toilets.
Most Water-Efficient and Sustainable Toilets
Eco-friendly toilets are designed to reduce water use and prevent waste and pathogens from entering the environment. They can be classified into two main categories.
- Water-efficient toilets: They use less water than conventional flush toilets, either by using a low-flow or dual-flush mechanism or by incorporating a WaterSense label that certifies their performance and efficiency.
- Waterless toilets: They do not use any water at all but instead rely on alternative methods of waste management, such as composting or incinerating.
We have created a list of some of the most water-efficient and sustainable toilets that use special flush systems as well as waterless methods.
1. Niagara
Niagara is a sustainable toilet brand that is part of Niagara Conservation, a New Jersey company that produces water and energy conservation products. It offers toilets that are one of the most water-efficient toilets in the world, using only 0.8 gallons of water per flush. It also features a patented hydraulic technology that creates a powerful flush with minimal noise.
Niagara Stealth Ultra-High-Efficiency Single-Flush Toilet
Key features and benefits:
- Uses only 0.8 gallons (3 liters) of water per flush.
- Saves up to 20,000 gallons (75,708 liters) of water per year compared to a standard 1.6-gallon (6-liter) toilet.
- Eliminates leaks and reduces maintenance costs with a durable flapper-less design.
- Meets EPA WaterSense and MaP Premium criteria for performance and efficiency.
- Comes with a 10-year warranty.
- Features a soft close seat.
- Patented hydraulic technology creates a powerful flush with minimal noise.
- Comes with a smooth and sleek design that fits any bathroom style.
Niagara Stealth Ultra-High-Efficiency Single-Flush Toilet is unavailable to purchase on their official website. However, you can request a price quotation at Niagara.com or buy from HomeDepot.com for $169.00.
2. American Standard
American Standard offers a large selection of toilets that have the latest advancements installed, such as high-efficiency, dual-flush, and WaterSense toilets. It also provides water-conserving toilets that are never low in performance quality. Two popular sustainable toilet models from this manufacturer are:
| Models | Studio S Collection | H2Option |
| Flush Mode | Single Flush | Dual Flush |
| Water Usage | 1.28 gallons (4.8 liters) per flush | 0.92-gallon or 1.28-gallon per flush |
| Water Sense/MaP Premium | Yes | Yes |
| Unique Features | Features a chrome-plated side-mounted trip lever for easy flushing | Siphonic jet technology and a PowerWash rim |
| Warranty | Lifetime | 5 years |
| Price Range | $737.54 | $336.70 |
- American Standard Studio S Collection WaterSense Certified Toilet is available at AmericanStandard.com for around $737.54
- American Standard H2Option Dual Flush Right Height Elongated Toilet is unavailable on their official website but can be purchased on HomeDepot.com for around $336.70
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3. TOTO
Toto is a sustainable toilet brand that is part of TOTO Ltd., a Japanese company that produces sanitary ware, faucets, and accessories. It offers toilets that are high-quality and durable, with a variety of flushing systems, such as Tornado Flush, Power Gravity, G-Max, and 1G. It also offers toilets that have a CEFIONTECT glaze that prevents dirt and bacteria from sticking to the surface.
Two famous models from Toto are:
| Models | TOTO Aquia IV | TOTO Drake II 1G |
| Flush Mode | Dual Flush | Single Flush |
| Water Usage | 0.8 or 1.28 gallons of water per flush | 1 gallon of water per flush |
| Water Sense/MaP Premium | Yes | Yes |
| Unique Features | CEFIONTECT glaze that prevents dirt and bacteria | Fully glazed trapway and a stainless-steel nozzle |
| Warranty | 1-year | 1-year |
| Price Range | $768.00 | $765.00 |
- TOTO Aquia IV Two-Piece Toilet is available at TotoUSA.com for around $768.00
- TOTO Drake II 1G Two-Piece Toilet is available at TotoUSA.com for around $765.00
4. Kohler
Kohler produces plumbing products, engines, generators, and furniture. It offers a wide range of toilets that have different styles, designs, and features, such as classic, modern, compact, elongated, comfort height, dual-flush, and water-sense toilets. It also offers toilets that have an integrated cleansing function that offers a range of features, such as a heated seat, a warm air dryer, a deodorizer, and a remote control.
| Model | Kohler Memoirs Stately | Kohler Highline Arc | Kohler Veil Comfort |
| Flush Mode | Single Flush | Single | Dual Flush |
| Water Usage | 1.28 gallons per flush | 1.28 gallons of water per flush | 0.8 or 1.28 gallons of water per flush |
| Water Sense/MaP Premium | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Unique Features | Classic Design with elongated bowl | Left handed polished chrome level | Stainless-steel wand and a UV light that sanitizes the nozzle and the bowl |
| Warranty | 1-year warranty | 1-year warranty | 1-year warranty |
| Price Range | $436.50 | $199.00 | $4,518.75 |
- Kohler Memoirs Stately toilet is available at Kohler.com for around $436.50
- Kohler Highline Arc 2-Piece Toilet cannot be bought from their official website and is exclusively available at HomeDepot.com for around $199.00
- Kohler Veil Comfort Height Compact Elongated Toilet features some luxury features such as a heated seat, a warm air dryer, a deodorizer, and a remote control. It can be purchased at Kohler.com for around $4518.75
5. Incinolet
Incinolet is a toilet brand that is part of Research Products/Blankenship, a Texas company that produces incinerating toilets and air filters. It offers innovative water-efficient toilets that incinerate human waste into sterile ash without using any water. It also features an electric heat system and a vent system that removes any smoke and odor from the toilet.
Incinolet Incinerating Toilet
Key Features:
- Incinerates human waste into sterile ash without using any water.
- Uses electric heat to burn the waste at a high temperature, leaving behind a small amount of ash that can be easily disposed of.
- Eliminates the need for water, plumbing, septic, or sewer systems.
- Destroys pathogens and bacteria in the waste, ensuring hygiene and safety.
- Ventilation system that removes any smoke and odor from the toilet.
- Simple and sturdy design that can be used in any location, such as homes, offices, camps, etc.
- Complies with electrical safety standards set by UL and CSA.
- Comes with a 1-year warranty and a supply of paper liners.
Incinolet Incinerating Toilet can be bought from Incinolet.com within a price range of around $2,799.00 – $3,049.00
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6. Tushy
Tushy produces bidet toilet seat attachments and accessories. It offers simple and affordable options that transform any toilet into a bidet. This eco-friendly toilet also features a pressure control knob that allows the user to customize the water pressure and angle.
Tushy Classic 3.0 Bidet Toilet Seat Attachment
Key features and benefits:
- A simple and affordable option that transforms any toilet into a bidet.
- This sustainable toilet saves up to 80% of toilet paper and reduces the environmental impact of paper production and disposal.
- Provides a refreshing and soothing wash that prevents irritation, infection, and hemorrhoids.
- Comes with a self-cleaning nozzle that sanitizes itself before and after each use.
- Easy and adjustable design that can be attached to any standard toilet in minutes, without any plumbing or electricity.
- Features a pressure control knob that allows the user to customize the water pressure and angle.
- Comes with a 60-day risk-free trial and a 12-month warranty.
Tushy Classic 3.0 Bidet Toilet Seat Attachment is available at HelloTushy.com for $99.00 approximately.
7. BioBidet
BioBidet specializes in bidet toilets and toilet seat attachments. It offers luxurious and innovative toilets that have a built-in bidet function that provides personalized cleansing and drying settings. It also features a smart remote control and a wireless app that allows the user to customize the water temperature, pressure, and spray pattern.
Discovery DLX Smart Bidet Toilet
Key features and benefits:
- This luxurious and innovative toilet has a built-in bidet function that provides personalized cleansing and drying settings.
- Features a motion-activated lid, a touchless flush, and an LED nightlight for convenience and comfort.
- Tankless design and a direct water supply that ensures a consistent and reliable flush.
- This eco-friendly toilet eliminates the requirement for toilet paper and reduces the environmental impact of paper production and disposal.
- Features a smart remote control and a wireless app.
- Comes with a 3-year warranty and a heated seat.
BioBidet Discovery DLX Smart is available at BioBidet.com for around $2,699.00
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8. DuraStyle
DuraStyle produces sanitary ceramics, bathroom furniture, and accessories. It offers modern and minimalist toilets that have a square-shaped bowl and a skirted trapway that gives it a sleek and simple appearance. It also features a soft-close seat and a chrome push button for comfort and convenience.
DuraStyle 1-Piece 1.28 GPF Single Flush Square Toilet
Key features and benefits:
- Single-flush system that uses 1.28 gallons of water per flush.
- This water-efficient sustainable toilet saves up to 16,500 gallons (62,460 liters) of water per year compared to a standard 1.6-gallon (6-liter) toilet.
- Meets EPA WaterSense and MaP Premium criteria for performance and efficiency.
- Floor-mount installation and a vertical outlet make it easy to install and maintain.
- Features a soft-close seat and a chrome push button for comfort and convenience.
- Comes with a 5-year warranty and a choice of colors.
DuraStyle 1-Piece 1.28 GPF Single Flush Square Toilet is unavailable to purchase on their official website. However, you can submit a dealership inquiry at Duravit.com or buy from HomeDepot.com for $438.75
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9. HOROW
HOROW specializes in producing toilets, bidets, and other bathroom products. The company is based in Taiwan and sells its products worldwide. HOROW aims to craft comfortable spaces for life, with products that are designed for small spaces, water efficiency, and easy installation. HOROW also offers a lifetime after-sales service and a 2-year limited warranty for its products.
HOROW HWMT-8733U Small Compact One-Piece Toilet
Key features and benefits:
- This sustainable toilet is designed for small spaces, measuring only 25 inches deep by 13.4 inches wide and 28.4 inches high.
- It features a dual-flush system that uses 0.8 or 1.28 gallons of water per flush, saving water and money.
- This eco-friendly toilet has a siphon flush mechanism that is powerful and quiet, preventing clogs and leaks.
- It comes with a soft-closing and quick-release seat that is comfortable and easy to clean.
- It has a fully glazed bowl that stays clean and sanitary.
- It has two large installation access holes on the side that make it easy to install.
- It has a lifetime after-sales service and a 2-year limited warranty.
HOROW HWMT-8733U Small Compact One-Piece Toilet is available at horrowbath.com for around $275.49
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10. Swiss Madison
Swiss Madison provides a wide range of sustainable toilets that feature sleek and modern designs, water-efficient flushing, electric components, bidet seats, and more. Swiss Madison also offers a 1-year limited warranty and responsive customer service for its products.
A. Swiss Madison Well Made Forever SM-1T254 St. Tropez One Piece Toilet
Key features and benefits:
- This eco-friendly toilet has a sleek and modern design that enhances the look of any bathroom.
- It features a dual-flush system that uses 1.1 or 1.6 gallons of water per flush, conserving water without compromising on power.
- It has a Vortex flush technology that uses dual nozzles to create a powerful and clean flush, keeping the bowl cleaner than standard rim holes.
- It has a skirted trapway that conceals the plumbing and makes it easier to clean.
- It has a standard 12-inch rough-in that fits most existing plumbing.
- It has a 1-year limited warranty and responsive customer service.
Swiss Madison SM-1T254 St. Tropez One Piece Toilet is available at swissmadison.com for around $391.00
Note: The above-mentioned prices of these eco-friendly toilets are subject to change as per sellers, location, and shipping.
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How to Choose the Best Sustainable Toilet?
Choosing the best sustainable toilet for your home or project depends on several factors, such as your budget, space, water availability, power supply, and personal preference. Here are a few recommendations to help you in deciding:
1. Water efficiency: The most common measure of water efficiency is the gallons per flush (GPF) rating. Look for toilets that have a GPF of 1.28 or less, which are considered high-efficiency toilets. You can also opt for dual-flush toilets, which have two buttons for different flush volumes, allowing you to save water depending on the type of waste.
2. Size and design: Before buying a new toilet, make sure to check the dimensions and the location of the flush handle or button to ensure it fits well in your space. You may also want to consider the shape and height of the toilet seat, the style and color of the toilet, and the ease of installation and maintenance.
3. Features and benefits: There are many types of sustainable toilets available in the market, each with its advantages and disadvantages. Some of the most popular ones are Low-flow single-flush toilets, WaterSense toilets, Composting toilets, Incinerating toilets, and Bidet toilets.
4. Reviews and ratings: Before buying a new toilet, it is a good idea to read the reviews and ratings of other customers who have used the same or similar models. This can help you get a better idea of the quality, performance, and durability of the toilet, as well as any potential issues or drawbacks.
5. Certifications: You can also look for certifications or awards that indicate the toilet’s environmental or social impact, such as the WaterSense label, the Cradle to Cradle certification, or the Good Housekeeping Seal.
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Brands like Kohler and American Standard manufacture some of the most reliable toilets and are available in almost all price ranges. If your budget is low you can opt for the Niagra Stealth toilet as it provides great water efficiency even at a lower price point. However, if you fancy luxury features you can either choose the BioBidet Smart toilet or Kohler Veil Comfort.
We hope this blog helped you understand how do eco-friendly toilets work. This list of the most water-efficient and sustainable toilets encourages you to consider switching towards an eco-friendly lifestyle for a better future. Stay tuned to read more about composting toilets in upcoming blogs.
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