Sustainable living is quickly becoming a part of the lifestyle. But at times it may feel overwhelming. People talk about complicated compositing systems and elaborate solar panel installation. Who has the time or resources for that? Well, I certainly didn't. But then I realized that even small changes, especially in a space like the bathroom could make a huge difference. 

In this blog, I’ll show you how creating an eco-friendly bathroom is achievable for everyone.

A green bathroom can provide some serious benefits, including:

• The use of water saving fixtures such as dual flush toilets, low flow faucets, and showers, reduces up to 50% of water usage in the bathroom. This lowers your water bills over time. 
• Bathrooms designed with sustainability in mind often use energy-efficient LED lights, ventilation, and heating systems that translate into decreased energy consumption helping you to save money on utility bills. 
• Eco-friendly bathrooms are closer to nature helping you to create a healthier environment in the bathroom. You choose non toxic and chemical-free cleaning and grooming products that reduce your risk of exposure to harmful elements.
• Green bathrooms are linked with long-term financial benefits. Not only your water and energy bills are reduced but bathrooms require less maintenance and repairs.

Designing a sustainable bathroom involves installing water saving and energy efficient fixtures and following eco-friendly practices. Here we have discussed a variety of types and ideas to create a sustainable bathroom.

Plastic bottles are not biodegradable and pose a significant threat to the environment. While these bottles can persist for hundreds of years, most bathroom products come packaged in them. Switching to refillable soap dispensers (consider options that are durable/stylish) can significantly reduce the amount of waste produced in your bathroom. You can fill these dispensers with soap purchased in bulk, eliminating the need for disposable plastic bottles.

Paper towels are extensively used in bathrooms. However, they are made with a material sourced from trees and the manufacturing process consumes a lot of water and energy with loads of waste. So, switching to a washable hand towel can be a good idea. This will not only help the environment but also save you money in the long run.

Standard toilet paper and tissues are made with virgin wood pulp that comes from trees contributing to deforestation. These require a lot of time to decompose, which also results in waste for landfills. Switching to biodegradable toilet paper and tissues can be a better idea as these are made from sustainable materials. And can quickly break down in the environment.

Environmental experts also suggest using a compost bin in the bathroom. It is a very simple small container with a lid to store organic waste. Such bins can be used for cotton swabs and other biodegradable materials. The waste you will put in will turn the organic waste into nutrient-rich soil that can be used for gardening purposes.

Many people try to flush different items down the flush, contributing to clogs in the sewage system, and harming the environment. Therefore, it is a good practice to avoid flushing any non-degradable materials like wipes, feminine hygiene products, etc. When flushed into the sewage system, these items end up in waterways that can be problematic for aquatic habitats.

Most cleaning products available in the market are filled with toxic and harmful chemicals. These not only create respiratory problems, and skin irritation but also pollute the environment. Therefore, switching to eco-friendly cleaning products can be a healthy alternative for both you and the environment. You can make your own organic washing liquid, too and there are similar products available in the market too. You will need to see biodegradable and environmentally friendly or natural written on the packing.

Reducing the use of water is a major part of turning your bathroom into an eco-friendly space. You can choose bathroom fittings and fixtures that can help you with it. For example, a dual flush toilet can help you reduce water used in a toilet which consumes around 22% of water in total households. So, when you have the option to choose between two quantities as per your need, it can save you water each time. Whether you need the close coupled toilet, back-to-wall toilet, or a wall-hung toilet, there is an extensive range available with dual flush mechanisms. Another change you should look for to use less water is in the shower. Consider the use of low-flow high-pressure shower heads and faucets that work with sensors to help you save water.

People in the UK use washing machines around 4.7 times a week. At the same time, a traditional washing machine uses a lot of water and consumes energy, which contributes to high utility bills and impacts the environment. You should opt for a water efficient washing machine that uses less water and requires less energy to operate, helping to reduce utility bills and protect the environment at the same time. You should look for the models with the ENERGY STAR label, which indicates the standard of energy efficiency is met as set by the U.S Environmental Protection Agency.

Creating an eco-friendly bathroom is not difficult or expensive. You can start by making small changes, make smart choices while choosing bathroom fittings and fixtures, switch to eco-friendly cleaning products, and prefer natural personal care items easily. All of this change will go a long way in reducing your water and energy bill while you will be protecting the environment and creating healthier living spaces for yourself and your family.