Keep your bathroom green

Going green in the bathroom is about making some practical changes in your lifestyle.

Going green in the bathroom is about making some practical changes in your lifestyle. With water becoming a fast endangered natural resource,it is imperative that in the quest to make a difference to the environment,you begin with the bathroom. It is also one of the simplest rooms to do your part for the environment. Here are a few aspects to explore and get you started on your green journey.

Dont let water flow waste: Lets start with the basics,which is free and requires paying attention. Turn off the water when you are doing the elementary bathroom chores,brushing your teeth,shampooing,shaving or just lathering up. You will save water,enhance your eco-friendly quotient a bit and save money on your water bill too.

Look at an upgrade: Take another step further and look at upgrades. Some upgrades will not cost you much,while a few big investments will bring a bigger pay off with time. The biggest water hog in your bathroom is likely the toilet,especially if it is really an old model. Replacing an older toilet with a water-conserving model is one upgrade,which will give an immediate water conserving impact. Older models with single flush uses 12 15 litres of water in comparison to dual models available in the market today which consume 6 and 3 litres per flush. There are a few technologically state-of-the-art products also available specially designed keeping environment in focus. They use only 1.5 litres of water per flush.

Explore the market: Companies and brands today are also keeping pace with the changing environment. Plumber training is becoming essential and so are certified plumbers. A trained plumber will help fix the leaks as well as advice on ways to reduce overall water consumption. Besides that,do an assessment of plumbing fixtures available in the market today. Low-flow showerheads are a great way to reduce the amount of water you are using,so are sensor-operated faucets. If you do not want to replace your old faucets,you can achieve the same water savings with very inexpensive faucet aerators.

Watch that step: You might wonder why flooring is important for a green bathroom. But,the truth is a bathroom,with its wet surfaces,high temperatures and even higher humidity,demands a lot from a floor. Cork and bamboo flooring may be an option in some areas of your bathroom,just make sure they can stand up to water exposure. But given our climatic condition contemporary options like ceramic and vitrified tiles are best. They are durable,requires low maintenance and the eco-friendly qualities will complement the green philosophy in your bathroom. Do stay away from vinyl sheets on the floor.

Keep it green: Maintain your new green habit,once you go green. An exhaust fan is a must to remove odours,airborne irritants and moisture that can lead to mould problems. Mould can also cause or aggravate allergies,asthma,and other respiratory maladies and health problems. Running a vent fan for at least 20 minutes after a shower ensures removal of all moisture. And,lastly do regular light maintenance,using non-caustic drain cleaners to safeguard your green habit.

Simple,yet effective. A green bathroom is a small step towards leading a sustainable life.

The author is president,HSIL