Protecting the environment is at the forefront of concerns nowadays. However, there are so many "going green" methods that it can be challenging to know where to begin.
An excellent place to start is in your bathroom. Conserving water, using eco-friendly fixtures, and switching to natural products are a few ways to make significant changes.
Conservation and the Water Crisis
Water covers around 70% of the Earth's surface, so it's easy to think it'll never run out. But don't forget: most of it isn't safe to drink. The water that's safe to drink is quickly getting used.
Only about 1% of all the water on Earth is safe and accessible. This fact puts a lot of pressure on the water you do have, making it essential to conserve what you can.
That 1% of water is also under stress. Pollution, water-borne illnesses, and overuse are putting those accessible water sources in danger. This stress is part of the water crisis.
The water crisis. 1 in 9 people on Earth don't have access to clean water. A lack of clean water leads to nearly a million deaths every year. The water crisis also causes stress on women and children, poverty, and detrimental effects on the environment.
In short: you need water.
Conservation is the key. Conservation seeks to make the relationship between nature and people sustainable. It looks at how we treat the environment to ensure that it's there for our future generations.
So, where do you begin? The bathroom, of course!
3 Ways to Conserve Water in the Bathroom
Anywhere in your home with water has the potential for water waste. Your bathroom has the most potential since it has three significant sources of water: your sink, toilet, and shower.
Don't leave the faucet running. Instead, turn off the water while you brush your teeth or shave. You can save up to 8 gallons of water by brushing without the water running.
Showers or baths? Taking a bath can be a relaxing way to unwind, but they use more water than showers. Baths use up to seven times as much water, so opt for a quick shower instead.
Check for leaky pipes. The average household leaks as much as 10,000 gallons of water a year. The most significant source of lost water is a leaky toilet. Regularly checking for leaks (especially during Fix a Leak Week!) can prevent this water waste.
6 Eco-Friendly Changes to Make in the Bathroom
Use natural hygiene products. Soaps and cosmetics made from vegan ingredients are better for you and the environment. However, be sure to look for sustainably sourced ingredients, as even natural ingredients like palm oil hurt the environment if overharvested. Consider making these switches in your bathroom:
- Use bar soaps and solid shampoos instead of gels to reduce plastic waste.
- Use powder toothpaste. Whether you make your own or buy all-natural, powder toothpaste will keep toxic chemicals out of your mouth and out of the waterways.
- Use mineral sunscreen to cut down the number of chemicals washed down the drain. These can be toxic to aquatic plants and wildlife.
Use sustainable toilet paper. Whether it's recycled or bamboo, sustainable toilet paper will reduce your impact on the environment. You can also install a bidet to minimize the amount of toilet paper you use altogether.
Use all-natural cleaners. You can make toilet cleaner to cut out toxic chemicals like bleach, eliminate plastic waste, and reduce fuel waste from transportation and production.
Switch to sustainable furnishings. Wood, recycled ceramic, natural linoleum, and recycled glass last longer than other materials and accrue less waste. Wood furnishings can result from deforestation, so consider the companies you're buying from to ensure they meet green standards.
Keep your fixtures up-to-date. The Environmental Protection Agency has certified various faucets, showerheads, and toilets to reduce water waste. Keeping your fixtures green will help your bathroom stay eco-friendly.
Switch to natural fabrics. Consider the soft items in your bathroom such as shower curtains, towels, and bathmats. These products are made of synthetic materials that can leach toxins into your home and down the drain. Their natural-fiber counterparts are more sturdy and safer for the environment.
As with anything, research before you buy to be sure that your eco-friendly swaps are both safe and effective.
The Cost of Being Eco-Friendly
It can be a challenge to switch to eco-friendly options at first. Many eco-friendly products are more expensive and difficult to acquire than their synthetic counterparts. Thankfully, there are a growing number of resources on how to support environmentally-healthy practices.
The upfront sacrifices might take a toll, but over time, the water saved can add up to a decrease on your water bill. Plus, the long-term benefits of an eco-friendly lifestyle will make up for those sacrifices.
