Elements of a Green Bathroom
Faucets, fixtures and floors can save water and resources
By FrontDoor.com | Published: 3/27/2008
This countertop is made from Richlite, a paper-based fiber composite.
While kitchens use the most energy in a typical home, it's bathrooms that consume the most water.
"A lot of what makes a bathroom green has to do with water savings," says Sean Ruck, spokesman for the National Kitchen & Bath Association. "And consumers can easily incorporate a lot of items that don't look or perform any differently than traditional materials, for about the same price."
Using less water in the bathroom also means a smaller utility bill. That's always a plus -- for you and potential buyers. Here are some tips to make the water-wasting room into a winning green space:
Get eco-friendly cabinetry and reused countertops
You can also choose green bathroom cabinets. Standard cupboards are make with urea-formaldehyde, which can shoot toxins into the air for up to 15 years. Look for cabinets made from wheatboard or other low VOC (volatile organic compound) materials.
For your vanity tops, try recycled tile. The tiles are melted down from recycled glass and dyed whatever color your heart desires. If you can afford the extra cost, they're a great eco-conscious choice and they look fabulous, too, so they're sure to impress buyers.
