3 Environmental Ways to Upgrade a Bathroom

Make your bathroom greener and more luxurious with these changes

Concern for the environment and the future well-being of Earth is on the minds of many. As a result, there are concerted efforts to avoid single-use plastics such as straws and water bottles, switch to hybrid or electric vehicles, and search for sources of renewable energy. While this is all admirable and an important part of lessening our impact on the planet, there are other significant steps that can be taken in the home. 

One of the most wasteful areas of the typical home is the bathroom where energy and water are often wasted, and disposable items are frequently used. Here are three ways to easily and comfortably upgrade a bathroom while making it more environmentally friendly. 

Switch to a Bidet 

Many who have traveled abroad (especially those who have visited Japan) have noticed that the American toilet could use some improvement. Switching to a bidet is more sanitary and easier on the skin in sensitive areas than using toilet paper. Not only that, in the US, more than 15 million trees are pulped each year to make 36.5 million rolls of toilet paper — a large-scale switch to bidets could reduce that. 

The Coway Bidetmega 200 is a top-of the line bidet that fits on every brand of toilet, whether round or elongated. It can be easily installed to replace an existing toilet seat and customized for men, women, and children of all shapes and sizes. Braille lettering on the buttons adds to the accessibility. Featuring a heated seat, customizable water and drying stream temperatures and pressures, and a two-stage flow channel and nozzle sterilization, the Coway Bidetmega 200 offers comfort and customization that makes it hard to switch back to toilet paper. ECO mode adds to its environmental benefits by reducing standby energy consumption. 

Smart Water Monitoring 

Low-flow shower heads are a great start to decreasing overall water usage in the bathroom — low-flow shower heads from High Sierra even feel as powerful as standard ones. But knowledge is power, and really being aware of the amount of water that is being wasted is an excellent way to motivate people to limit water usage. 

StreamLabs from RWC Global optimizes water use in a connected smart home by constantly monitoring water flow and usage. A non-invasive water monitor is placed along the main water line and can be controlled and monitored via a smartphone app. In addition to providing information about water use habits and where usage can be limited, the app also provides real-time information that helps to detect leaks — which can both save on water costs and keep your property safe from water damage. 

LED Lighting 

A simple way to step up energy efficiency in the bathroom is to replace traditional lightbulbs with LED lights. LED has been growing in popularity in recent years due, in part, to the fact that it is a form of lighting that is both more energy-efficient and longer-lasting. Because there is no energy loss via heat in LED lighting, such efficiency not only helps save the planet, it allows homes and businesses to save money as well. 

Philips LED Lighting is one of the most popular lighting options when choosing to upgrade a bathroom and is available in a wide variety of colors that can affect the feel of the room, from warm and relaxing to cool and refreshing. The LED lights also boast a high color rendering index (CRI), meaning they provide a more accurate look at the true colors of objects and the output of the bulb remains true throughout its lifetime. Such qualities are particularly important in the bathroom where people use the mirror to get ready to go out. 

Get to Work

Following these three simple steps are an easy way to upgrade a bathroom and make it greener at the same time. From switching to a bidet to improving water flow and switching lighting, all of these upgrades will make your bathroom a more comfortable and inviting place. Your family, guests, and the planet will thank you.