Illinois Homeowner Tips For A Green Bathroom Remodel

Are you one of the many Illinois homeowners thinking about redoing the bathroom this year? Before you get started on your renovation plans, why not think about being as eco-friendly as possible? A green renovation isn’t just good for the environment; it can also help you lower your energy and water bills.

Use these eight remodel tips to help you save money and make your bathroom environmentally friendly.

1. Energy-Efficient Toilets

Older toilets can use a lot of water due to wasteful flushing and water leaks. Replace an old toilet with one that’s more efficient:

• Install a dual-flush toilet that has two flushing options.
• A WaterSense model can save a family of four almost $2,000 on their water bill over the lifetime of the toilet.
• Consider a composting toilet which works with little to no water.

2. WaterSense Faucets

Sink and bath faucets waste a lot of water. You can reduce water consumption and optimize water flow with these tips:

• Install WaterSense faucets and reduce water usage by up to 30 percent.
• Replace the faucet aerator to reduce the flow of water.
• Fix leaks when they happen.

3. Eco-Friendly Showers

Bathroom showers add up to 17 percent of household water usage. You can lower your water consumption by:

• Installing WaterSense showerheads.
• Switching to a low-flow showerhead.
• Replacing caulking around shower walls to avoid water leakage.

Design the green way with a HomeAdvisor bathroom remodeler in Illinois.

4. Natural Material Cabinets

Older bathroom cabinets are typically built from hardwood and particle board that contain VOCs (volatile organic compounds) which are harmful to both the environment and your health. Go green with these tips:

• Replace old cabinets with ones that are VOC-free.
• Choose cabinets that are made from natural and organic materials.
• To reduce waste, buy cabinets from salvage stores.

5. Sustainable Countertops

Move away from commercial bathroom countertops with these eco-friendly and sustainable options:

• Buy countertops constructed from recycled materials. Made from biological components such as newspaper and soy flour, these countertops can be designed to look just like glass, granite, and stone.
• Reduce waste by looking for salvaged countertops at local stores that carry reusable building supplies.

6. Efficient Lighting

Save energy and be kind to the environment by replacing bathroom lighting with LED bulbs. Look for lighting that is certified as Energy Star. With this rating bulbs consume only a quarter of what standard light bulbs do.

7. Green Flooring

Green and sustainable flooring is a smart way to remodel and update the bathroom. These eco-friendly choices are safe and water-resistant:

• Look for flooring made from reclaimed and recycled materials.
• Choose flooring that is non-toxic.
• Good flooring choices include bamboo, certified hardwoods, cork, reclaimed lumber, and rubber.
• For a natural look choose recycled ceramic or stone tiles.

8. Go Green

Use these green tips for an eco-friendly bathroom:

• Fix leaks.
• When not in use, turn off faucets.
• Avoid long showers.
• Keep track of monthly water usage so you know exactly how much your family consumes.
• Apply non-toxic insulation to the water heater.
• Set the water heater temperature to under 125 degrees.
• Consider a tankless model when it’s time to replace the water heater.
• Buy bamboo toothbrushes to avoid single-use plastics.
• Buy organic products in refillable glass containers.

For green renovations call a HomeAdvisor bathroom remodeler in Illinois.

This Patch article is sponsored by HomeAdvisor.