"There must be a better way to make the things we want, a way that doesn't spoil the sky, or the rain or the land.” - Paul McCartney
We build our homes as a sanctuary for us, to help us feel safe, to have a place to call our own. But how often have we stopped to care for our big home; planet Earth that's been keeping us safe with its environment for billions of years? Most of the items in our homes are not only bad for Earth's environment but they are a cause of hazard for other humans as well. I think it's time to realize that in order to care for our small homes, we've been slowly destroying our big home.
So let's go find some simple yet effective ways to turn one of the most used places in our home into a sustainable and resourceful place.
5 Tips For Bathroom Sustainability
Believe it or not, our bathrooms generate a lot of waste, and not all of it is biodegradable. From soap packaging to shampoo bottles and the wastage of clean water, there's a lot that we can change in our bathroom to make a collectively big effect.
Water Usage
Bathrooms use the most water. From bathing to washing to flushing, water consumption for each family increases with family size. Some smart ways to save or recycle water are:
- Repair leaking plumbing: This is, of course, the most crucial step. With leaking plumbing, the water is wasted away without anyone benefiting from it. A leaky tap can go all day long, wasting large amounts of water in small drops over hours, even days.
- Recycle water: Use water from the basin to fill up the flush tank. This way, you can save a lot of water.
- Reduce Shower Time: Showering can take up lots of water. So try to reduce your shower time as much as possible.
Lighting
Usually, the light bulbs used in the bathroom are incandescent bulbs that consume a lot of energy. A good replacement is LED bulbs. They are energy-efficient and have a longer lifespan.
Plants As Decoration
Some people might find it weird to put plants in a bathroom, but trust me, that's a great way to purify the air while also giving a fresh look to your bathroom.
Line Drying
Instead of using the dryer, try to line dry clothes unless absolutely necessary. This could save a lot of electricity on a monthly basis and have a positive impact on the environment.
Small Replacements
It may not look that way, but small recyclable replacements of single-use products can go a long way. Instead of a single-use soap dispenser, go for a refillable dispenser. Use refillable bottles for shampoo and conditioner as well. Paper towels used for drying hands can easily be replaced by cloth towels. Look around your bathroom and notice the small items that can be replaced with a more eco-friendly version of them. I bet you'll find loads of those.
So there it is, folks; five simple ways to make your bathroom have less of an impact on the environment. Once you start on the path of caring, you will find more and more ways to reduce waste and recycle more.