Green Your Bathroom :: Healthy Lifestyles and Natural Weight Loss Information

Green Your Bathroom
by author Stephanie Dickison

You may be making ecologically sound changes in the kitchen, living room, and bedroom but what about the bathroom? You can change your bathroom into a beautiful green oasis and help save the earth all in one fell swoop.

Towels

Replace old towels with organic cotton ones. Another great option is towels made from 100 percent bamboo–they wick away moisture and are naturally antibacterial.

Faucets

You might not think that your bathroom taps could use a makeover but there are faucets available that help cut down on your water use. If you’re keeping your current faucet, install an aerator head–every little bit helps.

Toilet

By changing your toilet to a low-flow unit, you can reduce your water use by up to 50 percent.

Flooring

There are many choices for ecologically sound flooring. Slate, bamboo, and recovered wood are all appropriate. Compare and see what fits your family’s needs best.

Toilet Paper

Greenpeace Shopper’s Guide to Ancient Forest Friendly Tissue (tissue.greenpeace.ca) recommends a number of green toilet papers to choose from. These can be found at both your local grocery and health food stores. Committing to saving the planet just got a little bit easier!

Wall Tiles

Think about recycled glass or ceramic tiles, and be sure that the adhesives that you’re using are environmentally friendly as well.

Shower Curtain

Plastic showers can off-gas harmful fumes and be difficult to recycle. Replace your plastic curtain with an organic hemp one. They also inhibit mold growth, cutting down on cleaning time.

Hair Care

There are many choices for organic shampoos and conditioners. Just think how great your hair will feel without all of those chemicals stripping away its natural sheen and goodness.

Shower Head

Change to a low-flow unit and see your water bills quickly decrease. You can choose from styles that range from pulsing jet sprays to a waterfall effect.

Soap and Shower Gels

Make the switch to all-natural soaps and see the difference in how clean you feel and how soft your skin can be.

Stephanie Dickison has contributed hundreds of articles to international magazines and newspapers. A book on her career will be released fall 2008 from ECW Press. Visit stephaniedickison.com.

Source: alive #300, October 2007

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