Replace This With That: Bathroom Edition

Let’s talk about the bathroom. No matter who you are, we all spend some part of our day in this room. Have you ever thought about how you can make your bathroom healthier and more sustainable? Some of the current items in your bathroom might have to go. Check out our Replace This With That: Bathroom Edition…

  • Replace your regular shower head with a low-flow shower head. Installing a low-flow shower head is a simple and inexpensive way to save water. Although everyone enjoys saving money and water, you’ll still also want to enjoy your shower, so do your research to find the perfect match of water pressure and water savings.
  • Replace regular toilet paper with toilet paper made of recycled paper. If possible, avoid using products made from virgin boreal forest trees. The Natural Resources Defense Council has a list of recycled paper sources and more information about what makes tissue products sustainable.
  • Replace disposable wipes with reusable rags and microfiber towels. Rags and microfiber towels work great for cleaning your sink, mirrors and bathroom counters. Afraid you’ll accidentally wipe the sink with the toilet cleaning cloth?  Get out a permanent marker and label them. After you’re finished cleaning, just toss the rags in the washing machine for easy cleaning.
  • Replace harsh cleaning solutions with green, non-toxic cleaners. Don’t be afraid to toss your old cleaners. The EPA classifies 275 of the antibacterial agents commonly used in cleaners as pesticides, some of which have been linked to serious health problems. The good news is that there are plenty of homemade DIY cleaning solutions.
  • Replace “anti-bacterial” soaps with regular soap. Bacteria killing soap might be causing significant harm to the environment and potentially impacting human health.
  • Replace personal care products with sustainable alternatives. Next time you buy face wash or lotions, take a look at the labels. You might be washing your face in plastic (and washing plastic down the drain) without even knowing it!
  • Replace air fresheners with non-toxic alternatives. Many air fresheners release air-polluting chemicals that can  make you sick, but here is a list of some safe alternatives that will have your bathroom smelling fresh again.
  • Replace plastic shower curtains with PVC-free alternatives. Many shower curtains are made with PVC (polyvinyl chloride plastic). PVC cannot be recycled and is dangerous to our health and environment. Purchase PVC-free shower curtains such as fabric, which you can throw in the washing machine for easy cleaning.
  • Replace drain cleaners with non-caustic drain cleaners. Your toilet is clogged, plumbers are expensive, and you need the situation solved. Unfortunately, most drain cleaners are toxic (seriously, read the terrifying warning label that most of them have). Check out these natural drain cleaners and give them a try instead.

A sustainable bathroom is only a few steps away. For more tips, check out the Environmental Protection Agency’s guide to a green, healthy bathroom.

 

Image Credit: Creative Commons via Flickr user Dean Hochman

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