Serious efforts have been made in the last few years by governmental, private and non-profit organizations to promote “green” or environmentally safe and sustainable products and building techniques. The U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) oversees the Green Building program to promote environmentally responsible and sustainable building practices that include design, construction and maintenance.

Green building addresses consumption including energy, water, natural and manufactured materials as well as waste. Green construction reduces consumption, recycles materials and uses sustainable resources and products that are ecologically friendly. Bathrooms provide opportunities to reduce water usage, promote good indoor air quality, control moisture and develop environmentally responsible personal care practices.

Water Usage

Some areas of the United States do not have enough water to meet demand and must regulate water usage. Using less water, even in areas with adequate sources, helps the environment. The EPA’s WaterSense Program partners with industry manufacturers and consumers to promote water efficiency through innovative manufacturing of products and education about water usage,

Standard showerheads use about 2 ½ gallons of water per minute (gpm). Showerheads that bear the WaterSense label use no more than 2 gpm. Almost 3,000 gallons of water could be saved per year by a family using WaterSense showerheads. Not only is water saved, but energy to heat and treat the water is also saved. EPA has tested all products to ensure that they perform as well as conventional products. Consumers do not experience inadequate coverage or less intensity of the spray by using these water-saving devices. Look for the WaterSense label when you replace or upgrade bathroom fittings.

Toilets account for almost 30 percent of water usage in a home. Toilets that bear the WaterSense label use 20 percent less water than standard toilets, saving 4,000 gallons of water per year. Dual flush toilets offer more savings by allowing you to choose how much water is used per flush. One button uses 1.6 gallons, while the other uses .8 to 1.1 gallons. Early models of low-flow toilets experienced problems with low pressure. Newer models perform as well as standard flush models. The EPA estimates that $90 per year or $2,000 over the life of the product can be saved by converting to WaterSense toilets. Some states and local utilities offer rebates for installation of low-flow or WaterSense toilets.

Recycling and Waste

When you remodel, what do you do with the construction waste? Some materials are toxic; even non-toxic waste must be removed or recycled. Construction waste often includes glass, concrete, wood and metal. Rather than sending everything to a landfill, decide what can be reused or recycled. Discuss a recycling plan with your contractor or design one yourself. Some materials like plumbing fittings, cabinets, flooring and other construction materials can be donated to local charities like Habitat for Humanity.
Consider using recycled materials in your construction rather than purchasing new. The Reuse People salvage usable materials from old houses, buildings and landfills and refurbish them for use. Rather than demolish, this organization deconstructs buildings, providing jobs and keeping tons of waste from going to landfills. Appliances, bricks, architectural elements, cabinets, windows and doors are among the salvageable materials that are refurbished and sold to consumers for reuse.

Conclusion

Building or remodeling a bathroom using environmentally friendly practices and materials saves valuable renewable and non-renewable resources. Careful planning with attention to using water saving fittings and minimizing waste are two important elements in constructing a green bathroom. Look carefully at finishing materials like paint to select brands with low volatile organic compounds (VOC) that contain fewer toxic materials and minimize the effects on indoor air quality. Using materials like ceramic tile for showers and tub surrounds also contributes to eco-friendly building practices.