Regardless of the direction you choose, you can always use a few tips and ideas.

Greener Bathroom Tip Number 1

Conserve water – Your primary goal for remodeling your bathroom should focus on water conservation. Virtually everything you do in the bathroom surrounds water: bathing and showering, flushing the toilet and even brushing your teeth. You need to make changes and upgrades that will ensure that your water flow is consistent with your needs, but also, not wasteful.

Begin with installing a new showerhead. Look for one that does not use over 2 ½ gallons of water for every minute it is in use. If your shower lasts 10 minutes, you will only use 25 gallons of water each day. But, don’t stop there, you can find some showerhead’s that will only use 1 ½ to 2 gallons per minute. This will reduce the amount of water to 15 to 20 gallons daily.

Next, consider your toilet. On average, a standard 3.5 gallon per flush toilet uses approximately 20 gallons of water for each person on a daily basis. Try upgrading to a low-flow toilet that only uses 1.5 gallons of water per flush. This one change can reduce the amount of water used on a daily basis by more than half.

Greener Bathroom Tip Number 2

Consider your materials – Purchase as many recycled parts as possible, for the floors, counter tops and tile. You can buy new counter tops made from recycled glass that are not only green-friendly, but also quite beautiful. Once the old glass bottles are recycled, they are made into products that resemble mosaic or stained glass.

You can also purchase a new sustainable material, called Paperstone. This composite is made from all types of recycled paper, including newspapers, magazines and more. Other choices include cork and bamboo, which are available virtually everywhere and are extremely cost-effective.

When reviewing the bathroom floor, consider the natural beauty of the layers beneath the tile; if it is wood, you can clean and sand it thoroughly and leave it as is. Nothing is more Eco-friendly than a natural wood floor. But, if your floor requires upgrades, make sure you use recycled tile with grout and caulk that is non-toxic.

Most bathrooms walls that are tiled will also need upgrades. You can use the same type of recycled glass or ceramic materials for the walls. Recycled ceramic tile is durable and will not absorb any type of pollutants. This means mildew, fungus, mold will not grow and the air will be much cleaner.

Greener Bathroom Tip Number 3

Beware of energy usage – While you work towards remodeling your bathroom, you will need to take a look at lighting fixtures and consider replacing the type of bulbs you currently use. In many homes, the bathroom has the best light, because the bulbs are incandescent.

Unfortunately, this type of lighting uses approximately 75% more energy, than fluorescent light bulbs and do not last as long. On average, a fluorescent light bulb can last as much as 30 times longer.

When you remove the tub, make sure you inspect the walls and use non-toxic caulk to seal any areas where air or water can seep. This also adds an additional layer of insulation.

Major Benefits to Remodeling your Bathroom to Become Green-Friendly

One of the major benefits to remodeling your bathroom to become green-friendly is the monetary gain. You can actually save money while saving the planet. Your major savings will begin with your utility bills.

Every homeowner has the responsibility of paying for their own water. Depending upon the daily use, the bills can fluctuate each month. By utilizing low-flow toilets and water-reducing showerheads, your water bill can start to stabilize.

The same is true for your electric bill. Something as simple as changing the light bulbs from standard to fluorescent can reduce the amount of energy and decrease the amount you owe each month.

Average Annual Savings for Remodeled Green-Friendly Bathrooms

Installing a low-flow toilet can reduce the amount of water wasted during flushing, this means you will save more money on an annual basis. For example, if your old toilet used 3.5 gallons of water and your new toilet only uses 1.5 gallons, you are saving 2.0 gallons per flush.

Over the span of a year, this can amount to a savings of thousands of gallons of water. If you save approximately 15,000 to 20,000 gallons each year, your water bill can drop by $50 to $100 annually.

Replacing the incandescent light bulbs with fluorescent light bulbs can save you money in two ways.
First, because the amount of energy is reduced by approximately 15%, your electric bill can drop by at least 5%. Second, fluorescent light bulbs last much longer.

This means you will not spend money replacing them every few months. While the amount may not be substantial, it is still a wise investment. On average, a household that makes the switch can expect to save about $20 to $30 each year.

Bamboo flooring has been discovered as one of the most durable types of flooring available. The material itself is usually woven and carries a higher density ratio than standard hardwood floors. Quality bamboo is most often compared to the durability of typical red oak timber, which has been produced and installed for decades as the standard in hardwood flooring. The type of finish selected will protect the flooring for many years and produces a high quality, scratch-resistant material. Bamboo is low maintenance and requires refinishing less frequently than hardwood flooring. The only hardwood floors that are ranked higher in durability include Brazilian Walnut, Tiete Chestnut, and Brazilian Teak, all of which carry a hefty price tag. In addition, bamboo flooring is much more water and UV resistant than any hardwood floor available.

A homeowner purchasing bamboo as the flooring in their home is making a greener choice. Bamboo is the fastest growing plant on the planet, and is a highly renewable resource. Typical hardwood flooring is taken from trees that may take thirty to ninety years to mature, and which must be replanted. Bamboo is a type of grass and can be harvested repeatedly from the same stalks, growing up to four feet in a single day and taking as little as three to six years to re-develop into maturity. The use of bamboo reduces the large-scale clear cutting of rainforests that is affecting many areas of the world.

In addition to providing an environment-friendly option, bamboo flooring sets a high standard for safety and sanitation in the home. Cleaning can be completed with a micro fiber mop, broom, or steam mop. It is allergen free and uses no harmful chemicals or formaldehyde during manufacturing. The material grows easily without the need of pesticides or fertilizers, and is ideal for a family suffering from allergies.

The beauty of bamboo flooring is unmatched. It possesses a vibrant, lifelike color and natural beauty in its simplest form. The product produces a natural glow and emits elegance throughout a home. It can be purchased in a variety of finishes and colors, and holds the appearance of hardwood while providing a smoother surface and fewer grains in the material, unmatched by any available timber. It can be sanded, polished, and refinished the same as hardwood floors. It is superior to wood in absorbing sound, minimizing the noise of heavy boots, heels, or running pets and children.

A huge benefit of bamboo flooring is the installation. It is usually supplied pre-finished and individual planks are installed via the glue-down and click-lock technique. This allows ease of replacement of a single plank if damage is endured, rather than requiring the replacement of the entire floor. In effect, the appearance of the flooring can be maintained or changed to the homeowner’s taste throughout the years without the added cost of repeatedly purchasing new floors.

The Eco-friendly, durable, beautiful, and overall cost-effectiveness of bamboo is unmatched. It is no wonder that bamboo floors have exploded on the market during recent years. Homeowners can now possess all of the benefits of hardwood flooring without the headache of maintaining it, while preserving the environment.

Laminate Flooring is Affordable

There’s no doubt about it - for the quality and functionality you receive with laminate flooring, the price often can’t be beat. A cheaper price doesn’t always mean a sacrifice in quality. Excellent laminate flooring options are available, in both tile and sheet formats. Laminate will also be able to fit around non-standard or awkward portions of your floor plan, which is much more difficult to achieve with traditional flooring materials, which in turn saves you both money and time.

Laminate Flooring is Easy to Replace

In the event that a deep gouge or scratch ends up in your floor, perhaps as a result of moving furniture or other heavy objects, laminate flooring is drastically easier to replace than most other kinds of flooring. Laminate tiles can simply be replaced in the effected area, and sheets can easily be cut and fit into the section. Furthermore, most home owners are readily able to do this themselves, instead of having to hire outside help - another cost saving benefit of laminate.

Laminate Flooring Has Thousands of Different Styles

If it’s been a long time since you’ve looked at the advancements of laminate flooring, you might find yourself quite  surprised at some of the aesthetic improvements this flooring solution has enjoyed during recent years. If you’re worried that the floor pattern will look dull or boring, you can set those worries aside. Laminate flooring has advanced quite a lot in appearance, particularly for imitation prints - marble, stone, hardwood and many other imitation patterns are now available, and look absolutely gorgeous. Furthermore, these imitation patterns are much, much cheaper and easier to clean, maintain and repair than the “real thing.”

Laminate Flooring Combats Water Damage

If you’ve ever experienced the horrors of water damage in or underneath your flooring, you know just what a nightmare it can be to have fixed before permanent damage is done to your home. Laminate flooring again presents itself with a solution to this common enemy - many forms of laminate flooring are waterproof. Laminate tiles of this kind are usually joined together with a specialized rubber seal to ensure that water never goes past them. This easily explains why laminate is such a popular flooring choice for bathrooms, kitchens, and any area prone to spills and splashes.

Laminate Flooring is Easy to Install

The final benefit of laminate flooring among those discussed here is that laminate is one of the easiest flooring solutions to install. Many homeowners find themselves quite capable of performing a self-installation, even without having had prior experience. Although if you’re not the handyman type or simply don’t have the time to do a laminate installation yourself, not to worry. Flooring installation companies can readily and easily install laminate, and will often be done very quickly when compared to other types of flooring. Furthermore, messes are minimal - laminate flooring is clean and won’t leave your home filled with debris for days or weeks after the installation is complete.

Durability
Hardwood flooring is one of the most durable types of flooring. It is able to handle the wear and tear of daily traffic throughout the years. Wood is not as susceptible to scratching and dents that can destroy the appearance of other floor types. Hardwoods like hickory are amongst the most durable of woods. These floors also act as good insulators. One inch of wood has the same insulation ability of 15 inches of concrete. The characteristics of wood make this type of flooring a worthwhile investment. Re-coating the wood every five years will help to maintain its appearance. With proper maintenance, wood flooring can endure for many years.

Health Benefits
Another reason to select a wood floor is its health benefits. Wood flooring is hypoallergenic. It does not absorb dust, allergens or provide a habitat for bugs. Homeowners that suffer from allergies and asthma will find that the quality of air improves with the installation of wood floors. Carpets have the ability to trap dust and act as hiding places for allergen-producing mites and fleas. Even with a thorough cleaning, it is difficult to determine if the carpet is completely clean.

Wood floors not only stay cleaner, they are easier to clean when they get dirty. Using a broom, vacuum and mop can keep remove dirt and any other substances. Anyone that has small children will appreciate how easily wood can be cleaned. Daily cleaning can help eliminate allergens and bacteria that may reside on the floor. Unlike carpets and other types of flooring, wood can be cleaned daily without damaging the material.

Improvement in the Look and Value of a Home
A wood floor can instantly improve the look and feel of a room. The wood adds warmth and character to a room. It is also a very versatile flooring material. Wood flooring helps to give a room a more spacious appearance. There is an almost endless amount of finishes and wood that is used to create the flooring. It is also a material that can be used in every room of the house. Wood can also blend with any type of decor. A homeowner’s taste in home furnishings may change over time. However, the timelessness and flexibility of wood eliminates any clashing that other types of flooring may cause.

Homeowners that add hardwood floors to their home will enjoy an increase in their home’s value. Homes that have wood flooring sell quicker. Home purchasers are also willing to pay more money for homes with wood floors. This type of floor maintains its value and the improvement in property value makes it worth the investment.

Durability, the health benefits and the appearance and value of wood floors is this flooring great for homes. Anyone looking for a type of floor that will last throughout the years and endure various style changes should invest in hardwood floors.

Savings during the heating season

In parts of the country where there is a significantly long or cold winter and a subsequently long heating season, old windows are often responsible for discomfort, condensation, and naturally, the unwanted loss of heat. However, windows in recent decades have become far more sophisticated and energy efficient. Modern windows reduce air leakage and lower heat losses while minimizing condensation and improving the comfort of home occupants.

In a typical newly constructed 2250 square foot house in a climate that requires significant heating during the winter, one can expect to spend around $750 per year on heating when double, clear non metal frame windows are used. However, when triple, clear high solar gain windows without metal frames are used, homeowners can expect up to 24 percent in savings over a full year, which translates to spending around $580 per year on heating energy. In other words, new windows can result in saving around $170 per year in a new home.

In a typical existing construction of 2150 square feet in a climate requiring significant heating during the winter, one can expect to spend around $1650 on single, clear, non metal frame windows. However, when triple, clear high solar gain windows without metal frames are used, 26 percent savings over standard windows are available over a full year, which is equivalent to spending around $1200 per year on heating energy. In other words, new windows can result in saving around $450 per year in an existing home.

Savings during the cooling season

In parts of the country where there is a significantly long or hot summer and a subsequently long cooling season, old windows are typically responsible for the discomfort associated with unwanted heat transmission through solar radiation. However, recent technology in windows have led to windows that reduce levels of heat gained through solar energy while providing crisp and clear views of the outside world and good transmission of daylight. Modern windows also reduce leakage of air and make cooling systems more efficient in the process.

In a typical newly constructed 2250 square foot house in a climate that requires significant cooling during the summer, one can expect to spend around $630 per year on cooling when double, clear non metal frame windows are used. However, when triple, clear high solar gain windows without metal frames are used, homeowners can expect up to 31 percent in savings over a full year, which translates to spending around $450 per year on cooling energy. In other words, new windows can result in saving around $180 per year in a new home.

In a typical existing construction of 2150 square feet in a climate requiring significant cooling during the summer, one can expect to spend around $1250 on single, clear, non metal frame windows. However, when triple, clear high solar gain windows without metal frames are used, 35 percent savings over standard windows are available over a full year, which is equivalent to spending around $780 per year on cooling energy. In other words, new windows can result in saving around $470 per year in an existing home.

In conclusion, the average energy saving costs from new home windows can be significant for homeowners, particularly when new windows are applied to existing homes, which are typically outfitted with less efficient windows and more prone to leakages.

Construction
This material was first introduced as an exterior home siding in the late 1950s. At the time, it was made via mono-extrusion and was expensive and difficult to produce. Modern vinyl siding uses two layers of vinyl laid down in a continuous extrusion process. The second layer of vinyl helps keep the plastic from breaking down in the sunlight and creates a more consistent, reliable product. It also allows vinyl siding to come in a wider range of colors.

Products with a greater quantity of titanium dioxide in the surface layer often last longer, but they are available only in lighter tones. Special UV-resistant coatings can also reduce the siding material’s tendency to fade. Some high-end vinyl siding includes built-in airspaces or insulation to make it a more energy-efficient material.

Thickness
Vinyl siding can be produced in several different thicknesses. Generally speaking, the thicker the siding the longer it lasts. The thinnest vinyl siding available on the market is .40 mils thick and suffers from cracking in cold weather and easy fading. More expensive types of siding are up to 0.50 mils thick and are more attractive, less likely to crack and have higher rigidity. These thicker grades of siding often include more protective features, extending their lifespan beyond that of the plastic itself.

Typical Lifespan
Claims for the longevity of vinyl siding vary significantly, but most products will last for at least 20 years. Some well-kept, well-constructed siding may have a lifespan as long as 50 years. This time period covers only the physical integrity of the vinyl, however. In many cases, this kind of siding begins to lose its looks much more quickly. Within 10 to 15 years, most vinyl siding installations show a significant color change from embedded dirt or fading due to sunlight.

The degree to which fading affects vinyl siding varies according to the color of the product, the amount of sun the siding receives, and the way it was manufacturer. Coated siding products or those that include large amounts of titanium dioxide in their upper layers tend to survive better than untreated siding. In general, lighter and more neutral tones also fare better, though pure white can be prone to dinginess from embedded dust and dirt.

Dark or bold siding colors are available, but unpopular, due to their marked tendency to dull and fade with age. This effect is stronger in areas of the siding that receive multiple hours of sunlight per day, so it’s not possible to rely on even fading as the material ages.

Weather Damage
Vinyl siding may not survive for its full lifespan in areas that are prone to severe weather. Strong winds may cause your siding to lift up and bend or warp. Large hailstones or windblown rocks and other debris can dent or even puncture the surface of the siding. This problem becomes more significant in cold weather, since vinyl can become brittle at lower temperatures. People who live in regions where severe weather is a major problem can reduce the risk of weather damage by choosing thicker siding rated for high wind speeds, but this may not alleviate the risk entirely.

Small children, the elderly and people with compromised immune systems may fall ill or even develop chronic disease as a result of long-term exposure. To keep your family safe, explore the world of non-toxic and chemical free paint choices. Once you’ve learned how to protect your family you can move on to other important decisions like choosing between crepe and eggshell.

Non-VOC Paint
VOC stands for volatile organic compounds. VOCs are the chemicals like glycol ethers, acetone and formaldehyde that are contained in many products including paints. Once the paint is applied to your wall, the VOCs transfer from a liquid form to a vapor. That heavy “paint” smell permeating your home is the smell of the myriad VOCs escaping into the air.

Within the enclosed walls of your home, VOCs exist in concentrated amounts and persist for days. Exposure to them can cause respiratory distress, headaches or even illness in the very old or very young.

To avoid these noxious chemicals you must by No- or Zero-VOC paint. This is paint that has been made without the noxious chemicals that may be harming your health. And because there are no chemicals to pollute the air there is no paint smell.

You can paint safely with the baby or grandma in the room with little fear of harming their health. But read the labels carefully before you buy. Many No- or Zero-VOC paints contain other toxic substances like biocides and fungicides that contain chemicals that may escape into the air although at much lower amounts.

Organic Paints
No-VOC paints may not expel noxious chemicals into the air but they may still contain chemicals and toxins like turpentine, acrylic softeners, pthalates and vinyl chloride and heavy metals. Some even contain animal products. For a more natural option, choose organic paints.

Organic paints can be tough to find. But if you’re willing to order online, you can paint indoors with no fear of the dangers of smelling the paint or accidentally getting it on your skin. Organic paint is made from all natural ingredients. The pigment used to create the color comes from all natural sources and mixed with water, water-based non-toxic binders and natural fillers.

Not only can you use them to paint safely but you can rest assured that they are environmentally safe when it is time to dispose of them. Many organic paints even come in recycled metal cans.

Milk Paint
Organic paints are all natural but you often pay a pretty premium for that natural option. For a much cheaper alternative, try milk paint.

Milk paint is a natural, eco-friendly type of paint that has been used safely in homes for hundreds of years. Milk paint’s primary ingredients are milk, lime and pigments. Not only is it safe to use around your family, they can help you make it.

To make milk paint, simply weigh and add two ounces of hydrated lime to a large, clean plastic container. Pour in two quarts of milk little by little, stirring continuously, until the milk and hydrated lime come together to form a mixture the consistency of Elmer’s glue. You may or may not need to use all of the milk. Keep stirring for another 60 seconds.

Add your pigment little by little until the milk paint reaches the color you desire. The type of pigment you use is largely up to you. But know your paint sources. Some pigments contain heavy metals and other toxic compounds. If you wish to keep your paint completely natural, use mineral pigments from natural sources. Stir for another 60 seconds and you’re ready to use the paint. Stir the milk paint continually as you use it. Make only as much as you need, milk paint has a limited shelf life of around 24 hours.

If you do not want to make milk paint at home, there are several paint companies that sell it. But if you are looking for a completely natural paint option, read the labels carefully. Few milk paints contain toxic ingredients like volatile organic compounds but some contain preservatives and other chemicals to extend the shelf life of the paint.

Thrifting for Modern - Vintage Bathroom Design
This is one of the hottest trends in not only bathroom design, but entire interior design, and it is sure to remain timeless and not just fade away over the years as a fad. In order to renovate your bathroom into something that combines modern elements of convenience and luxury, with the beauty, sentiment, and character of vintage pieces, you’ll need a little bit of creativity and a lot of patience.
Beginning with a centerpiece - in a bathroom this can best be achieved with the sink/counter area - is key. Some careful thrifting can bring up some lovely old cabinets that can be used as a vanity. With a little bit of attention and TLC, old furniture can be brought back to life. With this as your starting point - you can add a sink (a great thrift store might also have vintage sink bowls to use). Modern design around this vintage element can include bright paint colors on the walls, or even something more simple like colorful towels hung on a shiny chrome rung.

From Simple to Sophisticated
Even simple renovations can take place on a DIY budget. Many bathrooms are simply overly simple and uninspired, containing such dated elements as vinyl or linoleum flooring, basic plumbing elements, and unfortunate color schemes. These are all easy to change on your own, without the need for an expensive professional, and on a tight budget. The results are refreshing on many different levels, as you will enjoy your new bathroom space so much.
Replacing linoleum or vinyl flooring is so simple, many people simply overlook the possibility. Contemporary fashionable flooring options include easy to install colorful tiles, or more involved creative tiling elements such as using pennies! This is a beautiful and affordable alternative to copper tiling. Simply google the terms and you will find countless resources for doing this beautiful DIY project. Another way to update your dated bathroom look is to simply replace some of the plumbing elements for new, contemporary ones. Trade in the old-fashioned, common silver elements for brushed metals like bronze or copper and the bathroom gains a whole new feel. This can all be done for relatively cheap, and relatively quickly with a little research online into how to do it yourself.

Lose the Traditional Hot Water Tank

Hot water tanks may be great for providing hot water when you want it, but keeping that huge container of water hot at all times comes at a cost on the energy bill. A simple change that homeowners can make is to exchange the hot water tank for a tankless hot water heater. Rather than trying to keep 40 or 60 gallons of water hot at all times, you will only heat the water you are actually using.

Tankless hot water heaters will cost more to install initially due to necessary changes in plumbing structure. However, they will save you money on the gas or electric bill because you will eliminate a great deal of heat loss.

If you live in an area that gets plenty of sunshine throughout the year, another option is to replace the hot water tank with a solar water heater. Required equipment includes a solar collector, pump, solar hot water tanks, piping and back-up water heater. However, you will be richly rewarded with a green option and free hot water.

Save that Greywater

Greywater comes from the sinks, tubs and showers of the home. It can be collected, treated and reused, provided the proper equipment is in place. While greywater that is collected can not be used for drinking and cooking, it is ideal for outdoor irrigation purposes. These systems are simple to install when a house is under construction.

Another option for recycling water that would otherwise be wasted is to install collection cisterns on your home’s gutter system. They are inexpensive to purchase, simple to install and easy to use, so you can water your yard without worrying about the water bill.

Put Greywater to Immediate Use

When the toilet is flushed, it immediately refills with fresh water. However, the toilet basin is the ideal spot for recycling greywater. Under-the-counter collection systems will collect greywater from the bathroom sink and direct it to the toilet basin when needed. A special splice is required for the drain line, as well as a sanitizing piece. Households report saving several thousand gallons of water with these systems.

Saving water is more than turning off the tap while brushing your teeth. These systems will help you save money on the water and other utility bills without having to remember any special steps.