Living Green

The Australian Bureau of Statistics reports that between 1992 and 2002, Australians spent over .6 billion on house renovation. And with the current economic downturn, a lot more and more homeowners are considering hanging on to their residents and giving them a new look instead of purchasing a new one.

One of the initial renovation considerations for most homeowners is remodelling the bathroom. That salmon colour scheme with sea foam green may have been a wonderful look for the 50s, but it just could not be your cup of tea.

For the eco minded renovation, there are quite a few sustainable choices for the bathroom. From suggestions to save water, energy – and some precious cleaning time – here are some Green Pages eco ideas for going eco in your bathroom:

Eco Residence Tip # 1 – Upcycle/Recycle – Think about second hand pieces for furniture. An old dresser or buffet could make a great vanity. By visiting some wonderful recycle shops, you may well come across a treasure trove to inspire the ecomagination.

Eco House Tip # 2 – Lighting au natural – contemplate installing a skylight to let in natural light during the day. Many skylights can also be ventilated which will save on cleaning (see Eco Tip 5). For artificial, opt for energy efficient globes and fixtures.

Eco Home Tip # three – Hey you, try a watersaving loo – Australians were the first to pioneer dual flush toilets, let’s all be proud. The distinctive shape of the bowl is the secret behind this ingenious invention, which can save on average 35,000 litres of water a year. There’s also the choice of installing a waterless urinal in your property, the ideal water saving solution for a home of growing boys.

Eco Home Tip # 4 – Low flow taps and showerheads – Get your fittings measured up and put in flow restrictors or install some low flow fittings. When acquiring your plumbing put in, call certified Green Plumber who can answer several of our eco bathroom questions.

Eco Home Tip # 5 - Ventilation Revolution – Hate cleaning the bathroom? Here’s a fast tip – by installing a fan or ceiling ventilation, you reduce the build up of mould, mildew and foul odours. This means much less cleaning, especially with those harsh bleach based chemical cleaners. (which you really should ditch for eco cleaning ideas)

Eco Residence Tip # 6 – Eco IS a material change – there are eco alternative for practically every thing, solvent free eco paint, sustainable timber or bamboo cabinetry, recycled glass tiles, screens, blinds, windows, everything you can think of. Do your analysis on sustainable architecture and eco residence items such as those listed on the Green Pages green directory for the green property.

And do not forget, once you have eco bathroom of your dreams, stock it up with some wonderful eco residence products. Delectably scented beeswax candles, luxurious organic cotton or bathroom towels, organic hemp shower curtains and organic soaps (and of course recycled loo paper!) are just some excellent items you can use to give the your own personal eco touch.

The Green Pages green directory has all the greatest green products to support you go green.