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November 21, 2009  |  Login
The Perfect Green Bathroom
By Eric Corey Freed
 
On first glance, the figure below illustrates what looks like a typical bathroom, but a closer look reveals all the green opportunities that were capitalized on — opportunities you can capitalize on in your own bathroom.

Instead of vinyl flooring, buy natural linoleum (more on linoleum floors). Made from sawdust and linseed oil, it’s the healthy choice. Natural linoleum comes in a large selection of colors, and you can cut it into any pattern you desire.

Avoid cabinets using formaldehyde-based particle board. Select alternative materials such as bamboo, FSC-certified wood, and wheat straw panels (more on choosing home finishes).

Select a green countertop, such as recycled glass, salvaged stone, or paper resin materials (more on countertop materials). Wall tiles are available from recycled glass and ceramic sources (more on wall materials).

Without sufficient ventilation, the toxic substances in conventional caulking can have serious health impacts. Safer, green alternatives are now available (more on exterior finishes and trims).

Paint the walls with low- or zero-VOC paints (more on choosing paint without VOCs). Open the window to allow fresh air into the bathroom.

Older toilets use as many as 5 gallons per flush. Replace old toilets with a dual-flush model. Consider a composting (waterless) toilet as the greenest choice (more on efficient toilets).

Purchase nontoxic cleaning products, soaps, and lotions (more on green cleaning alternatives). Not only are they safer for you and your family, but they stop chemicals from washing down the drain and polluting the water supply.

 

 
 
 
 
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