While the green movement has hit mainstream North America, there are still a number of homeowners who think going green means sacrificing performance and style – especially in the bathroom. They think creating a green bath means using a weak showerhead with very little pressure, installing a toilet that won’t flush and drying off with towels that are scratchy and uncomfortable. Thankfully, manufacturers in the bath products arena have made great strides to create products that are not only stylish; but also offer superior performance and quality… all while offering sustainable benefits. Learn how to incorporate these new products into your bath – whether you’re looking for a simple facelift, or a complete remodel.
Eco-Indulgent… Liquid Luxury from Moen Bath
From our toilets to our tubs, roughly 60 percent of a home’s water consumption takes place in the bathroom. So when creating a green bathroom, begin by looking at eco-friendly products that dispense water efficiently – from toilets and showerheads to faucets and more.
•
Toilets. One of the biggest culprits of high water usage in the bath is the toilet, accounting for nearly 30 percent of residential indoor water consumption and most of the water wasted in homes. Thankfully, a program has recently been introduced which makes finding an efficient toilet easier than ever. A toilet with the WaterSense® label from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) certifies that the product is not only water-efficient, but is also high-performing. Only high-efficiency toilets that complete a rigid third-party certification process can earn the WaterSense label.
•
Tankless Water Heaters. You’re used to on-demand TV, so why not an on-demand water heater? By installing a tankless system, when hot water is turned on in your home, a tankless system immediately flash heats the water at 7.57 to 18.93 litres per minute (L/min). When the water is turned off, the system stops heating the water; compared to a standard hot water tank which keeps working until the water has reached a certain temperature. While this may be a costly investment in the short run; a tankless system can last more than 20 years – allowing the energy and replacement savings to outweigh the initial costs.
•
Faucets. Think an efficient faucet means it lacks style? Think again. The Fina™ bathroom faucet collection from ShowHouse® features soft modern style cues and is WaterSense labeled, indicating the faucet has met the EPA’s guidelines for water-efficient products. Highlights of the Fina bathroom faucet collection include its high-arc spout, lever handles and contemporary-shaped base. And while the faucet itself is remarkably designed, it’s the story inside the faucet that is equally as important. The widespread and wall-mount lavatory faucets incorporate a flow-optimized aerator, allowing the faucet to flow at a rate of 5.7 L/min, versus traditional aerators which flow at 8.3 L/min.
“We are very cognizant of the fact that today’s luxury-minded homeowners are not only concerned about a product’s style, but also the impact it has on the environment,” said Shawn Hardy, ShowHouse brand manager. “The Fina bathroom faucets accomplish this task beautifully – by offering a stylish faucet with eco-friendly benefits. And the new flow-optimized aerator will not cause any noticeable change to conventional flow performance… so homeowners will still be able to conduct their normal bathroom activities while saving water.”
•
Showerheads. Following in the footsteps of eco-friendly faucets are water-efficient showerheads. Last year, Moen Canada launched its first Flow-Optimized, Water-Saving showerhead, which reduces the flow of water to 6.62 L/min (vs. the industry standard of 9.46 L/min) – up to a 30 percent water savings. Not only is this savings significant in reducing water consumption, but it also reduces energy costs since it uses less water. And best of all, a homeowner can still experience a high-performance shower.
Moen Green Bathroom Bling
Once you’ve curtailed the major culprit of inefficiency in the bathroom, it’s time to look at a few other small ways to turn your bathroom green – while still keeping a bit of the “bling” you so desire.
•
PVC-Free Shower Curtains. Ditch your standard plastic shower curtain and replace it with one made from hemp. This new fabric curtain will spice up the décor of your bath with an upscale look and will stop water from spraying outside of your shower without the need for a plastic liner. And, not only is the material eco-friendly, but it also resists mildew, meaning you won’t need to continually replace it.
• Eco-Friendly Wallpaper. Today’s wallpaper isn’t like it used to be. New eco-friendly and highly stylish wallpaper options now feature water-based inks and materials from sustainable forests. Plus, companies such as Graham & Browne, also feature nature-inspired patterns with names like Fossil and Rainforest – to continue the “green” theme to your bath or powder room.
• Organic Cotton Bath Linens. For the finishing touch to your new luxuriously green bath, organic cotton bath towels are extremely absorbent and naturally hypoallergenic since they are processed and finished without chemical ingredients, toxic bleaches or formaldehyde.
Finally, after you’ve created your eco-friendly bath, it’s time to sit back, relax and unwind. And why not celebrate with a bottle of wine. Should you choose red or white? How about green? From organic grapes and biodynamic agriculture to sustainable production methods, a number of today’s wineries create delicious “green” wine offerings. Start your wine tasting online, by checking out sites such as: theorganicwinecompany.com, organicvinters.com or ecowine.com. See complete line of Eco friendly
Moen Bath Product or read more about
Moen Bath
