How to Go Green: In the Bathroom : TreeHugger

bathroom sink dripping faucet low flow aerator water conservation photo
Photo credit: Getty Images/Peter Dazeley

The bathroom is the room where we begin and end each day, with a variety of cleaning routines designed to help keep us healthy. Odd then, that the room in which we clean our teeth, our skin and the rest of our bodies (not to mention dispose of our waste) is often filled with toxic chemicals, and, even then, not very clean itself. So, how do you stay clean, promote good health, and go green in your bathroom?

We've answered these questions (and more) in the all new How to Go Green: In the Bathroom guide over on Planet Green. Check it out for all the details about going green in your bathroom, and keep reading for a taste of the green bathroom tips.

Photo credit: Getty Images/Kathryn Barnard

Top Green Bathroom Tips

Don't Let So Much Water Down the Drain
There are a trifecta of water-saving opportunities in the bathroom. By installing a low-flow showerhead, a low-flow faucet aerator, and a dual-flush toilet, you'll save thousands of gallons of water each year. The first two are easy DIY jobs -- learn how to install a low-flow faucet here -- and a toilet can be done with a little homework. To really go for the gusto, and go for a water-free toilet, check in to composting toilets (get the details in the Getting Techie section).

Flush the Toilet with Care
When it comes to using the toilets themselves, be sure you're reaching for toilet paper created from recycled sources -- remember, rolling over is better than rolling under -- and avoid using products made from virgin boreal forest trees. The Natural Resources Defense Council has a solid list of recycled paper sources, so you aren't literally flushing virgin trees down the toilet. And when it comes time to flush, close the lid before hitting the button to prevent the spread of bacteria around your bathroom. Ready for the next step? Install a dual-flush toilet or dual-flush retrofit on your current toilet.

Take Green Cleaning into Your Own Hands
Doing it yourself is a great way to insure that you're going as green as possible, since you know exactly what went in to the products you're using. A few reliable favorites: Spray surfaces that need cleaning—sinks, tubs, and toilets, for example—with diluted vinegar or lemon juice, let it sit for 30 minutes or so, give it a scrub, and your mineral stains will all but disappear. Getting lime scale or mold on your showerhead? Soak it in white vinegar (hotter is better) for an hour before rinsing it clean. And to create a great tub scrub, mix baking soda, castile soap (like Dr. Bronner's) and a few drops of your favorite essential oil—careful, a little bit goes a long way here. Follow this recipe for a non-toxic bathtub cleaner and you'll never have to buy caustic bathtub cleaners again.

Want more tips and info about going green in your bathroom? Click on over to How to Go Green: In the Bathroom, and, while you're at it, check out our other guides for How to Go Green: Bathroom Renovation, How To Go Green: Cleaning, and the rest of the guides for How to Go Green