At Beaverton TenderCare Dental, we care about the environment. We were the first Gold Certified Eco-Dentistry office in Oregon, and we believe that everyone can do their part to nurture the world. You spend a lot of time in your bathroom, especially when you brush and floss at least two times a day, so we decided to compile a list of ways to make your bathroom more eco-friendly. We’ve already adopted some of these practices in our own public bathrooms at Beaverton Tendercare, including installing Dyson Airblade hand dryers. Read on to find out how to create a great ecofriendly bathroom.
1. Install a low-flow toilet or retrofit your toilet with water saving adapters
Toilets use around 27% of the water consumed in your home. Older toilets can use up to 7 gallons per flush. That’s a lot of water. If you aren’t in the market for a new toilet, there are many water saving adapters available for an affordable price.
2. Use a motion sensor faucet or turn off the water when you brush
We’ve all heard that we should turn off the water in the bathroom when we aren’t using it, but for some reason, it’s hard to remember. Installing a motion sensor faucet is the easiest way to save water when you are brushing, plus it keeps the faucet handle from getting covered in germs
3. Upgrade your light bulbs
Switching out traditional light bulbs for LED bulbs will save you money on your energy bill, plus you’ll eliminate the need for frequently replacing bulbs. New technology has made it possible to produce warm bulbs which give off the traditional glow we are used to.
4. Switch to an energy efficient fan
It’s important to have a vent fan to keep moisture at bay, especially in our climate, but by installing an ENERGY STAR-rated fan will provide you with a 60% savings over your old model.
5. Purchase eco-friendly, sustainable bath products
Your bathroom is probably full of toothpastes, soaps, shampoos, lotions and other products that may be full of harmful chemicals. We recommend using natural products whenever you can as these products are readily available on your grocery store shelves.
6. Clean with homemade cleaning products
You’ll save money and protect your health by making cleaning products at home. It’s easy to mix up effective cleaning solutions with household items. You can get some recipes for your own products here: http://bit.ly/1paQLJq
7. Reduce the water temperature
You’ll save energy by turning down your hot water heater. Even better is to install a tankless water heater that heats only what water is needed, thus saving you money in the long run.
8. Use recycled toilet paper
You might not think about all the waste you create by using toilet paper. Next time you are at the store, try reaching for a recycled brand. Also, make sure you are closing the toilet lid before flushing to avoid the spread of germs to places like your toothbrush bristles.
9. Use towels made from organic materials like cotton and bamboo
Conventional cotton can be laden with chemicals. Instead choose an organic, sustainable fabric. Not only will you be exposed to less toxins, and prevent unneeded waste, you’ll also feel great when you wrap up in a cozy bamboo towel.
10. Turn the water off when you brush
We know we already talked about this one, but we think it is important to reiterate, especially if you don’t plan on installing a motion sensor faucet anytime soon. Turn off the water. Really, do it, and tell your kids to do it too. You’ll thank us when you get your next water bill.
Thanks for reading and we hope you came away with some great ideas to make your bathroom a better place to be.
Dr. Lennie Wong, Your Beaverton tender dentist at Beaverton Tendercare Dental.