13 Greener Ways to Answer ‘Nature’s Call’
A large chunk of our time is spent in the bathroom. We apply our makeup, shave, shower and, um, take care of other kinds of unseemly business every day in the bathroom. Since we spend so much time in this hallowed room, we figure it’s fitting to throw out a few ideas that will help you green your bathroom routine.
The Easy, Cheap-ish Stuff
Scrub up naturally
You’re hearing nothing new here. If you’re going to go green in the bathroom, though, this is the first place to start. Switching from traditional to organic or homemade shampoo, conditioner, soap and makeup is an absolute must. Sure, organic personal care items are better for your insides and your out, but purchasing natural personal care products also sends a monetary message. You’re telling companies that you support products that are good for you and the environment.
Keep your lady parts secure during “that time of the month”
No lady likes “that” particular time. We’re typically bloat-y, grumpy and downright exhausted. Also, shelling out all that cash for disposable pads and tampons is, well, kind of infuriating. Luckily, there are products on the market, such as the Diva Cup and the Glad Rag, that are reusable. These products give you the protection you need when you need it most.
Not everyone is okay with the “if it’s yellow, let it mellow” rule. A good alternative? Investing in devices such as a Toilet Fill Cycle Diverter. The Diverter saves up to 50 percent of the fill cycle water (up to a half gallon per flush).
Some other things to do:
- Buy recycled toilet paper.
- Buy “green” cleaning products, or make your own.
- Use diluted essential oils as a room freshener.
- Buy a low-flow showerhead.
- Recycle all personal care product bottles and cardboard containers.
- Green up your shower routine by conserving water.
The Hard, Kinda Expensive Stuff
Ever heard of a composting toilet? These toilets, well, compost human waste. Pretty self explanatory, really. The bad about these toilets is they are expensive — $1,000-$5,000. If you can purchase one of these, though, you’d be well on your way to having an eco bathroom.
Other expensive, but awesome bathroom greening tips:
Resources:
http://www.niagaraconservation.com/water_conservation/products/miscellaneous/detail?object=5156
http://grist.org/green-living-tips/10-gross-green-bathroom-questions-you-never-knew-you-had/
Image: theogeo
