More than 5000 chemicals are commonly used in toiletries and household cleaning products, many of which contain hazardous waste materials, hormone disrupting preservatives, neurotoxins, artificial perfumes and colorings, which can cause the air inside our homes to be more polluted than outdoor air!! In addition, those chemicals we normally use to clean our sinks, tubs and toilets all end up in our water systems, polluting our rivers and seas and harming fish and wildlife, but there are plenty of natural alternative products you can use to clean tiles, sinks and toilets.

For much more information on natural cleaning products see Cleaning.

Bathroom water use accounts for 65% of water used inside our homes. So, conserving the water we use in the bathrooms can make a big impact in reducing our environmental footprint! See our Water Conservation section for simple steps you can take to conserve water in your bathroom.

Use all-natural shampoos and soaps to help keep our streams and oceans chemical free and keep your hair and skin “EcoFabulous”, to quote Ms. Elaine Doyle of Ben & Jerry’s Climate Change College. For Information, see the Toiletries section of Green DIY

Replace your old toilet – Replace older, larger-use toilets with the newer low flush models. Standard toilets manufactured prior to the 1980s usually require 15 to 20 litres per flush. Toilets sold during the 80s and early 90s use 13 litres per flush. The newest toilets use only 6 litres per flush! Dual flush toilets use 30% less water than single flush options.

• Install a low flow showerhead – This can save about half the amount of water and energy you typically use in the shower, while still providing a refreshing, cleansing shower with plenty of water pressure. How to install a low-flow showerhead

• Change the Taps – An average household’s taps account for 15 to 18 percent of indoor water use, and bathroom taps tend to be the most heavily used. If you are installing new taps, look for low flow models. If you are retaining older taps, install aerator heads to reduce water use.

• Reduce your shower energy uses – Instructables.com has step by step instructions for how to lower the energy you use in the shower by insulating it for under $100 USD. This DIY project will save you money and keep your home “green” with minimal effort: How to reduce your shower energy use

Also See our Plumbing section for more information.

Conventional bathroom materials such as vinyl flooring and plastic shower trays are made from petroleum and are difficult to recycle or reuse. Instead, opt for flooring and countertop materials that have cleaner manufacturing processes. Give preference to materials that can be reused or recycled when it’s time to replace them.

Tile, stone and cement are good flooring options for the bathroom or kitchen because they stand up to water. However, they must be sealed to remain watertight. Try to source tile or stone salvaged from other projects instead of buying new. See floors section for more information.

• Painting a floor

Glass or ceramic tiles are good choices for kitchen or bathroom surfaces. You can use either use tiles salvaged from other projects or look for new tiles with recycled content. See tiles section for more information.

• Refinishing Tiles