Bathrooms are often a home’s smallest spaces but they contribute to your bills in a big way. Heating water accounts for about 16% of the average energy bill; 21% of household water use comes from the shower and 26% from the toilet. Getting green in the loo, is a smart move for cutting your water use and lowering your bills.  For toilets older than 1994, replace them with high efficiency, low-flow models. The average cost is about $300 and can save as much as 30,000 gallons of water a year.  When replacing tubs and showers, avoid fiberglass and acrylics; tiles with high recycled content are good choices. If your shower needs a curtain, buy one with PVC-free liners, available at IKEA. And for showerheads and faucets, install aerator heads to cut water consumption. Green bathrooms should use green cleaners. Forego chemical-based cleaners, and opt instead for a spray bottle of water and one-quarter cup vinegar, or a paste of baking powder and water. Or, try earth-friendly cleaners from Bon-Ami or Seventh Generation, available at most supermarkets. For remodeling, it should go without saying that any paint should be low- or no-VOC variety.

Eco-Office Practices

An easy way to reduce a company’s carbon footprint is to replace plastic water cooler bottles (they require energy to process, package and transport) with a bottle-less system. Innovative Water, in Long Beach, installs filtered-water coolers, minus the bottles, tapping into an existing onsite water line. Post recycling signs near recycling bins so they’re easily spotted. Recycle ink and toner cartridges at Staples, which provides cash towards your next purchase. Staples recycles other e-waste for customers, too. Allocate a section of your supply closet for storing reusable office supplies: folders, binders and more.

Install the GreenStreet LI 5-minute shower timer in your bathroom to lower water consumption and utility bills. (If you joined the GreenStreet LI movement and didn’t get a timer, write us at getinfo@greenstreetli.com and we’ll send you one–FREE!