Eco bathroom ideasPart 4Eco bathroom ideas continue here with a look at your bathroom decor, what you can do with the walls and floor.
Eco bathroom ideas - Tiles
Despite the energy and resources used for material processing and manufacture, tiles are a good eco choice for bathrooms. Tiles are water resistant and do not harbour mould and bacteria like other wall finishes. They are ideal for the wet areas in your bathroom such as around the bath and sink and within shower enclosures. They are also suited to wet rooms. Look for recycled content tiles which help keep waste out of landfill sites. Recycled glass tiles are made from crushed post consumer bottles and glass products which are remanufactured into tiles. If you prefer ceramic tiles, look for recycled content (usually industrial waste content rather than old ceramic tiles being recycled into new ceramic tiles). Your local salvage yard or factory seconds supplier may hold stock of second hand ceramic tiles.
Eco bathroom ideas - PaintFor the bathroom you need an eco paint for the ceiling or above the tile height on the walls that can be scrubbed, is mould resistant, hard wearing and suitable for high moisture areas. Types of eco paints; linseed oil based paint - wood and vegetable oil based paint - casein, protein, distemper, milk based paint - clay based paint - stone and mineral paint - lime, lime wash, whitewash, distemper paint.
There is some conflicting information surrounding low-odour, low VOCs or zero VOCs paints as they ‘seem’ to be safe as they do not give off the typical paint smell – leading you into a false sense of security. This does not mean that they are safe, only that a different chemical process has been used. Interior paints which state zero VOCs may well be made with alternative chemical and toxic substances which are not classed as VOCs. Paint which states low VOCs offgas lower levels of chemical vapours than synthetic paints. Both zero and low VOC paints could have as a negative effect on your health, wellbeing and the natural environment as traditional synthetic paints do, even though the level of exposure might be reduced. Low VOCs still offgas, however the level is lower than with traditional paint types. There are currently no legislations as to what a low or zero VOC paint can contain to be put into this class.
Eco bathroom ideas - FlooringThe importance of flooring in your bathroom is the non slip factor, so that any areas with water on the surface do not create a safety hazard. Flooring should obviously be waterproof and warm underfoot so that it is comfortable when waking barefoot. There following flooring types are suitable for bathrooms each with different eco characteristics.
Cork is an ideal bathroom choice as it is 100% natural, renewable, warm & soft underfoot and resistant to indentations with excellent anti allergic, antimicrobial, non slip and moisture resistant properties. Check with the manufacturer for the eco properties of the finish.
Linoleum is manufactured from natural and renewable materials; linseed oil, hessian, pine rosins, wood flour, limestone with a jute backing. It is warm underfoot, anti allergenic and available in a variety of colours and patterns.
Recycled and natural rubber flooring is available which does not contain dangerous toxins like PVC or formaldehyde, however this material will offgas a low amount of VOCs. Natural rubber flooring can be found with up to 90% natural materials. It can be recycled into lower grade materials. A durable materials that is warm underfoot and resilient to wear and tear. A raised or studded surface gives this flooring good non slip properties.
Continue reading part 5 of the eco bathroom ideas here.........
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