Eco bathroom guide

Part 2 Eco bathroom basin

My eco bathroom guide continues with basins, available in a variety of materials each with their own eco characteristics. Recycled glass basins are a good choice for the bathroom as the risk of breakages is low compared to glass for a kitchen sink. Consider the suitability for the user though e.g. children’s en-suite would not be the best choice. Although very durable and hygienic, the glaze on porcelain basins can lose its gloss over time with the use of abrasive cleaning materials. Enamelled cast iron/steel basins are durable and may develop cracks or rust over time, however they can be recycled post consumer use.

Concrete basins can be poured and moulded into the worktop and require waxing or sealing. They are durable, robust and heavy. Concrete the material requires a large amount of energy for material extraction, processing, manufacture and transportation, however will last a lifetime.

Stone basins are natural, non toxic and durable although the material extraction process and transportation of these heavy items (if not sourced locally) can create a high level of embodied energy. Stone is also a non renewable resource, although depending on the type it may be in abundance. Copper, bronze and aluminium basins develop a beauty of their own over time, although they can be highly polished to look like new, if that is the effect you want.

All of the basins mentioned above are durable, have long lifespans, are hygienic, are made with non toxic materials and release either low or zero VOCs depending on the finish. Most can be recycled into lower grade materials which is a process known as downcycling.

Thinking about water saving, you can collect gray water (waste water from sinks) from your bathroom basin to use in the garden, or to provide your WC with water to flush with using an integrated pipe work system.

Eco bathroom taps

Firstly, check that your basin and bath taps do not leak as this can add up to a huge amount of wasted water. Replace washers and faulty fittings as necessary. If your water is calculated per volume, this means added cost to your utility bills. Even if your water is not calculated, the energy and resources used to produce fresh cold water to your taps is costing the environment. Leaving the taps on when washing your hands or brushing your teeth can waste as much as 10 litres of water every minute. If you leave the hot water tap running the costs are much higher for your utility bills and the damage to the environment with the energy used.

There are more or less two options for tap; old or new. Second hand taps can be reconditioned so they are almost new and help recycle waste. If you have to buy new products look for water saving taps, typically these are the European style with a single hole for the fitting rather than the traditional two hole fitting. Self closing / shut off taps are operated by a button which turns off the water supply when you stop pressing it. Now try to brush your teeth and leave the tap running!

Other water saving features are taps with air sprays, aerators, flow regulators and restrictors to reduce the water flow rate. Some of these controls can be added to your existing taps so that you can reduce your water use without having to buy a whole new product. Avoid gadgets like infrared taps in your bathroom which operate without touching as they are a waste of electricity.

Typical tap materials are a variety of metals; steel, iron, aluminium, chrome, bronze, brass and copper which are all known for their durable qualities. Some manufacturers offer recycled content taps. Other materials used for handles are ceramic and glass which have eco friendly characteristics although they are less durable than metal fittings.

Continue reading part 3 of the eco bathroom guide here.........

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