Nowadays, it is safe to say that interior design has become a lot greener. Growing awareness of the toxicity of many interior design products (e.g. VOC-laden house paints) has prompted many homeowners to reconsider the way they design their homes. Also, as we learn more about the adverse environmental effects associated with the manufacture and use of many interior construction and finishing products, green remodeling is gaining more currency.

Living rooms and kitchen spaces have been popular choices for eco-friendly makeovers, but what about the bathroom? Is it possible to design an eco-friendly bathroom and how so? Here are 5 tips to creating an eco-friendly bathroom design that both you and the environment can enjoy.

1)      Conserve water

There are many water-savings technologies and products for the environmentally-aware homeowner. Look for low-flow faucets and showerheads that are EPA-approved (EPA is the Environmental Protection Agency). Low-flow bathroom fixtures use as much as 20% less water than their standard counterparts. You can also install aerators on your standard faucet or showerhead to decrease water usage. Another way to save water is to install a low-flow, high-efficiency toilet. These toilets have cyclonic flushing technology which means that very little water is used per flush. Installing a controllable flush handle is a good way to conserve water without having to buy a new commode.

2)      Choose eco-friendly materials

Eco-friendly materials can give rise to a very distinctive bathroom design. For example, consider a bathroom vanity with an attention-grabbing vetrazzo or fuez (materials made of recycled glass) surface, or ceramic bathroom tiles made from post-consumer, post-industrial materials.

3)      Use all-natural fabrics

A simple way to boost your bathroom’s green quotient is to use earth-friendly fabrics. Instead of toxic PVC vinyl shower curtains, use shower curtains made from EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate), organic cotton duck canvas, or hemp. Earth-friendly bathroom rugs and mats are made from a wide range of materials including organic cotton, repurposed towels, or sustainable bamboo, cork, or teakwood. Finally, choose hand towels, wash cloths, bath towels and bathrobes made from natural fibers such as organic cotton or bamboo.