How Low Can You Flow? How to Create an Energy-Efficient Bathroom

(Page 3 of 3)

July/August 2003
By Carol Steinfeld 
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Graywater heat exchang-ers, such as those by GFX Technology (starting at $200), capture the heat of washwater before it leaves the house and transfer it back to the water heaters or fixtures.

RELATED CONTENT

Ventilation

Keep the air in your bath fresh with a ventilation fan. Mary Cordaro, of H3 Environmental in Valley Village, California, suggests running an exhaust fan during a bath or a shower and keeping it on for thirty minutes afterward to dehumidify the room. The best models combine energy efficiency with quiet fans. The Panasonic WhisperFit and Super-Quiet exhaust ceiling fans are the best choices for low sone (noise level) and low wattage, which save energy and are quiet enough for that long, contemplative soak. $105 to $128 in the Green Builders Catalog: (800) 488-4340, or from Panasonic: (866) 888-2929.

Easy green

• Every day you make choices in your bathroom that can make a difference.

• Use nontoxic cleansers such as citrus oil and peroxide-based disinfectants. If you’re using graywater to irrigate plants, use soaps and detergents that contain plant-healthy nitrogen such as lauryl ammonium or potassium sulfate.

• Place a bucket in the shower to collect warm-up water and shower water. Use it to flush the toilet by simply pouring a gallon or two into the bowl. Or, take it outside to water plants or wet down the compost pile.

• Choose a washable, natural-fiber shower curtain for better drying with less mold.

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Comments

  • Leah Wiste 8/19/2008 6:55:20 PM

    I work for an organization that's looking into the possibility of installing a composting toilet in our office-- more for the reason that this would be a cost-effective way to make our office accessible for a disabled employee than for the environmental benefits, but certainly the decreased footprint is a plus. Nonetheless, our staff are skeptical about the idea.

    Does anyone have personal experience with composting toilets or know anyone who would be willing to share their experience? I'm looking for a candid point a view not found on the testimonial pages of vendor websites.

  • Leah Wiste 8/19/2008 6:54:03 PM

    I work for an organization that's looking into the possibility of installing a composting toilet in our office-- more for the reason that this would be a cost-effective way to make our office accessible for a disabled employee than for the environmental benefits, but certainly the decreased footprint is a plus. Nonetheless, our staff are skeptical about the idea.

    Does anyone have personal experience with composting toilets or know anyone who would be willing to share their experience? I'm looking for a candid point a view not found on the testimonial pages of vendor websites.

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