Greening Your Shower

Going green, making your life eco-friendly or tree hugging. Call it what you will, but becoming more environmentally conscious is the latest buzz and, unlike some other trends, this one is actually good for you.

The idea of greening your entire home may be an intimidating one, but it does not have to be. Start in one place and work your way through your house, your routine and your family’s routine and – sooner than you think – you’ll be the eco-friendliest house on the block. One of the easiest places to save is your morning shower. People in the United States allow about two and a half gallons of fresh water flow down the bathtub drain every minute they stand under their shower. Sounds like a great place to start cutting back.

Begin by installing a low-flow showerhead. These showerheads can save up to 50% of the water you have been wasting in the mornings. Take it a step further and find a low-flow showerhead with a pause button. That way you can stop the water while you lather up.

Next, reduce the amount of time you spend in the shower by two minutes. Get an inexpensive, waterproof digital stopwatch and hang it in your shower. After you time an average shower, set the stopwatch to go off two minutes before that time the next morning. This simple act can save between four and eight gallons of water, which translates to about $40 off your water bill every year.

Now, call your local plumbers and ask them to create exit plumbing for your bathroom. Essentially, this will take all your used shower water and divert it to a collection bin in the backyard. You can use the water to keep flowers and plants alive.

Lowering the temperature of your gas hot water heaters or other hot water heaters is another simple tip. If you keep the heater set around 120 degrees Fahrenheit your family will not notice the temperature difference and you will be saving lots of money on your utility bill. You will also keep family members from accidentally scalding themselves on water coming out of the showerhead or a faucet.

Once your water is taken care of, it’s time to think about the shower curtain. Whenever you open new vinyl shower curtains, you are accosted with a strong chemical smell. This smell is called off-gassing and happens when the chemicals used to make the curtain spread into your home.

To protect your family from these fumes and reduce your indoor air pollution, consider using a healthier option. Hemp, recycled materials and organic cotton shower curtains are all greener choices to the tradition vinyl ones. Be sure to do your homework before purchasing one of these curtains, as some are more resistant to mold and mildew than others. For the less mold resistant choices, consider investing in a PEVA liner. This shower liner is PVC-free, phthalate free and biodegradable. Even better, it won’t bring noxious fumes into your home.

If you have had your vinyl curtain for some time, do not just throw it away. After a few months, the off-gassing will end and you can use the curtain without worry. Keep it mildew-free by soaking the curtain in water and a cup of vinegar. This will keep it in use longer. If you still want the greener option, hold on to the old vinyl curtain and use it as a drop cloth when painting.

By: W Holm

Article Source: http://www.directorys.uniquearticles.info

Wesley Holm, President of Thompson Plumbing Heating & Cooling, a Cincinnati-based plumbing, heating and air-conditioning company that offers the best service in the Greater Cincinnati area.

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