Going green, or eco-friendly, is more than just a passing trend in the real estate industry. Rather, it is the wave of the future and Boston condo developers and current owners alike are taking notice. In fact, a growing number of homebuyers are looking for homes with eco-friendly designs and construction. Therefore, if you are looking for a way to increase the value of your home, or if you are simply trying to reduce your carbon footprint, you might want to consider implementing these four ways to make your bathroom greener.
Tip #1: Improve Water Efficiency
One way to make your bathroom more eco-friendly is to replace the toilet with a low-flow model and to install low-flow showerheads. You might also want to look for bathroom appliances with the WaterSense label, as those appliances that earn this label must be 20% more water efficient than their less efficient counterparts while still performing as well or better than those without the WaterSense label.
Tip #2: Choose Green Construction Materials
When remodeling your bathroom, there are many green material options to select from. Not only will these options reduce your carbon footprint, but many are quite attractive as well. For example, recycled glass tiles look great in the shower and green flooring options such as linoleum made from natural raw materials and bamboo will add flare to the room. Products carrying eco-friendly labels such as Green Seal and EcoLogo are also good construction options.
Tip #3: Install an Exhaust Fan
Installing an exhaust fan is a great way to get the air moving in your bathroom. Not only will this help keep your bathroom fresh, exhaust fans also help remove dampness from the room. By keeping dampness at bay, you reduce the risk of developing mold. This, in turn, reduces the need for using environmentally harmful chemicals to get rid of the mold.
Tip #4: Install Eco-Friendly Shower Curtains
Display your eco-friendly mindset by doing away with PVC shower curtains and replacing them with a “green” option. Eco-friendly shower curtain material options include coated nylon, hemp, linen, and organic cotton
By taking these four simple steps, you will save energy, water and money in the long run.
About the Author: Brian Kinkade is a broker and team lead with Brokers Guild – Cherry Creek Ltd, one of Denver’s fastest growing full service Denver real estate firm. Brian’s team of Internet savvy agents service the Denver Metro area while specializing in Denver luxury homes, Colorado horse property and International sales. They invite you to visit their advanced real estate website today to search for homes, gather local information, and learn about Denver neighborhoods. Brian and his team are standing by and ready to assist with your home purchase, property sale or relocation needs.
Keith Munsell 
