• Bald eagles, giant pandas and manatees are no longer listed as endangered
• The world’s population of blue whales is rebounding
• Since the world ban on chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), the hole in the ozone layer is nearly gone
• World carbon dioxide emissions are leveling out, despite a growing economy
• Water consumption in the U.S. is trending down, even as the population grows
• The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that America’s air quality is steadily and measurably improving

None of these environmental victories would be possible without the concern and dedicated action not only of governments, but of ordinary people. The choices we make in our own homes and our purchasing behavior really do make a difference.

Next time you consider a bathroom remodel, why not make it a green one? Eco-friendly bathroom fixtures, accessories and construction materials contribute to a healthier planet and a healthier home. Here are some things to consider:

The Water-Smart Bathroom

Saving water is one of the easiest things you can do to go green, and it saves money, too — by lowering your sewer and water bills.

There are many ways to save water in a bathroom. Since toilets account for nearly 30 percent of an average home’s total water consumption, let’s start there.

Green toilets are fast becoming standard in many areas. But don’t worry — “green” doesn’t refer to the color, but to the low-flow toilet technology that uses up to one-third of a gallon of less water per flush than the federally mandated standard. Installing a high-efficiency toilet could save you $2,200 over the lifetime of the unit.

Another way to build a better toilet is to use only the amount of water that is needed per flush. This is true of dual-flush toilets, such as the TOTO Aqua II. These eco-friendly toilet units allow the user to select full flush for solids, or a light flush when less water is needed.

Installing a low-flow toilet is just one way to save water in the bathroom. Why not match your green toilet with an equally green sink? Again, this is no reference to color. We’ll address the sink bowl itself later, but for now, let’s talk water savings.

One of the easiest ways to conserve water in your bathroom sink is by installing a high-efficiency bathroom sink faucet and/or aerator. These units are specially engineered to use less water to deliver a satisfying, high-pressure stream, so your family and guests will never realize they’re getting the job done with less. Water-smart bathtub faucets and water-saving showerheads are also readily available in many styles to suit any taste in bathroom décor.

Want to take your water savings to the next level? Consider a motion-sensor faucet, such as TOTO’s line of EcoPower Sensor faucets. These run only when needed, and eliminate the possibility of someone accidentally leaving the water running — great for families with kids!

The Energy-Efficient Bathroom

When you save water, you’re also saving energy, since it takes electricity to pump water to your home. That’s a boon to your water provider, but your eco-friendly bathroom will let you save on your own electric bill, too.

The easiest way to reduce your bathroom’s power consumption is to install energy-saving LED bulbs. Whether you have overhead bathroom light fixtures or vanity lamps, your LEDs will use 75 percent less electricity than standard incandescents, and last 25 times longer, too.

Another must for your eco-friendly bathroom is an energy-efficient vent fan. Not only will it reduce your energy use, but a high-performing fan will discourage mold growth for a cleaner, healthier indoor environment. High-efficiency fans also typically last longer and operate more quietly than conventional ones.

Sustainable Materials in the Bathroom

Finally, let’s consider the materials that go into building your bathroom.

Eco-friendly vanities and sinks are made from sustainable materials. These can include recycled materials, sustainably harvested wood, and natural or organic materials.

Whatever color you choose to paint your green bathroom, pay attention to the paint itself. These days it is easy to find low- or no-VOC, nontoxic paint. This will help keep your indoor air quality at acceptably healthy levels by reducing or eliminating off-gassing of volatile organic compounds.

If you have to tear out walls or refinish woodwork for your bathroom remodel, be aware that homes built before 1978 are likely to contain lead-based paint. Remodeling can release highly toxic lead dust into your home. Be sure to follow lead safe procedures when doing remodel work on older homes; and if you hire a contractor, use an EPA-certified renovator.

How Can Modern Bathroom Assist in Making Your Bathroom Eco-Friendly?

Whether you are looking for the best water-saving toilet or the perfect eco-friendly sink to suit your taste and budget, we’re glad to assist.

We stock dozens of environmentally friendly bathroom items in many styles — from economy to deluxe models. To find them, simply enter “Yes” in the search key under “eco-friendly” when searching for any of our bathroom products. If you ever have questions or need assistance in selecting the right green bathroom products for your needs, feel free to contact us here. We’re more than happy to help!

Are you thinking about taking on a basement bathroom remodel? There are a lot of reasons it’s a good idea. With a basement remodel, you can extend your living space and increase your home’s value. Your basement bathroom remodel could improve your home’s selling power, not to mention give you the convenience and luxury of an extra, attractive bath. Before you put forth a big remodeling effort, however, make sure you think through the entire project. Whether you’ll be updating the bathtub, putting in a new shower enclosure or changing everything from the ground up, here are some key tips to remember.

1. Know your budget. It’s as true of basement bathrooms as it is of any other part of your home — remodeling projects are notoriously more expensive than expected. Instead of going into the project waiting to see what things cost, decide upfront what you can and cannot spend. Shop to find the best deals on fixtures, using Modern Bathroom as an easy online resource for prices and deals.
2. Pick a cohesive theme. The exciting thing about a remodel is the unlimited possibilities. At some point, however, you have to narrow your choices. To avoid ending up with a haphazard, subpar space, decide on a theme and stick to it. Maybe you’ll go with a certain color scheme, such as white on white. Maybe you’ll focus on a specific interest, such as a nautical theme or sports. Whatever the case, let that theme guide your design choices.
3. Make the most of space. Whether you’re remodeling a tiny powder room or a large full bath, you can always make choices to expand the room’s sense of space. Use large mirrors to bounce more light through the room and create a larger feel. Instead of a traditional shower curtain, consider a glass shower enclosure that creates a seamless look. Incorporate lots of light. Use bright colors. If making the room appear larger is your goal, keep that in mind with all your choices.
4. Explore sinks and showers. While a small room might benefit from a space-saving pedestal sink, a double sink vanity can add great functionality to a large bath. Explore the possibilities for different kinds of sinks and showers in order to pick the one that best suits your space.
5. Be realistic about what you can handle. One of the biggest decisions in a remodel is trying to figure out whether to hire contractors or do it yourself. Before you assume one or the other is a better choice, look realistically at your capabilities, budget and availability. Will going DIY save you money, or will it possibly lead to mistakes and higher costs for repairs? Will taking on an extra project be fun, or will it overwhelm you in an already busy schedule? Be as realistic as you can about what you can handle.

When remodeling your basement bath, keep in mind that your new space doesn’t need all the bells and whistles to provide added value. If you want to opt for little luxuries and they fit your budget, great. But if you have to prioritize what’s most important, know that even a simple, clean, updated bathroom is a great feature. When working on your next bathroom project, use the tips above to guide your progress.

Getting the chance to remodel a bathroom is an exciting prospect. Whether you’ve been making do with your old bathroom for years and are finally tackling the bathroom remodel or just moved into a new home and are ready to change the bathroom right away, now you get to create the modern bathroom design you’ve always wanted. You’ll pick the floors, the walls, the shower, the vanity, all in order to give yourself the beautiful, functional space that makes daily routines more enjoyable. Before shopping for sinks and bathroom faucets, however, the first thing you’ll want to do is often the hardest — find a good contractor.

In terms of home remodeling projects, finding the right general contractor is one of the most important — yet often most difficult — parts of the job. How do you know who’s trustworthy? Who will get the job done right? Are there certain qualities to look for when you’re exploring potential hires?

To help answer these questions, here’s a look at five of the most important qualities good general contractors possess:

1. Have strong references: Listen to recommendations from your friends, read reviews online and ask for references from anyone you consider hiring for a job. When a contractor is reputable, he or she should be able to provide a list of past clients, as well as glowing testimonials. On top of the references your contractor provides, however, also do your own due diligence by looking at your state’s consumer protection agency and the Better Business Bureau to see if any outstanding disputes (warning signs) exist.
2. Communicate clearly: Save yourself the headache of never knowing how the project timeline has changed or what new expenses have come up, and pick a contractor who makes communication a priority. You can test this quality both by talking to past clients and by paying attention to the way the contractor deals with you upfront. What’s the payment schedule, for example? What kind of timeline gets discussed? Are your agreements in writing or done on a handshake? If your contractor is willing to take initiative to clearly communicate with you now, that’s a good sign.
3. Listen. Just as important as being able to communicate about changes and updates is being able to listen. A contractor who takes over a job without checking in with a client is not a contractor you want to handle your bathroom remodel. This, too, is a quality you can look for in initial meetings and in past client’s reviews.
4. Hold appropriate licenses and insurance: Ask to see the contractor’s proof of licensure and insurance before starting any kind of project together. These qualifications are more than mere formalities; they protect you in case of unexpected injuries or accidents that occur on the job.
5. Possess multiple skills. A general contractor needs a wide breadth of skills. More than just being able to lay flooring, he or she needs to understand what goes into plumbing, painting, electrical work, windows and more. Ask about competencies and pay attention to what skills each potential contractor has. You want a contractor who’s able and willing to handle any part of your project, as needed.

Finding the right contractor can seem daunting, but when you know what qualities to look for, the process becomes a little simpler. Once you find the right person for the job, the next step to a winning modern bathroom design is finding products — so come to Modern Bathroom for the best prices, a large selection and free shipping straight to you!

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