Daily Green Audit Tip: Greening the Bathtub & Shower

This week, our green audit is the tub and shower. To make sure your bathtub and shower are doing all they can to save energy and water do the following:

Check for water leaks: You can do this by checking your water meter say, at 8am. Wait two or three hours but run no water during that time. Re-check your meter and if it’s changed, there’s a leak.

Insulate your hot water pipes: This can give you hotter water even if you preset your heat lower.

Insulate your water heater tank: You’ll re-coop the cost of doing this in about a year; after that, all you’ll do is save money.

Install water-saving shower heads: These are easy for anyone to install and can save you a ton of water.

Install low-flow faucet aerators: Eartheasy notes, “All household faucets should be fit with aerators.” One reason is water conservation, another is cost. Aerators are inexpensive and work well.

Don’t install water softeners unless really necessary: According to American Water & Energy Savers, you can “Save water and salt by running the minimum amount of regenerations necessary to maintain water softness. Turn softeners off while on vacation.”

Go green from the start: If you’re building or remodeling, consider an earth-friendly tub. Diamond Spas, Neo-Metro, and Durat have eco-friendly options. Durat, is really neat, with mod designs, containing solid material made with recycled plastics. According to Durat, “The surface is easy to keep clean, resistant to various chemicals and can always be renewed by a light sanding if needed.” Look at these beautiful tubs from Durat:

Also, be sure to look around for a company that will take and recycle your old tub or stall materials. Or, you could always turn the old tub into furniture.