6 Ways to Create an Eco-Friendly Spa Bathroom
Nowhere is better at eliciting rejuvenation and relaxation than a spa. But spas can be expensive indulgences and most of us need a break from the world more often than we can afford time at a spa. So why not turn your own bathroom into a spa-like environment, bringing in the elements that help you relax at a real spa? Here are six ways to create a spa-like, eco-friendly bathroom:
- Soy or beeswax candles. Candles are the quintessential spa item. But did you know that paraffin candles can produce harmful byproducts into the environment when lit? Scented candles can release even more toxins, and some candles also have wicks made with additives like lead and zinc. If you're going to grace your eco-friendly bathroom with candles, buy soy or beeswax candles. Alternately, you can make your own candles, buy homemade candles, buy candles in glass jars (which can be recycled), and/or use electric candles to reduce your carbon footprint.
- Essential oils. If you forego scented candles, you'll still need a way to create a sensual mood through pleasant smells. Essential oils are a great "green" option and can be diffused throughout your eco-friendly bathroom. Lavender, tea tree, eucalyptus, and ylang ylang are popular scents that can help you relax after a long day.
- Waterfall faucet. What's more relaxing than the sound of gently falling water? Not a whole lot. Replace your bathtub faucet with one designed to flow like a waterfall. Look for the WaterSense label to find an efficient faucet that will help you conserve more water.
- All-natural loofah. Loofahs are a great way to help exfoliate your skin and give you a true spa-like bathing or showering experience. But the plastic loofahs many people use are just another item for the trash pile in most homes once they inevitably wear out. Purchase an all-natural loofah, which is grown on a plant, peeled, dried out, and cut into the right size. If you have difficulty finding one, a great alternative is a loofah made from 100% recycled plastic.
- Homemade soap. As safe as conventional soap is, there are still numerous chemicals involved in the process of making it. If you want to be as environmentally friendly as possible, stock your spa-like bathroom with homemade soap. You can try making it yourself or purchasing it from a local farmer's or artisan market. Homemade soap often is available in a variety of relaxing scents sure to bring a sense of calm to your tired mind and body.
- Glass jars. Spas are often known for their clean, simple look – so what better way to recreate that then to use glass jars for storage on your eco-friendly bathroom counters and shelves? Use them to store things like bath salts, bath petals, Q-tips, and more. If you can find jars made from recycled glass, that's even better!
In addition to these changes, you can make your bathroom even more eco-friendly by upgrading to low-flow toilets, shower heads, and faucets, as well as installing a tankless water heater to conserve water. Get started today – and relaxation will be yours whenever you step through your bathroom doors.