Your bathroom may be the smallest room in your home, but it has an outsized environmental impact. From water consumption and energy use to toxic chemicals and plastic waste, conventional bathrooms take a surprising toll on the planet.
Bathrooms in the U.S. present several sources of toxic chemical exposure, including PFAS from toilet paper, methylene chloride from refinishing products, VOCs from cleaning supplies and water, and formaldehyde from certain toilet products. No wonder so many households are trying to make their bathroom more environmentally friendly.
Creating an eco-friendly bathroom means using sustainable materials, efficient fixtures and fittings, and greener cleaning, beauty, and sanitary products.
I recently decided to go green and remodel my entire bathroom, and I can tell you from experience that it was well worth the effort. You conserve water, improve your health, save money, and reduce your carbon footprint.
Whether you're planning a complete renovation or just looking for small, affordable changes, I'm sharing some practical tips you can use to make your bathroom more sustainable today.
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Sustainable bathroom design requires sustainable building materials for your flooring, tiles, paints, counters, and cabinets.
Instead of plastics, engineered particleboard, or virgin wood, choose materials made from repurposed waste or natural materials that are easily renewable, like bamboo.
I recommend you avoid PVC, which (sadly) is used in many bathroom fittings such as faucets, cabinets, and flooring. Studies have shown that PVC leaches phthalates such as DEHP, particularly when it comes into contact with hot water ("Polyvinyl Chloride Microplastics Leach Phthalates into the Aquatic Environment over Decades," Henkel et al, 2022).
But how do you know that materials are eco-friendly and safe to use? The best way is to look for the following trusted certifications that verify environmental claims.
With the above in mind, focus on the following areas to create a bathroom that's beautiful, chemical-free, and environmentally friendly.
Select sustainable materials like cork, reclaimed wood, or bamboo flooring for your bathroom. Look for certifications like FSC-certified wood or Cradle to Cradle.
I particularly like cork flooring because it's naturally water-resistant, antimicrobial, feels soft under bare feet, and provides excellent insulation. If you're not a fan of cork, other eco-friendly options include bamboo, reclaimed wood treated for water resistance, or recycled tiles (porcelain is great).
Brands like Cali Bamboo and Teragren are known for making good-quality flooring using sustainable materials.
I recommend avoiding LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile) flooring because it usually contains PVC.
If your floor requires adhesives or sealants, make sure they're low VOC (ideally GREENGUARD certified brands like Bona).
On your wet surfaces, install tiles made from repurposed waste materials like recycled glass, ceramic, or porcelain.
In my bathroom, we used mosaic style recycled glass tiles containing 98% post-consumer waste glass, which look amazing!
Major eco-conscious manufacturers like Fireclay Tile, Oceanside Glass & Tile, and Crossville offer certified recycled content products in various styles and price points to suit any taste or budget.
Installation is identical to conventional tiles. Any professional tiler or competent DIY'er can handle the job easily enough.
Use low or zero-VOC paints to improve the air quality in your bathroom.
Traditional paints emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Breathing in those paint fumes can cause headaches and respiratory issues, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
That's why you need a GREENGUARD certified VOC-free paint that gives you excellent coverage and durability, but without the health risks.
Look for reputable brands like ECOS Paints (my personal favorite), Benjamin Moore, BEHR, or Sherwin-Williams. All of these offer specific bathroom-friendly formulations with mold and mildew resistance.
Natural stone, recycled glass, and eco-resin are all great sustainable materials for countertops. They all provide a durable, water-resistant surface that makes a real feature addition to any environmentally friendly bathroom.
Reclaimed wood vanities and cabinets are a great idea if you want to add a touch of character to your bathroom.
If you prefer a more contemporary look and need new wooden cabinets, check for FSC certification for sustainability, and GREENGUARD to make sure any treatments used have low emissions.
In NASA's Clean Air Study (1989), Bill Wolverton demonstrated that certain indoor plants can absorb volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as formaldehyde, benzene, and xylene.
It's worth noting that you can't rely on plants to entirely depurify your home. You would need very large quantities to do that ("Investigating the plant and air-quality performances of an internal green wall system under hydroponic conditions," Kazemi et al, 2020). But they certainly help with air quality, especially in enclosed spaces like a bathroom, as well as reducing stress and making us feel good.
Choose plants that thrive in bathroom conditions. For example, peace lilies excel in low light and steamy environments, snake plants release oxygen at night, and Boston ferns act as natural humidifiers.
With an expanding global population and climate change drying our rivers, the pressure on the world's freshwater supply has never been greater. That's why it's so important for us to conserve water wherever we can.
Toilets (24%), showers (20%), and faucets (20%) are the three fixtures that use the most water in our homes ("Residential End Uses of Water Version 2," Water Research Foundation), so it makes sense to focus on these if we want to reduce the amount of water we use.
Replace your old toilet with an EPA WaterSense-certified low-flow model or add a dual-flush converter to dramatically cut water consumption without sacrificing performance.
Modern low-flow toilets use just 1.28 gallons per flush compared to older models that waste up to 7 gallons, according to guidance from the EPA. That adds up to a saving of over 13,000 gallons (and $170 in utility bills) annually, for an average U.S. household.
Dual-flush toilet systems offer two options: a 3-liter (0.8 gallon) half flush for liquid waste and a 6-liter (1.6 gallon) standard flush for solids. Given that we flush liquids much more regularly, using the half flush delivers meaningful savings of 50% per flush right from day one.
Installing a dual-flush typically takes under two hours, and if you're upgrading from a toilet that was made before 2004, you may even be entitled to a rebate that can offset up to $100 of your purchase cost.
Upgrading to EPA WaterSense-labeled faucets reduces water usage by at least 30% and can save 700 gallons a year, without affecting performance or water pressure.
You don't even need to replace the entire faucet if your existing one has an aerator (that's one of those cool gadgets on the end of the faucet that mixes air into the water). Simply swapping to water-saving aerators delivers similar savings. You can get one for less than 20 bucks in most hardware stores or buy one online, and they take just a few minutes to install.
A low-flow shower head delivers similar benefits to water-saving faucets. According to the EPA, showerheads with the WaterSense label use at least 20% less water than standard models (2 gallons per minute compared to 2.5 gallons per minute) while maintaining performance.
Modern efficient shower heads use innovative technologies like aeration (infusing water with air) or laminar flow (creating multiple small streams) to get the same pressure but using less water. This is a low-cost improvement, and installation is typically a quick DIY job you can do using just a wrench and plumber's tape.
Upgrade to a smart shower system that monitors and controls water usage in real-time.
Standard advice tells you to take shorter showers to conserve water and energy, and that does work, but it's sometimes easier said than done. For less than $200, a smart shower system gives you features like digital thermostatic valves, timed shower settings, and usage tracking that helps you understand and conserve water usage.
If you're fully renovating your bathroom, why not go one step further by installing a greywater system that captures shower and sink water and reuses it for toilet flushing or garden irrigation?
We chose the Orbital Systems shower, a greywater recycling system for your shower. It recirculates and filters water so you can shower for longer but use less. It claims to save 90% of water and 80% of energy used by standard showers, and it does make a big difference to the utility bills.
Lower your bathroom's carbon footprint by switching to energy-efficient lighting, ventilation, and water heating.
These are just some of the eco-friendly fixtures and fittings we recommend in our energy-saving tips guide that pay for themselves in utility bill savings over time.
In the case of lighting, it's a cheap and simple swap that has a big impact.
Replace traditional incandescent or fluorescent bathroom lighting with LED light bulbs. LED bulbs use up to 75% less energy than incandescent lighting and last 25 times longer (U.S. Department of Energy, 2024). You'll get cheaper bills and save even more money by having to replace your bulbs less often.
I recommend warm white LEDs (2700-3000K) for a flattering glow around mirrors, and consider waterproof LED strips for shower areas or under vanities for ambient lighting. Remember to make sure any light bulbs and fittings are rated for use in wet areas.
Installation is straightforward because most LED bulbs fit existing fixtures, making this one of the simplest eco-upgrades that delivers immediate energy savings while providing superior lighting quality for your daily routines.
Bonus tip: A bathroom skylight is a great way to get some natural light into your bathroom if you don't have any windows, and it means you'll turn your lights on less often. This might not be practical for everyone due to the cost, but it's well worth considering if you're installing a new bathroom or doing a complete remodel.
Replace standard bathroom fans with humidity-sensing ventilation systems that automatically activate when moisture levels rise and shut off when optimal humidity is restored.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, ENERGY STAR-certified bathroom fans use 48% less energy than conventional models thanks to their improved design, and they even make less noise. The cost starts at $100 or less to buy.
For optimal performance, choose a fan with appropriate CFM (cubic feet per minute) capacity. The Home Ventilating Institute (hvi.org) recommends 1 CFM per square foot of bathroom space.
Upgrade to a high-efficiency Energy Star water heater to significantly reduce the energy you use to heat water in your bathroom. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, water heating accounts for approximately 18% of home energy use, making it the second-largest energy expense in most homes.
On-demand tankless water heaters eliminate standby heat loss by heating water only when needed, reducing energy consumption by 24-34% in homes (based on daily usage of 41 gallons or less of hot water).
If you really want to go green, take your water heating off-grid and get a solar water heater. Solar heating can provide 50-80% of your hot water needs using renewable energy, but it requires suitable roof exposure and climate conditions.
While these efficient systems have higher upfront costs than conventional models, federal tax credits and utility rebates can offset expenses, and the long-term energy savings typically provide payback within 5-10 years.
Keep harmful chemicals out of your bathroom, away from your kids, and out of waterways by using non-toxic cleaning products, organic towels, and doing sustainable laundry.
Switch to plant-based, biodegradable cleaners that effectively sanitize your bathroom without introducing harmful chemicals into waterways.
According to the Environmental Working Group (ewg.org), conventional bathroom cleaners often contain ingredients like phthalates, triclosan, and quaternary ammonium compounds that can disrupt hormones and contribute to antibiotic resistance.
Look for natural cleaning supplies from brands like Force of Nature, Method, Common Good, and ECOS that use enzymes and plant-derived surfactants instead of harsh chemicals. Avoid products listing "fragrance" (which can mask dozens of undisclosed chemicals), sodium lauryl sulfate, parabens, and chlorine bleach on their labels.
For a budget-friendly alternative, you could even make your own effective cleaners using simple ingredients like white vinegar, baking soda, and castile soap.
Switch to towels made from certified organic cotton or other sustainable fibers like hemp or bamboo.
Look for organic towels with Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) or OEKO-TEX certification, which ensures the entire production process meets strict environmental and social criteria.
Brands like Avocado, Boll & Branch, and Under the Canopy offer high-quality organic options in various price ranges.
Wash bathroom textiles efficiently by running full loads at lower temperatures. According to the American Cleaning Institute, washing with cold water can reduce energy usage by up to 90% compared to using hot water, but it's still effective at getting your towels and bath mats clean as long as you use the right detergent.
Choose concentrated, plant-based detergents like Dropps or Tru Earth that come in minimal packaging and are free from phosphates, optical brighteners, and synthetic fragrances.
Hang towels to dry between uses to extend the time they last between washes, and install a simple bathroom clothesline or over-door hooks for air-drying items after washing.
Try to incorporate sustainable bathroom products into your beauty routine to cut down on plastic waste and protect yourself and your family from potentially harmful chemicals.
Choose toilet paper, toothbrushes, and shampoos made from recycled or plant-based, biodegradable ingredients.
They're typically free from parabens, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances, and come in recyclable or compostable packaging. Here's how you can still look and feel amazing without harming the environment.
Switch to toilet paper made from bamboo or 100% post-consumer recycled paper to significantly reduce environmental impact.
According to the Natural Resources Defense Council (nrdc.org), manufacturing recycled toilet paper uses 50% less water and 64% less energy than making toilet paper from virgin wood pulp. Bamboo is a sustainable alternative because it regrows quickly after harvesting without needing to be replanted.
Look for eco-friendly toilet roll with Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification. Brands like Reel, Cloud Paper, Seventh Generation, and Cheeky Panda are all sustainable choices that come in plastic-free packaging.
Whichever brand you choose, make sure your paper is unbleached and processed without chlorine (labeled PCF - processed chlorine-free), which prevents harmful dioxins from entering waterways.
Replace plastic toothbrushes with bamboo alternatives to eliminate a significant source of non-biodegradable bathroom waste. According to National Geographic, over one billion plastic toothbrushes are discarded annually in the United States alone, contributing to landfill waste and ocean pollution.
Bamboo handles biodegrade naturally within 3-6 months in commercial composting facilities, compared to the 400+ years plastic handles remain in the environment. Look for bamboo toothbrushes with plant-based bristles from brands like Brush with Bamboo or The Humble Co.
When replacing your toothbrush (recommended every 3-4 months by the American Dental Association), remove the bristles for recycling and compost the handle. This simple swap prevents four plastic toothbrushes per person from entering the waste stream annually.
Choose toothpaste in recyclable metal tubes or toothpaste tablets in glass jars to cut down on your packaging waste.
Conventional plastic toothpaste tubes are rarely recycled and can take over 500 years to decompose in landfills ("What should happen to your used Toothpaste Tubes," Akram Azaz, 2024).
Look for formulations free from microplastics, triclosan, sodium lauryl sulfate, and artificial sweeteners that can harm aquatic ecosystems.
Brands like David's, Bite, Unpaste, and Georganics offer effective, eco-friendly toothpaste with natural ingredients like xylitol (which helps prevent cavities according to the American Dental Association) and essential oils for freshness. The brands we recommend are also palm oil-free, cruelty-free, and vegan.
If you're concerned about fluoride, both fluoride and fluoride-free options are available in sustainable packaging, allowing you to maintain dental health while reducing environmental impact.
Switch to solid shampoo and conditioner bars or refillable options to remove single-use plastic bottles from your shower routine. According to Zero Waste Week data, as reported by the Plastic Pollution Coalition, the personal care industry generates more than 120 billion units of packaging annually, most of which end up in landfills.
Solid bars from sustainable shampoo & conditioner brands like Ethique, Etee, and Ecoroots last 2-3 times longer than liquid equivalents and ship with plastic-free packaging. If you prefer liquids to bars, companies like Plaine Products and Seed Phytonutrients offer aluminum bottles with refill programs.
Make sure your hair care products are free from any silicones, parabens, and synthetic fragrances that can bioaccumulate in waterways. Sustainable alternatives do just as good a job as the famous commercial brands, but without the plastic waste and chemical footprint.
Switch to plastic-free deodorants that use biodegradable packaging and natural ingredients. Conventional deodorants often contain synthetic fragrances, preservatives, and packaging that contribute to bathroom waste.
Choose cardboard-packaged or refillable options from eco-friendly deodorant brands like PiperWai, Meow Meow Tweet, or Ethique that use ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter, and baking soda instead of synthetic antimicrobials. If you have sensitive skin, look for magnesium hydroxide-based formulas that effectively neutralize odor without irritation.
It just proves that you can get sustainable products that perform as well or better than conventional brands, but don't fill your bathroom with plastic waste or harmful chemicals.
