Conserving Inn Style

A ripe area for easy green upgrades is the bathroom and many inns have done a terrific job implementing simple but highly effective improvements and trade-outs to improve their inn’s carbon footprint. Since bathrooms account for almost 75% of consumer water use, it is an area ripe for improvement. Moreover, that translates right into savings on utility bills. You might like to pick up on some of these tips to adapt to your home.
A light and airy bathroom is achieved using white and beige. Consider putting in a new shower head. The new water saving kind still provides a strong spray while using one third to half as much water as standards.
A water saving shower head also saves money.

Add some additional mirrors to your bathroom to reflect additional ambient light while increasing the sense of space. If you position them across from windows, they also bring the outdoors in. If you are doing any renovations, consider putting in a tank less water heater, also known as on demand. If that’s not in the cards, be sure to install a water heater blanket which reduces heat loss 20 to 40% and also turning the thermostat down to 120 is a big energy saver as well.

Energy smart light bulbs are a must. And now that they’re almost identical to the standard incandescent, it’s easy to replace them. If you don’t care for the quality light that CFLs emit, I recommend adding a small side lamp to your bathroom décor and outfitting it with a low-watt pink bulb. This serves two services. It not only improves greatly the quality of light, but you might also be surprised at how great you look in the mirror thanks to the rosy glow.
Towels add a decorator’s touch to your bathroom decor.

When it’s time to purchase some new towels. And by all means, go organic. How about giving those new bamboo towels a try? I found them to be very absorbent and plush.

Finally, installing a low-flow toilet is a great idea. And now, the new high-performance models, they flush waste very effectively. The dual flush can save you even more.

As I travel around the country, I notice that in some areas, there’s been abundant rain while here in California, we’re always on the verge of another drought. Summer is a great time to be water conscious and take some clues from my favorite B&Bs to enhance your domestic water use profile.
A stylish decorator shelf with candles and fragrances for a touch of class.

Add a touch of luxury, B&B style, by including a comfy upholstered chair to the bathroom. If you don’t have room for a chair, an upholstered bench or stool will serve the same purpose. I often see some with nifty designs at thrift store, often in need of nothing more than some new padding and upholstery. Why not upholster the top in a cushy layer of organically grown terry cloth and make it a snappy color while you’re at it. This would be a perfect place to utilize one of those bamboo towels which come in a rainbow of colors to reupholster a stool or bench top. What a way to add instant pizazz to your bathroom décor!

Best,
Pamela