Eco Toilets Save Money and the Environment

More and more, homeowners are jumping on the green bandwagon and looking for ways to green up their homes and lifestyles. Making significant changes to the way resources are used will save money, as well as positively impact the environment. There are many ways to implement environmentally friendly designs and features into the existing structure of a home. Easy changes can have a significant impact on the way a home utilizes natural resources.

The bathroom is one of the most used rooms in the house, and a room where resources, particularly water, are consumed at high rates. One of the most effective ways to increase the efficiency and environmental impact of bathrooms is to install green, or eco toilets. Manufactures have designed new environmentally friendly toilets with a variety of innovative features that help homeowners save money – and the environment.

One of the most popular trends in eco bathrooms is the dual flush toilet. Used for years throughout Asia, Europe, and Australia, these green toilets are beginning to gain popularity in the United States. This type of eco toilet allows users to choose the flush volume, depending on the type of excrement needing to be flushed.

Users can select a half-flush for urine, or a full-flush for feces. Most traditional toilets require 3.5 gallons of water for a full flush, however a dual flush eco toilet, using the full flush feature, only needs 1.6 gallons of water.

Advantages

One of the most important advantages of these toilets is their low consumption of water. The EPA estimates that an average household could save over 4,000 gallons of water by switching to a dual flush toilet. This water savings positively impacts the environment as well as a homeowner’s bank account. In addition, many states offer rebates and incentives for homeowners installing green toilets.

Dual flush green toilets offer functional advantages, as well as saving water and money. The toilets have a powerful flush that can accommodate up to 350 grams of waste per flush. So many users report rarely needing to use the full-flush mechanism. The powerful flush, combined with the toilet’s use of gravity to move the waste, results in fewer clogs and less maintenance.

Disadvantages

Homeowners may find that some models of eco toilets are difficult to install. Installation of a dual flush toilet is frequently beyond the capabilities of the average do-it-yourself homeowner, and requires professional installation.

Some users of these toilets report the need to frequently clean residue left in the toilet, due to the low water volume. Choosing a flush method on a dual flush type of toilet may be confusing for small children or guests.

A few minor changes in habits and routine can easily overcome the minor disadvantages, and turn dual flush eco toilets into an ideal green option for any home.