In today’s environmentally conscious world, we all want to do our bit for the planet and that begins at home.

We’ve ditched the plastic straws, single-use bags and more of us than ever have made the switch to electric cars – so, where else can we give our homes the eco-friendly treatment?

There are plenty of things that we can do throughout the house to be more environmentally friendly and, with a range of simple changes that any homeowner can make, the bathroom is a great place to start.

Here are just a few ways that you can create an eco-friendly bathroom.

Switch to sustainable bathroom products

We all know by now that single-use products are some of the biggest enemies to those attempting to create a sustainable home, given just how many single-use products are commonplace within our day-to-day lives.

Many of these products are items usually found within the bathroom – disposable razors, cotton pads, cleansing wipes and other such items intended for just one use can be very damaging to the environment. Did you know that it can take over 100 years for just one face wipe to break down?

Luckily, there are now plenty of reusable and sustainable alternatives to these items available on the market. Switch out disposable razors for bamboo razor handles with interchangeable heads, make the change to washable and reusable cotton pads – a look at the eco-friendly alternatives to many of your everyday favourites may surprise you, as there’s a sustainable alternative to almost everything these days.

If you want to take it even further, aim to reduce the amount of packaging you throw away from bathroom products, too!

Shampoo, conditioner, body wash and more are commonly packaged in plastic bottles. Whilst these bottles are recyclable, National Geographic recently reported that a shocking 91% of the world’s plastic ultimately ends up in landfills.

These days, there are no shortage of companies producing eco-friendly versions of these products which do not come packaged in plastic, such as shampoo and conditioner bars that can be stored in reusable metal tins.

Ditch your shower curtain

Shower curtains are a fairly commonplace bathroom accessory and have been for years, but they aren’t without their problems.

Whilst they are an effective way to both ensure privacy in the shower and prevent water from running out of the bath, they aren’t particularly beneficial for those looking to keep an eco-friendly home.

Shower curtains are commonly made from materials such as plastic and vinyl – all materials which are not considered sustainable. What’s more, shower curtains are susceptible to the build-up of mould and mildew, so it’s recommended that you replace them every six months – and these discarded curtains will more than likely end up in landfill.

Next time you need to replace your shower curtain, we’d recommend making the switch to a glass shower screen instead. These are not only far easier to clean and made from a sustainable resource but will also last for several years – a much better option all round.

It’s also worth noting that shower curtains aren’t the only bathroom item that need to be replaced fairly frequently – make sure you take a look at our blog into how often common bathroom items need to be replaced.

Use sustainable materials during renovations

Any household renovation is bound to involve materials and old furniture/fittings being sent to landfills, so it’s definitely worth doing your research and ensuring that the materials you’re replacing them with are sustainable ones!

Materials that are commonly used in bathroom renovations and that are considered eco-friendly include clay ceramic, marble, steel and sustainably sourced wood.

Incorporating sustainable materials into your bathroom renovations will contribute towards off-setting the waste produced, without sacrificing on high-quality or a beautiful finish.

You should also make sure that the materials you use have the potential to last for several years. The wide variety of bathroom wall panels available here at DBS are waterproof, class 1 fire rated and created with quality and durability in mind, making them a great choice for those looking for long-term panelling solutions at an affordable cost. Here at DBS Bathrooms, we have a variety of slat wall panel ideas, therefore, you can choose wood effect wall panels to achieve the aesthetic of a wooden bathroom without having to sacrifice any trees. Similarly, adding concrete effect wall panels to your space can help to enhance any plants and create an industrial-chic feel whilst retaining heat and insulation in your space.

Invest in underfloor heating

Another investment worth making when it comes to your next renovation is to purchase underfloor heating for your bathroom.

Underfloor heating is both more efficient and uses less energy than traditional central heating, and can be installed under waterproof flooring.

This may have once been considered a luxury, but underfloor heating is becoming far more commonplace in homes across the UK these days – and it’s fair to say that its status as being more environmentally friendly is part of its appeal.

For more information on underfloor heating, as well as alternative bathroom heating types, check out our bathroom heating guide.

Incorporate Houseplants

If you’ve never considered yourself to be particularly green-fingered, looking to become more eco-friendly is a great reason to improve your plant maintenance skills.

Research conducted by NASA found that certain indoor houseplants actively remove pollutants and gases from the air around them, making them a brilliant addition to your eco-friendly bathroom.

Of course, some houseplants are better suited to the bathroom environment than others, so be sure to select your new bathroom plants carefully! For more information, check out our guide to incorporating plants into your bathroom.