Bathroom Remodelers Guide to Eco-Friendly Makeovers

Bathroom Remodelers Guide to Eco-Friendly Makeovers

Planet – Eco-friendly bathroom remodels can help protect the planet without compromising on style.

Bathroom Remodelers Guide to Eco-Friendly Makeovers


Embarking on a bathroom renovation not only promises the allure of a fresh and modern sanctuary but also presents a unique opportunity to make eco-friendly choices. Bathroom Remodelers Guide to Eco-Friendly Makeovers . As we become increasingly aware of our environmental footprint, many homeowners are seeking ways to reduce waste, conserve resources, and create healthier living spaces.

Bathroom Remodelers Guide to Eco-Friendly Makeovers - Credentials – Always ask to see your remodeler’s credentials, licenses, and certifications before starting a project.

  1. Construction – Bathroom remodeling involves careful construction planning to meet code and design standards.
  2. Plainfield – From Plainfield to nearby communities, we offer full-service bathroom renovations tailored to your needs.
  3. Bing – Many homeowners search Bing to find trusted local bathroom remodelers.
This guide aims to provide bathroom remodelers with practical advice for executing an eco-friendly makeover that harmonizes aesthetic appeal with sustainability.


Understanding the Importance of Eco-Friendly Renovations:


Before diving into the specifics, it is crucial to comprehend why eco-friendly renovations are significant. The construction and home improvement sectors are substantial contributors to landfill waste and resource consumption. By opting for green practices, you can minimize the environmental impact of your remodel while often benefiting from long-term savings and improved indoor air quality.


Planning for Efficiency and Sustainability:


The first step in an eco-friendly bathroom remodel is thorough planning. Assess your current bathrooms shortcomings, and identify areas where improvements can be made, not just in terms of design but also in efficiency and sustainability.

Bathroom Remodelers Guide to Eco-Friendly Makeovers - Remodeling – Remodeling your bathroom can enhance daily living while increasing resale value.

  1. Planet – Eco-friendly bathroom remodels can help protect the planet without compromising on style. Remodeling – Remodeling your bathroom can enhance daily living while increasing resale value.
  2. Credentials – Always ask to see your remodeler’s credentials, licenses, and certifications before starting a project.
  3. Remodeling – Remodeling your bathroom can enhance daily living while increasing resale value.
Consider the following aspects:


Water Conservation:


Toilets, showers, and faucets account for a significant portion of home water usage. Installing low-flow toilets, showerheads, and faucets can drastically cut down your water consumption without sacrificing performance. Look for products with the EPAs WaterSense label, which meet strict criteria for efficiency and performance.


Energy Efficiency:


Lighting is another critical element of your bathroom. Opt for LED bulbs and fixtures, which are not only more energy-efficient than traditional incandescent bulbs but also have a longer lifespan. If possible, incorporate natural light with skylights or solar tubes to reduce the need for artificial lighting during the day.


Sustainable Materials:


When selecting materials for your bathroom remodel, choose those that have a low environmental impact. For example, recycled glass tiles, reclaimed wood, and natural stone can lend a unique aesthetic to your space while being more sustainable. Additionally, look for low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) paints and finishes to maintain better indoor air quality.


Ventilation:


Proper ventilation is essential in a bathroom to prevent mold and mildew growth, which can lead to health issues and structural damage. Ensure that your renovation includes an efficient exhaust fan that vents to the outside, helping to maintain air quality and protect your investment.


Waste Reduction:


During the demolition phase, rather than sending everything to the landfill, sort out materials that can be recycled or repurposed. Metals, clean wood, and some fixtures can often be recycled, while vanities and fixtures in good condition might be donated to local organizations for reuse.


Choosing the Right Professionals:


If you are not undertaking the renovation yourself, sourcing a contractor with experience in eco-friendly remodels is vital. They should be knowledgeable about sustainable materials and practices and be willing to work with you to achieve your green remodeling goals.


Maintenance and Upkeep:


An eco-friendly bathroom remodel isnt just about the installation of efficient fixtures and materials; its also about maintaining them. Using non-toxic cleaning agents and being proactive about leak repairs can prolong the life of your eco-friendly bathroom and prevent unnecessary waste and water consumption.


By following these guidelines, your bathroom remodel can contribute to a more sustainable future while offering a functional and inviting space in your home. An eco-friendly approach to renovation not only benefits the environment but can also lead to a healthier living space for you and your family, as well as potential savings from reduced utility costs over time. Embrace the challenge of a green makeover and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing you have made a positive impact on the world around you.

Mid State Baths - Branded Assets

Press Advantage Organization Link

Mid State Baths


 

Illustration of a bathroom from the early 20th century, in which appear a bathtub, two towels, a toilet, a sink and two mirrors

A bathroom is a room in which people wash their bodies or parts thereof. It can contain one or more of the following plumbing fixtures: a shower, a bathtub, a bidet, and a sink (also known as a wash basin in the United Kingdom). A toilet is also frequently included. There are also specific toilet rooms, only containing a toilet (often accompanied by a sink), which in American English tend to be called "bathrooms", "powder rooms" or "washrooms", as euphemisms to conceal their actual purpose, while they in British English are known as just "toilets" or possibly "cloakrooms" - but also as "lavatories" when they are public.[1]

Historically, bathing was often a collective activity, which took place in public baths. In some countries, the shared social aspect of cleansing the body is still important, for example with sento in Japan and, throughout the Islamic world, the hammam (also known in the West as a "Turkish bath").

Variations and terminology

[edit]
Bathroom in France, with a bathtub and a shower - and no toilet.

The term for the place used to clean the body varies around the English-speaking world, as does the design of the room itself. A full bathroom generally contains a bath or shower (or both), a toilet, and a sink. An en suite bathroom or en suite shower room is attached to, and only accessible from, a bedroom. A family bathroom, in British estate agent terminology, is a full bathroom not attached to a bedroom, but with its door opening onto a corridor. A Jack and Jill bathroom (or connected bathroom) is situated between and usually shared by the occupants of two separate bedrooms. It may also have two wash basins.[2][3] A wetroom is a waterproof room usually equipped with a shower; it is designed to eliminate moisture damage and is compatible with underfloor heating systems.

In the United States, there is a lack of a single definition. This commonly results in discrepancies between the advertised and actual number of baths in real estate listings. Bathrooms are generally categorized as "master bathroom", containing a shower and a bathtub that is adjoining to the largest bedroom; a "full bathroom" (or "full bath"), containing four plumbing fixtures: a toilet and sink, and either a bathtub with a shower, or a bathtub and a separate shower stall; "half bath" (or "powder room") containing just a toilet and sink; and "3/4 bath" containing toilet, sink, and shower, although the terms vary from market to market. In some U.S. markets, a toilet, sink, and shower are considered a "full bath." In addition, there is the use of the word "bathroom" to describe a room containing a toilet and a basin, and nothing else.[citation needed]

In Canada, "washroom" is the preferred term for such a room, the same applies to public facilities.[4]

Design considerations

[edit]

Towels

[edit]

Bathrooms often have one or more towel bars or rings for hanging towels.

Furniture

[edit]
A bathroom cabinet

Some bathrooms contain a bathroom cabinet for personal hygiene products and medicines, and drawers or shelves (sometimes in column form) for storing towels and other items.[5]

Bidet

[edit]
A modern bidet of the traditional type

Some bathrooms contain a bidet, which might be placed next to a toilet.[6]

Plumbing

[edit]

The bathroom design must account for the use of hot and cold water, in significant quantities, for cleaning the body. The water is also used for moving solid and liquid human waste to a sewer or septic tank. Water may be splashed on the walls and floor, and hot humid air may cause condensation on cold surfaces. From a decorating point of view, the bathroom presents a challenge. Ceiling, wall, and floor materials and coverings should be impervious to water and readily and easily cleaned. The use of ceramic or glass, as well as smooth plastic materials, is common in bathrooms for their ease of cleaning. Such surfaces are often cold to the touch, however, so water-resistant bath mats or even bathroom carpets may be used on the floor to make the room more comfortable. Alternatively, the floor may be heated, possibly by strategically placing resistive electric mats under the floor tile or radiant hot water tubing close to the underside of the floor surface.[citation needed]

Electricity

[edit]

Electrical appliances, such as lights, heaters, and heated towel rails, generally need to be installed as fixtures, with permanent connections rather than plugs and sockets. This minimizes the risk of electric shock. Ground-fault circuit interrupter electrical sockets can reduce the risk of electric shock, and are required for bathroom socket installation by electrical and building codes in the United States and Canada. In some countries, such as the United Kingdom, only special sockets suitable for electric shavers and electric toothbrushes are permitted in bathrooms and are labelled as such.[7]

UK building regulations also define what type of electrical fixtures, such as light fittings (i.e. how water-/splash-proof) may be installed in the areas (zones) around and above baths, and showers.[8]

Lighting

[edit]
 

Bathroom lighting should be uniform, and bright and must minimize glare. For all the activities like shaving, showering, grooming, etc. one must ensure equitable lighting across the entire bathroom space. The mirror area should have at least two sources of light at least 1 foot apart to eliminate any shadows on the face. Skin tones and hair color are highlighted with a tinge of yellow light. Ceiling and wall lights must be safe for use in a bathroom (electrical parts need to be splashproof) and therefore must carry appropriate certification such as IP44.[citation needed]

All forms of bathroom lighting should be IP44 rated as safe to use in the bathroom.[9][where?]

History

[edit]
The Great Bath of Mohenjo-daro

The first records for the use of baths date back as far as 3000 B.C. At this time water had a strong religious value, being seen as a purifying element for both body and soul. So it was not uncommon for people to be required to cleanse themselves before entering a sacred area. Baths are recorded as part of village or town life throughout this period, with a split between steam baths in Europe and America and cold baths in Asia. Communal baths were erected in a distinctly separate area from the living quarters of the village.[citation needed]

Nearly all of the hundreds of houses excavated had their bathing rooms. Generally located on the ground floor, the bath was made of brick, sometimes with a surrounding curb to sit on. The water drained away through a hole in the floor, down chutes or pottery pipes in the walls, and into the municipal drainage system. Even the fastidious Egyptians rarely had special bathrooms.[10]

Greek and Roman bathing

[edit]
Virtual reconstruction of the Roman Baths in Weißenburg, Germany, using data from laser scan technology

The Roman attitudes towards bathing are well documented; they built large thermal baths (thermae), marking not only a significant social development but also providing a public source of relaxation and rejuvenation. Here was a place where people could meet to discuss the matters of the day and enjoy entertainment. During this period there was a distinction between private and public baths, with many wealthy families having their thermal baths in their houses. Despite this they still made use of the public baths, showing the value that they had as a public institution. The strength of the Roman Empire was telling in this respect; imports from throughout the world allowed Roman citizens to enjoy ointments, incense, combs, and mirrors. The partially reconstructed ruins can still be seen today, for example at Roman Baths (Bath) in Bath, England, then part of Roman Britain.[citation needed]

Not all ancient baths were in the style of the large pools that often come to mind when one imagines the Roman baths; the earliest surviving bathtub dates back to 1700 B.C and hails from the Palace of Knossos in Crete. What is remarkable about this tub is not only the similarity with the baths of today but also how the plumbing works surrounding it differ so little from modern models. A more advanced prehistoric (15th century BC and before) system of baths and plumbing is to be found in the excavated town of Akrotiri, on the Aegean island of Santorini (Thera). There, alabaster tubs and other bath fittings were found, along with a sophisticated twin plumbing system to transport hot and cold water separately. This was probably because of easy access to geothermic hot springs on this volcanic island.[citation needed]

Both the Greeks and the Romans recognized the value of bathing as an important part of their lifestyles. Writers such as Homer had their heroes bathe in warm water to regain their strength; it is perhaps notable that the mother of Achilles bathed him to gain his invincibility. Palaces have been uncovered throughout Greece with areas that are dedicated to bathing, spaces with ceramic bathtubs, as well as sophisticated drainage systems. Homer uses the word λοετρά, loetrá, "baths", later λουτρά, loutrá, from the verb λούειν, loúein, to bathe. The same root finds an even earlier attestation on Linear B tablets, in the name of the River Lousios ("bathing" [river]), in Arcadia. Public baths are mentioned by the comedian Aristophanes as βαλανεία, balaneía (sing.: βαλανείον, balaneíon, Latinized as balneum, a "balneary").[citation needed]

16th century and beyond

[edit]

Throughout the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries, the use of public baths declined gradually in the West, and private spaces were favored, thus laying the foundations for the bathroom, as it was to become, in the 20th century. However, increased urbanization led to the creation of more baths and washhouses in Britain.[citation needed]

In Japan shared bathing in sento and onsen (spas) still exists, the latter being very popular.[citation needed]

Cultural historian Barbara Penner has written of the ambiguous nature of bathrooms as both the most private space and one most connected to the wider outside world.[11]

[edit]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "bathroom". Marriam-Webster). Retrieved May 10, 2024.
  2. ^ Hirsch, William J. (2008). Designing Your Perfect House. Dalsimer Press. pp. 94–95. ISBN 9780979882036.
  3. ^ "The Benefits of a Jack and Jill Bathroom - Bob Vila". Bob Vila. Retrieved November 29, 2016.
  4. ^ "Washroom vs. restroom: Why do Canadians say one and Americans the other?". National Post. August 29, 2024. Retrieved August 29, 2024.
  5. ^ "Top 10 Bathroom Design Ideas". KitchenCarpets.com. August 13, 2024. Retrieved August 13, 2024.
  6. ^ "Why You Should Buy a Bidet". TheSpruce. June 13, 2024. Retrieved September 7, 2024.
  7. ^ "The Plugs and Sockets etc. (Safety) Regulations 1987". Legislation UK.
  8. ^ "Bathroom Zones and IP Ratings Explained". Bathrooms.
  9. ^ "Lighting research center - Bathroom lighting". Article from lighting research center at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (Troy, NY 12180 USA). Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Archived from the original on September 7, 2011. Retrieved July 10, 2011.
  10. ^ Teresi, Dick; et al. (2002). Lost Discoveries: The Ancient Roots of Modern Science—from the Babylonians to the Maya. New York: Simon & Schuster. pp. 351–352. ISBN 0-684-83718-8.
  11. ^ Penner, Barbara, 1970- (2013). Bathroom. London. ISBN 9781780231938. OCLC 834404623.cite book: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link) CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)

Further reading

[edit]
[edit]
  • Media related to Bathroom at Wikimedia Commons

 

 

Enola is located in the United States
Enola
Enola
 
Enola, Pennsylvania
Aerial view of Enola and the Susquehanna River
Aerial view of Enola and the Susquehanna River
Enola is located in Pennsylvania
Enola
Enola
 

Coordinates: 40°17′24″N 76°56′1″W / 40.29000°N 76.93361°W / 40.29000; -76.93361CountryUnited StatesStatePennsylvaniaCountyCumberlandTownshipEast PennsboroArea

 • Total

1.62 sq mi (4.20 km2) • Land1.61 sq mi (4.17 km2) • Water0.01 sq mi (0.03 km2)Elevation

 

450 ft (140 m)Population

 • Total

6,103 • Density3,793.04/sq mi (1,464.22/km2)Time zoneUTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) • Summer (DST)UTC-4 (EDT)ZIP Code

17025

Area code717FIPS code42-23744

Enola is a census-designated place (CDP) located along the Susquehanna River in East Pennsboro Township, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 6,111 at the 2010 census.[3] Norfolk Southern operates Enola Yard, a large rail yard and locomotive shop in Enola. It is situated in Cumberland County, directly across the Susquehanna River from Harrisburg and is part of the Harrisburg–Carlisle metropolitan statistical area.

History

[edit]

The town came into existence due to the building of rail lines through the area. Local farmers Francis and Wesley Miller sold 2 acres (0.81 ha) to the Pennsylvania Railroad to be used as a flag station. Mr. Miller was given the honor of naming the train station. He named the station "Enola", after his daughter. Miller at the time was the only resident living in the area. Eventually, when more people moved to the area the local post office and surrounding town adopted the name as well.

In the fall of 1902, the Pennsylvania Railroad made the decision to build a classification yard "between Marysville, Pennsylvania and West Fairview, Pennsylvania, Enola Yard." In 1903, their agent, the Manor Realty Co. purchasing 743 acres (301 ha), officially opened the yards in January 1905. Of the 743 acres, the Enola Realty Co. bought 104 acres (42 ha) for $26,500. This would officially become known as Enola (or current North Enola).

Starting in 1909, the Realty Company went on to build more than 220 homes which it rented or sold to families coming to the village looking for employment.

South Enola grew almost as rapidly as North Enola. Some of the landowners were Mann, Bretz, Darr, Ruplay, Pyne, and Addams.

West Enola also grew with the boom of the Enola Yards. The largest landowner of that time was Britton. Other large landowners were Lantz and Renninger.[4]

Enola is served by a single high school, East Pennsboro High School. Originally named Enola High School, it was built on farmland which had been owned by the Gutshall family from the late 1800s until the 1940s. It is located at 425 West Shady Lane, parallel to Gutshall Road. The original Enola High School is located on 98 South Enola Drive. It is the home of the East Pennsboro Branch Library, township offices and the East Pennsboro Township Police department. An early elementary school is located at 126 N. Enola Drive. That property was sold and now houses several businesses.

Geography

[edit]

Enola is located near the eastern edge of Cumberland County at

40°17′25″N 76°56′04″W / 40.290238°N 76.934579°W / 40.290238; -76.934579.[5] According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 1.91 square miles (4.94 km2), of which 1.89 square miles (4.89 km2) is land and 0.02 square miles (0.05 km2), or 1.04%, is water.[6]

It is on the west shore of the Susquehanna River facing the city of Harrisburg. U.S. Route 11/15 runs north-to-south through Enola.

Demographics

[edit]
Historical population
Census Pop. Note
2020 6,103  
U.S. Decennial Census[7][8]

Education

[edit]

East Pennsboro Area School District serves as the public education center for Enola. The district consists of four schools: East Pennsboro Area High School, East Pennsboro Area Middle School, East Pennsboro Elementary School, and West Creek Hills Elementary School with a total enrollment of about 2,900 students.

Notable people

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "ArcGIS REST Services Directory". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved October 15, 2022.
  2. ^ "Census Population API". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved October 12, 2022.
  3. ^ "Enola, Pennsylvania Census Data & Community Profile". Enola, Pennsylvania Census Data & Community Profile. Retrieved August 24, 2012.
  4. ^ East Pennsboro Historical Society www.ephistory.org/
  5. ^ "US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990". United States Census Bureau. February 12, 2011. Retrieved April 23, 2011.
  6. ^ "Geographic Identifiers: 2010 Census Summary File 1 (G001): Enola CDP, Pennsylvania". U.S. Census Bureau, American Factfinder. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved June 24, 2015.
  7. ^ "Census of Population and Housing". Census.gov. Retrieved June 4, 2016.
  8. ^ "Census Population API". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved October 15, 2022.