Plumbing has always been a culprit of waste and extra power usage, but the industry is now making strides to implement green options.
Eco-friendly plumbing solutions include low-flow fixtures that use less water per minute, which can help you save hundreds of gallons of water each year and reduce your energy costs.
Water-Efficient Fixtures
In an age of water shortages and skyrocketing utility bills, water-efficient fixtures can save you a lot of money while doing their part to help protect the environment. From low-flow shower heads to dual flush toilets, plenty of options for your home will help you conserve water while maintaining the style and function you expect.
The EPA’s WaterSense program helps homeowners identify water-saving products by suggesting high-efficiency products that meet their water performance and efficiency requirements. They can replace standard plumbing fixtures or be installed to meet new building codes.
High-efficiency faucets can be easily replaced to reduce water consumption by more than 50%. For example, if you use an inefficient faucet that uses 2.2 gallons of water per minute, install a new high-efficiency faucet with a flow rate of 1.5 gallons per minute or less to save thousands of gallons yearly.
Insulation
Insulation is the key to a home’s energy efficiency and sustainability. It helps regulate heat flow and prevents hot air from escaping during the winter and cold air from entering the summer.
A properly insulated home reduces energy consumption, decreases greenhouse gas emissions, and lowers energy bills. It’s also a wise investment for your home’s longevity and comfort.
The R-value of a home insulation material tells you its ability to withstand heat flow and keep the inside temperature of your home stable. However, there are other factors to consider when choosing insulation that you would like to propose to a plumber Bellevue for instance
Another essential criterion for sustainable insulation is its ability to create a complete air seal. The higher the R-value of a material, the more likely it is to do this.
Natural Products
Eco-friendly plumbing solutions are a great way to reduce environmental impact and make your home more energy efficient. These changes can have a significant effect on your monthly water bill.
Natural products are compounds naturally produced by organisms such as plants and bacteria. Many of these molecules have evolved into medically effective drugs, such as the anticancer agent paclitaxel and vinblastine from Taxus brevifolia and Catharanthus roseus or the opioid analgesic drug morphine from Papaver somniferum.
The University of Michigan’s Laboratory of Structural Biology is a leader in studying natural products. Their Natural Products Discovery Core provides researchers with a unique collection of biological samples to help identity, isolate and evaluate new natural product candidates for developing bioactive, patentable small molecules.
While the definition of a natural product is broad, it is usually restricted to organic compounds isolated from natural sources produced by primary or secondary metabolism pathways. The resulting compounds are commonly called secondary metabolites and provide organisms that make them an evolutionary advantage.
Certified Products
Certified products are a great way to make your brand stand out and help you connect with more environmentally-conscious consumers. They’re becoming increasingly popular as consumers seek products aligning with their dietary and sustainability priorities.
Product certifications are a great way to show that your products have passed rigorous standards and quality assurance tests. They also demonstrate your commitment to safety and reliability.
Consider a Gold Seal certification available for many water treatment and filtration systems to take your plumbing supplies to the next level. This mark is recognized by homeowners, contractors, and manufacturers alike.
Eco certifications are essential because they help you avoid using toxic chemicals or contributing to global deforestation. Some of these certifications are more controversial than others, so it’s necessary to do your research before buying.
