Weekly Tip - Clean and Green: Sustainable Showers 101
Welcome to this week’s sustainability article where we will be focusing on sustainable showers. Showering is something we all do every day (well most of us). Today we look at how we can be more sustainable with this everyday action. These small steps we can all take as individuals help us to reduce our impact on the planet.
But sustainability isn’t just an individual responsibility. It’s a community effort that requires collective action and awareness. When we all do our part to reduce our environmental impact, the effects are magnified and can make a real difference in protecting our planet for future generations.
So, whether you’re a sustainability enthusiast or just starting to explore ways to live a more eco-friendly lifestyle, this article is for you.
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Sustainable Showers: A History
The history of showers can be traced back to ancient times when people used natural springs and waterfalls to clean themselves. However, the modern shower as we know it today wasn’t invented until the late 18th century.
In 1767, William Feetham designed the first mechanical shower. It consisted of a pump that drew water from a basin and sprayed it over the user’s head.
Showers continued to evolve over the next few centuries, with the introduction of improved plumbing systems and advancements in technology. Interestingly, it wasn’t until the 1940s that showers became a common household feature. Before this, most people took baths, which required a lot more water.
One of the most expensive showers in the world can be found at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas. The shower is located in the Empathy Suite. Bizarrely it is valued at $100,000 and features multiple showerheads, a steam room, and mood lighting.
The shower is part of a luxurious two-story suite designed by artist Damien Hirst. Incredibly it costs a staggering $100,000 per night to rent.
Sustainable Showers: Environmental Impact
Showers are an everyday activity for many people, but they have a significant impact on the environment.
The most significant environmental impact of showers is water usage. An average showerhead uses around 9 litres of water per minute. According to research in the US, the average shower lasts 8 minutes and uses 65-75 litres of water.
Hot water usage during showers also contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, affecting the environment. An article recently featured in the Guardian states that the emissions from heating water for 10 minutes are roughly equivalent to driving a car for a mile!
That’s not all! The products used in the shower, such as shampoos, soaps, and body washes, can have environmental impacts if not properly disposed and they often contain harmful chemicals. These chemicals such as parabens and phthalates, have been found in waterways and can harm aquatic life.
Additionally, chlorine and other chemicals used in water treatment can be harmful to the environment when they enter waterways.
Sustainable Showers: What to do
Sustainable showers are an essential part of reducing our impact on the environment. Here are some ways to be more sustainable when showering:
- Use a low-flow showerhead: This reduces water consumption, and therefore, saves energy and money.
- Reduce shower time: Taking shorter showers can also help to save water and reduce energy usage.
- Use eco-friendly shower products: opt for products that are made from natural ingredients, don’t come wrapped in plastic and are biodegradable.
- Recycle empty shower product containers: This reduces waste and helps to keep plastic out of landfills.
- Turn the water temperature down: This will reduce the energy required each time you shower.
By adopting these simple steps, we can all make a significant difference in reducing our environmental impact when showering. Not only that but being more water and energy-efficient will help you save money as well as the planet!
Some Brands to Help You Shower Sustainably
This week we are focusing on low-flow shower heads. These shower heads can save up to 60% when it comes to water and remember this water needs to be heated so there are lots of financial savings to be had. Not only that, but you will save around .155 tonnes of CO2
Methven Shower Head
With its patented Aurajet technology that works on water pressures as low as 1.0 bar, the Methven Aio Aurajet Shower Head will save you water and money. Individual jets of water are generated by invisible nozzles and collide against precisely angled surfaces within the uniquely shaped showerheads. This produces a stunning fan of dense droplets that delivers a highly efficient shower with 20% more spray force and twice the amount of water contact on your skin than a traditional shower, resulting in a persistent warmth that must be felt to be believed.
Hudson Reed Shower Head
Hudson Reed’s modern chrome finish designer slide Rail Kit with multi-function water-saving handset uses air-induction technology (the mixing of air and water to create larger water droplets). The Hudson Reed slide rail kit’s clean lines will naturally blend into and complement any modern bathroom.
The sleek and stylish design is ideal for creating a focal point in your shower and will complement any modern bathroom. The shower kit can save you up to 25% on your water bill.
Hansgrohe Shower Head
The Hansgrohe Vernis Blend Vario 2 Spray Hand Shower will make showering even more enjoyable. This EcoSmart model reduces both water and energy consumption by up to 60%. Its Rain spray is ideal for rinsing shampoo from your hair; IntenseRain is ideal for preparing yourself for the day by washing away morning tiredness. The QuickClean rub clean nubs loosen any limescale deposits, ensuring that your hand shower looks great and lasts longer.
Best of all, if you head over to the Victoria Plumbing website using the link for the Hansgrohe shower, you can use code TRADE5VP for a 5% discount on any order.
Sustainable Showers Wrap Up
In conclusion, adopting sustainable shower habits is an easy and effective way to reduce water waste and energy consumption, while also contributing to a healthier planet. By following simple tips such as shortening shower times and installing low-flow showerheads, we can all make a significant difference.
If you’re passionate about sustainability and want to take your efforts to the next level, I encourage you to join the Play It Green community. For just £5 per month, you’ll have access to a supportive network of like-minded individuals and resources to help you make even more sustainable choices in your daily life. As well as that you will plant lots of trees and regift to a charity of your choice. Together, we can create a brighter and more sustainable future for all.
