Eco Bathrooms – Part 4 – Sinks/ Basins
The next article in this Eco Bathroom series looks materials for sinks & basins. They come in a range of materials each with their own eco characteristics:
Recycled glass: consider suitability for users e.g. children, can be recycled after use into lower grade material.
Porcelain: glaze loses gloss over time, glaze can be chemical or natural.
Enamelled cast iron/steel: heavy, may develop cracks/rust, needs a lot of energy for processing, transportation (unless local) uses a lot of energy, can be recycled after use.
Concrete: non toxic if chemical resins not added, robust, heavy, needs a lot of energy for material extraction, processing, manufacture and transportation, requires sealing – can be chemical/natural.
Stone: natural, non toxic, heavy, material extraction, transportation (unless local) uses a lot of energy, non renewable resource, depending on the type it may be in abundance. Â
Copper, bronze and aluminium: heavy depending on metal, processing uses a lot of energy, develops patina over time, can be highly polished.
All of these basins are durable, have a long lifespan, are hygienic, can be made with non toxic materials and release either low or zero VOCs depending on the finish. Most can be recycled into lower grade materials which is a process known as downcycling. Avoid plastic sinks & basins which contain high levels of chemicals and toxins. Check with the manufacturer for material content before you buy.
Save water with your basin. You can adapt your basin to collect gray water (waste water from sinks) to use in the garden, or to provide your WC with water to flush with using an integrated pipe work system.Â
Related posts:
- Eco Bathrooms – Part 3 – The WC
- Eco Bathrooms – Part 2 – Sanitary ware
- Eco Bathrooms – Part 6 – Baths
- Eco Bathrooms – Part 8
- Holistic Interiors – Points to consider
- Surface Finishes Part 7 – Tiles
