Green and Gorgeous Remodeling: Green Bathrooms

Green and Gorgeous Bathroom Fixtures

People use it to relax, read or simply practice that high-C note. No matter your preference, the conventional bathroom is (no pun intended) the most wasteful room in the house. Just think: all that water, the energy needed to heat it, polluting soaps, shampoos and more.

These days, however, there need not be any skeletons in your water closet. The biggest names in bathroom fixtures (Kohler, Toto, Hangsbroghe, American Standard and others) are offering streamlined solutions. Many toilets and faucets now carry the EPA's WaterSense label, meaning they are at least 20% more efficient than standard models, so look for that.

So from shower aerators, to low-flow toilets, to automatic faucets, behold the latest in water- and energy-saving technology.

Kohler Wellspring Touchless Faucet

We all know a hands-free faucet limits the spread of germs, but who knew it also reduced water waste? Kohler's Wellspring Touchless faucet reacts automatically, saving masses of water that might otherwise flow as you leave the tap running or adjust water temperature.

Because the faucet shuts on and off with no more than a simple gesture, you'll enjoy hands-free cleanup in the ultimate kitchen environment. Learn more at us.kohler.com.

American Standard FloWise Showerhead

For true shower power that won't waste water or money, consider the FloWise showerhead from American Standard. Easy to install and even easier to find (American Standard is available at major home improvement retailers such as Lowe's and Home Depot), the FloWise is only $65 and is good for continuous savings on your water bill. Visit americanstandard.com for a retailer near you.

Toto Helix EcoPower Faucet

Even better than the touchless faucet is a self-powered faucet. Toto's Helix EcoPower Self-Generating Hydropower Sensor Faucet is the first sensor faucet whose power source is completely self-sufficient. That's right -- this handsome, chrome-fitting faucet generates its own electricity.

Every time water spins through its small internal turbine, power is generated, which then fuels the faucet's automatic sensor. Visit totousa.com for an assortment of water- and energy-saving solutions.

Kohler Dual Flush Toilet

Toilets account for 26 percent of indoor water use, according to the American Water Works Association. Slim your water waste with one of Kohler's Dual Flush toilets.

Depending on your needs, choose from either a 1.6-gallon flush or a lighter 0.8-gallon flush. Making the right choices can save the average person up to 6,000 gallons of water annually. For more information, visit us.kohler.com.

Villeroy and Boch Dual Flush Toilet

Since 1748 ceramics company Villeroy and Boch has manufactured tasteful and innovative ways to dispose of waste. Today, its Dual Flush toilet features a two-part push flush button, rather than the typical flush lever.

The two-part button allows users to choose between either a half flush or a full flush, depending on...the nature of their business. Such smart flushing will save the average family hundreds of gallons over the course of a year. To learn more about the Villeroy and Boch Dual Flush model, visit villeroy-boch.com.

Toto Eco Nexus Toilet

The Toto Nexus is more than just another good-looking toilet. Rather, it's an engineering marvel.

Two to two-and-a-half inches taller than the standard toilet, the Toto Nexus uses high-head pressure to maximize flow rate, saving you water, energy and money every time you flush. For all of Toto's energy and water saving toilets, visit totousa.com.

Hansgrohe Croma 2-Jet Handshower

Conserve water with Hansgrohe's Croma 2-Jet Handshower. Two spray modes (full and massage) make this hand-held shower feel like a decadent extravagance.

Yet at a water-saving flow rate of only 1.6 gallons per minute, nearly a full gallon less than the current standard, you'll be conserving in comfort. Visit hansgrohe.com for several options in water-saving showerheads.