Earth Day

Happy Earth Day to everyone! If you don't have time to plant a tree or to donate money to a worthy cause, there are still ways you can help the earth. Here are several things you can do around the house today that take little effort but help in a big way.

1. Switch from regular lightbulbs to energy saving, compact flourescent lamps (CFLs). If you don't have time to make the switch today, you can still take action by pledging to make the switch at the Earth Day Network.
2. Take part in the Environmental Protection Agency's Pick Five for the Environment pledge.
   
3. Utilize a reusable water bottle more often. Another alternative is to attach a water filter to your kitchen faucet.
4. Clean your toilet with a natural cleaner as opposed to harmful chemicals. Sprinkle baking soda inside the toilet bowl, let it sit, then pour vinegar inside. It may sound like a science project, but the interaction will actually clean your toilet. Find more natural cleaning ideas.

If you are looking to make an even bigger change, check out some faucets and toilets with a WaterSense label. These products adhere to the Environmental Protection Agency's standards as well as cut back on water and energy bills. Check back for more information on the WaterSense program and our WaterSense certified products.

Break Your Water Wasting Ways

Daylight savings time may be coming to an end on November 4th, but that doesn’t mean energy savings should end as well. Vintage Tub and Bath wants to invite our customers to help make a difference by "going green" via water conservation. The bonus to saving water is saving both the environment and money. Some states’ water utilities even offer rebates for the purchase of exceptionally efficient electric and water appliances. A quick, one time modification or purchase saves hundreds of gallons a week.

With water running through all our primary products here at Vintage Tub and Bath, we happen to know a thing or two about cutting corners in water usage.

Here’s simple, one time changes that create long-term savings:

1. Place a plastic bottle or bag filled with pebbles and water in the toilet’s water tank. This displaces water and the toilet will use less water with each flush.
2. Re-position the lawn mower blades one level higher. This cuts back on lawn watering through less water evaporation with the longer grass.
3. Plant shrubs and flowers that require less water. Most nurseries should provide a wide selection and assistance.
4. Replace out dated appliances with water efficient appliances meeting these requirements:

· Toilets- The ultra–low flush toilets use less than one and a half gallons to flush compared to the old 5-7 gallon flushers.

· Bathroom Faucets- The maximum flow should not exceed 1.5 gallons per minute.

· Shower Heads- Purchase any that use less than one gallon in 20 seconds.

· Dishwashers- Look for the ENERGY STAR, EnergyGuide, or EnergySense labels. These use half the amount of water as standard dishwashers.

5. FIX the leaky faucets, shower heads, and toilets. Can’t tell if a toilet is leaking? Put a few drops of food coloring in the water tank and see if it bleeds into the bowl without flushing.
6. Can’t afford to replace? Install an aerator on the faucets and shower heads. Low-flow aerators typically cost $5 -$10 for faucets and $8-$50 for shower heads.

See, Going Green isn't so hard after all. It also gives you a reason to remodel.
Breaking our customers' bad water wasting habits is next to concur on Vintage Tub's Green list.