Utilities can be quite expensive. Paying for gas bills, water, electricity, and the like can weigh you down, especially when you are low on finances.

In fact, many households and homeowners would gladly jump onto any idea that would cut down on their expenses. The economy can be quite rough, right?

Let me let you in on one secret. Go green! 

And you will not regret the move.

An eco-friendly lifestyle goes a long way in conserving water and energy in your home, reducing your ecological footprints while making utilities more bearable.

Going green is not limited to a specific area in the home. However, in this article, we will focus on the bathroom as an area known to consume a lot of resources. 

From water heaters to the conventional flush water closets that consume gallons of water, to high flow shower heads, to extravagant taps, you name it.

You don’t have to grapple with high utility bills when you can install lightweight facilities that lower household expenses.

So, first things first.

How to Make Bathroom Eco-friendly

How can you make your bathroom more eco-friendly?

Here are some tips.

·  Go for a waterless toilet

A waterless toilet? 

That’s right. 

And don’t you even cringe at the thought of it because the toilet works as superbly as the conventional flush type, if not better.

You can actually do your little business and dispose of your waste without using gallons of water. This is quite something, right?

There are several waterless technologies that can be used in such systems.

Examples are composting, incineration, nanotechnology, and so on. The waterless composting toilet is a favorite among eco-lifestyle enthusiasts as it is more affordable and easy to use.

However, most homeowners tend to shy away from the waterless toilets at first, for fear of pests and foul smells. But fear not.

Like the modern flush toilets, the waterless toilets can be pest-proof and odor free.

In fact, toilet developers have come up with cleaning agents and deodorizers for use in waterless systems making the toilets even more home-friendly.

You can read more about these toilet cleaning accessories here.

· Use a low flow shower head

If you are using an overhead shower in your home then there is a likelihood that this accounts for the largest percentage of water consumption.

No wonder you are grappling with high water utilities.

A simple green tip for your bathroom would be to change to a low flow shower head that will drastically reduce the gallons of water lost per shower for improved efficiency.

·  Go for motion sensor taps on the sinks

There’s nothing as wasteful as sinks in the bathroom when left unchecked especially where kids are involved. To curb water wastage each time someone visits the toilet it is advisable to install sensor taps.

The facets will ensure that when you wash your hands after using the bathroom or when you brush your teeth water is conserved. Water flows from the tap only when it is necessary and curbs wastage.

· Install aerators on water outlets

You don’t necessarily have to open the facets and other water outlets to the fullest each time you need to use water.

You can actually get the convenience of high water pressure by applying aerators on the nozzles to reduce the amount of water flowing out of them while maintaining efficiency in the home.

· Maintain bathroom facilities properly

Regularly maintain your bathroom to identify leaks and malfunctions early enough to avoid wastage and stop further damage. Leaks not only lead to wastage and increased utility bills but also increases the risks of contamination and diseases in the home.

The number of things you can do to achieve a green bathroom and save on water and energy is unlimited.

Check your water heaters, use LED lights in the home, use low-flow toilets if you are using water flush systems, name it. Whatever contributes to an eco-friendly lifestyle, go for it.

Common Composting Toilet Questions

Before we look at the 4 lightweight waterless composting toilets that lower household expenses here are common questions that run through the minds of most homeowners about composting toilets.

a. How does a waterless composting toilet work?

Waterless composting toilets work by breaking down wastes using bacteria in a process known as decomposition. The whole system of a composting toilet is built to support this process and you can gain further insights from here.

b. Are composting toilets any good?

Waterless composting toilets are fast gaining popularity among homeowners in recent times. Not only are they eco-friendly but also easier to use and maintain and they don’t leave a big dent on the pocket.

c. Are composting toilets gross?

They don’t have to be. You can clean them as well as you clean your conventional flush toilet and serve you perfectly. With the right cleaning products pests and insects will be the least of your worries.

d. What is the disadvantage of composting?

Like any toilet, whether a flush toilet or a waterless model, composting has its limitations. However, if you are a green living enthusiast the pros will definitely outweigh the cons.

e. Do you flush a composting toilet?

There are several types of composting toilets. The dry flush models are some of the best waterless composting toilets for a green home.  A sustainable composting toilet design will offer an affordable and exceptional experience as you enjoy an eco-friendly lifestyle.

f. When should I empty my composting toilet?

The composting toilet should be emptied as soon as the end product of compost is ready for removal and not necessarily when it is full. This should apply to a DIY toilet as well. Here are some great tips on how to keep your composting toilet as fresh as possible.

g. Who makes the best composting toilet?

Here are the 6 best composting toilets based on sales volumes, customer reviews, and expert reviews.

Best Lightweight Composting Toilets

Below are 4 lightweight waterless composting toilets that will help you lower your household expenses.

1. PLAYBERG Portable Toilet

If you’re seeking portability and convenience in a facility for home use, the PLAYBERG toilet brand is a good choice.

The toilet is of a composting nature but built with a regular toilet seat which gives the feel of a conventional facility. Its light weight makes it easy to move around. It is a product manufactured by Quickway imports.

Given its convenient and easy to use feature the toilet goes at very pocket friendly rates. You can also install it at any preferred location and carry it around if you wish.

It easily allows for placement and installation into the ground so that wastes disposal happens appropriately.

Features of the PLAYBERG Portable Toilet

• Portability for ease of carrying from one location to another within the household
• Built  with an assimilated toilet paper holder for storage and holding of toilet paper
• Detachable lid built onto the toilet to prevent foul stench emanating from the facility.
• Availability of a portable waste pail for easy cleaning of the toilet
• 8-gallon disposable waste bags for use in the portable waste pail. This ensures the toilet is less messy since the waste is easier to clean
• Toilet lid can be easily closed down making it possible to convert the toilet into a seat.
• Made of plastic material
• Weighs 7.01 pounds
• Is 17* 16 * 14 inches in dimension

The pros and cons of this toilet are:

Pros

• Occupies less space making it suitable for household use
• Its frame is robust and durable
• Given its nature and exceptional features it is greatly priced for a toilet of its type
• You still get to experience the normal feel of a regular toilet
• Takes after a conventional toilet aesthetically
• Allows for use of locally available materials such as peat and sawdust in its composting chamber. This makes it more convenient to empty compost containers
• The toilet is easy to use
• The facility is hygienic and easy to clean
• Waterless system

Cons

• Its lightweight and portable nature causes it to shift around even when in use making the users uncomfortable

2. Separett Villa 9200

Looking for a lightweight waterless composting toilet that gives that old-fashioned feel yet offers exceptional stability and comfort? This modern waterless model by the Separett brand is your go to facility.

The toilet not only lowers household expenses as an excellent choice for a green lifestyle but also operates on an odor-free system thanks to its urine diverting mechanism.

Features of the Separett Villa 9200

• Not a noisy model
• Installed with a 2-speed fan
• Suitable for both on-grid and off-grid applications
• Has a venting duct built in it
• Inclusive of a urine waste hose that is 2 meters long
• Works well  in both cold and warm areas
• Comes with a 5-year  warranty
• Built with a child seat
• Inclusive of 3 waste containers with lids
• Standard electrical power for the AC model
• 38.3 x 17.9 x 21.3 inches in dimensions

The pros and cons of this toilet are:

Pros

• Complex septic hookups are not required
• Runs on an odor free system
• Is a solid model
• Light in weight
• Allows fastening to the floor or wall where necessary
• Easy to install
• Works well in any weather condition
• Easy to clean with standard household products
• Child friendly
• Waterless system

Cons

• Can only be used by a limited number of people

3. Nature’s Head Self Contained Composting Toilet with Close Quarters Spider Handle Design

For caravan and RV owners this lightweight waterless composting toilet is a great choice as it is perfect for the outdoors thanks to its size which makes it convenient to carry around. This model works on a urine separating system.

Features of the Nature’s Head Self Contained Composting Toilet

• Appropriate for off the grid use since it is non-electric
• No complex plumbing is required
• Has a built-in fan for better aeration
• The model has no holding tank making it free of foul stench that bothers most RV owners
• Strong stainless frame making it durable
• Does not require expertise to install and maintain
• Easy to clean
• 22 x 20.5 x 21.7 inches in dimension
• Weighs 28 pounds

The pros and cons of this model are:

Pros

•  It is lauded as one of the most popular lightweight composting model
• Long-lasting
•  Sturdy model
• Easy to use
• Convenient to RV users
• Built with a full-size elongated seat as comfortable as a modern flush toilet
• Waterless system
• Utilizes small amounts of space
• Has an onboard fan and vent hose for better aeration and stench-free      environment.

Cons

• The solid wastes are difficult to clean out in this model
• The urine container is quite small necessitating frequent emptying of the contents to avoid overflow
• Strong foul smells in case of a malfunction
• Like most waterless composting toilets disposal of baby wipes or paper towels is not recommended. It can only handle toilet paper.

4. Separett Villa 9215 AC/DC

If you are looking for a waterless composting toilet where pee and other solid wastes don’t mix then this will be your best buy. This toilet is built on a urine diverting system to keep liquid and solid wastes separate.

This ensures the toilet is free of foul smell. The model is appropriately built for on-grid and off-grid use.

It is comfortable for children as well thanks to its additional child seat.

Features of the Villa 9215 Model

• Functions well both On-grid (AC) and off-grid with solar or battery (DC) depending on your preference, location and need
• Custom-made adaptors are available for both on-grid and off-grid use
• Single speed fan
• Has a venting allowance up to 20 feet
• Offers 10 compostable bags upon purchase
• Inclusive of 1 waste container with a lid
• Child seat available
• Intertec ETL Certified
• 5 year on manufacturing defects
• 3 year guarantee on the fan
• 18.5 x 23 x 27.75 inches in dimension
• Weighs 34lbs

The pros and cons of this model are:

Pros:

• Urine diverting system ensures non-formation of sewage since liquid and solid wastes don’t mix
• System is free of  bad odor
• Can handle a number of guests at events
• Waterless system
• Easy to clean up
• The toilet content does not need to fully decompose before it is emptied
• Compostable liner bag makes it easy to dump wastes

Cons

• Toilets have a no return policy
• Prior consent for use in local area has to be sought

 Wrapping Up

Waterless composting systems are generally pocket friendly and when well maintained will go a long way in lowering household expenses. 

Where off-grid applications favor, go for stylish dry flush toilet models that don’t use electricity. 

Waterless systems and dry flush composting toilets go a long way in cutting down on utilities and your bank account will thank you for that.