Michelle was asked to write an eco-friendly article in a Twin Cities magazine (publish date TBD). Well, here is what she has to say! Check it out!
WATER...life’s essential element
In the age of environmental disasters, clean water shortages and globalization, consumers are turning to products that offer environmental benefits and sustainability while still offering the comforts we have become accustom to, we call this “Eco-Luxury”.
For example, you may not harvest your own rain water for watering your house plants and shower less often to conserve water. Yet, you might purchase water and energy saving plumbing fixtures to contribute to the environment. The good news is, for years manufacturers have been developing and producing high-end products that are conscious of our environment and offer the best of design aesthetics, innovation, quality and value.
A leader in the Eco-Luxury market long before the trend started is TOTO. TOTO offers commercial grade features and quality with residential touches in design aesthetics. Their EcoPower faucets and flushometer valves put water to work by supplying the very energy they consume. Their NeoRest is “the first intelligent, ‘aware of you’ toilet/bidet that takes personal hygiene to a whole new level” (
http://www.totousa.com/). A few features of this piece include automatic open and close lid, built-in air purifying system, adjustable warm air dryer, front and back cleanse and adjustable water temperature. It also has an energy-saver timer, tank-less, water saving glazed flush system and it’s own remote. Yes, I said remote! As they say, “if you must call it a toilet, consider it the most luxurious one in the world”. (
http://www.totousa.com/) The industry leader for innovation a sustainability, they have designers and architects anticipating each year’s product launch. This year, the 550. The seat will literally lift you off when you are complete.
Decorative plumbing fixtures such as faucets and toilets may be the most obvious
ways to contribute to minimize your ecological footprint but there are other effective ways that are not talked about as much and are just as effective. Items such as tankless water heaters for each bathroom, kitchen and laundry room, steam showers and gray water sprinkler systems are equally as luxurious and often times save energy and money along with clean water.
With the “Green Movement” well into the Midwest, we are all doing our part to conserve our resources. Thankfully, there are companies who will raise the bar in style and performance as well as conservation.
