More than 40% of the world’s population is impacted by water scarcity, and this number is expected to rise in the future. Conventional flush toilets are the most common type of toilets worldwide and use large amounts of water, accounting for about 30% of household water consumption in the US. In this blog, we explore the concept of eco-friendly toilets and provide an overview of the most water-efficient and sustainable toilets.
Most Water-Efficient & Sustainable Toilets
Eco-friendly toilets are designed to reduce water use and prevent waste and pathogens from entering the environment. They can be classified into two main categories: water-efficient toilets and waterless toilets. Water-efficient toilets use less water than conventional flush toilets, either by using a low-flow or dual-flush mechanism or by incorporating a WaterSense label that certifies their performance and efficiency. Waterless toilets do not use any water at all but instead rely on alternative methods of waste management, such as composting or incinerating.
We have created a list of some of the most water-efficient and sustainable toilets that use special flush systems as well as waterless methods.
1. Niagara
Niagra is a toilet brand that is part of Niagara Conservation, a New Jersey company that produces water and energy conservation products. It offers toilets that are one of the most water-efficient toilets in the world, using only 0.8 gallons of water per flush. It also features a patented hydraulic technology that creates a powerful flush with minimal noise.
A. Niagara Stealth Ultra-High-Efficiency Single-Flush Toilet
Key features and benefits:
- Uses only 0.8 gallons (3 liters) of water per flush.
- Saves up to 20,000 gallons (75,708 liters) of water per year compared to a standard 1.6-gallon (6-liter) toilet.
- Eliminates leaks and reduces maintenance costs with a durable flapper-less design.
- Meets EPA WaterSense and MaP Premium criteria for performance and efficiency.
- Comes with a 10-year warranty.
- Features a soft close seat.
- Patented hydraulic technology creates a powerful flush with minimal noise.
- Comes with a smooth and sleek design that fits any bathroom style.
Price and availability: $169.00 on HomeDepot.com
2. American Standard
American Standard offers a large selection of toilets that have the latest advancements installed, such as high-efficiency, dual-flush, and WaterSense toilets. It also provides water-conserving toilets that are never low in performance quality
A. American Standard Studio S Collection WaterSense Certified Toilet
Key features and benefits:
- Uses only 1.28 gallons (4.8 liters) of water per flush, thanks to its innovative PowerWash rim that scrubs the bowl with pressurized water.
- Saves up to 16,500 gallons (62,460 liters) of water per year compared to a standard 1.6-gallon (6-liter) toilet.
- Right-height elongated bowl that provides more room and comfort for the user.
- Smooth and seamless design that prevents dirt and bacteria from accumulating.
- Features a chrome-plated side-mounted trip lever for easy flushing.
- Comes with a lifetime warranty and a slow-close seat.
Price and availability: $737.54 on AmericanStandard.com
B. American Standard H2Option Dual Flush Right Height Elongated Toilet
Key features and benefits:
- A dual-flush system that allows you to choose between a 0.92-gallon flush or a 1.28-gallon flush, depending on your needs.
- Saves up to 25% of water compared to a standard 1.6-gallon (6-liter) toilet.
- EPA WaterSense and MaP Premium certified for performance and efficiency.
- Siphonic jet technology and a PowerWash rim provide a strong and effective flush.
- Features a two-button actuator and a liner that prevents condensation and mold.
- An elongated bowl and a right-height seat make it comfortable and accessible.
- Comes with a 5-year warranty and a choice of colors.
Price and availability: $336.70 on HomeDepot.com
3. TOTO
Toto is a toilet brand that is part of TOTO Ltd., a Japanese company that produces sanitary ware, faucets, and accessories. It offers toilets that are high-quality and durable, with a variety of flushing systems, such as Tornado Flush, Power Gravity, G-Max, and 1G. It also offers toilets that have a CEFIONTECT glaze that prevents dirt and bacteria from sticking to the surface.
A. TOTO Aquia IV Two-Piece Toilet
Key features and benefits:
- Dual-flush system that uses 0.8 or 1.28 gallons of water per flush, depending on the mode.
- Saves up to 16,500 gallons (62,460 liters) of water per year compared to a standard 1.6-gallon (6-liter) toilet.
- Tornado Flush system that cleans the bowl thoroughly with every flush.
- Meets EPA WaterSense and MaP Premium standards for performance and efficiency.
- CEFIONTECT glaze that prevents dirt and bacteria from sticking to the surface.
- Features a two-piece design and a skirted trapway for easy cleaning and maintenance.
- Comes with a 1-year warranty and a universal height seat.
Price and availability: $768.00 on TotoUSA.com
B. TOTO Drake II 1G Two-Piece Toilet
Key features and benefits:
- 1G Tornado Flush system that uses only 1 gallon of water per flush.
- Saves up to 20,000 gallons (75,708 liters) of water per year compared to a standard 1.6-gallon (6-liter) toilet.
- Also meets EPA WaterSense and MaP Premium standards for performance and efficiency.
- Features a two-piece design and a universal height seat for easy installation and comfort.
- A fully glazed trapway and a stainless-steel nozzle ensure a smooth and clog-free operation.
- Comes with a 1-year warranty and a choice of colors.
Price and availability: $765.00 on TotoUSA.com
4. Kohler
Kohler produces plumbing products, engines, generators, and furniture. It offers a wide range of toilets that have different styles, designs, and features, such as classic, modern, compact, elongated, comfort height, dual-flush, and water-sense toilets. It also offers toilets that have an integrated cleansing function that offers a range of features, such as a heated seat, a warm air dryer, a deodorizer, and a remote control.
A. Kohler Memoirs Stately toilet
Key features and benefits:
- High-efficiency flush that uses 1.28 gallons of water per flush, saving up to 16,500 gallons of water per year.
- Meets EPA WaterSense and MaP Premium criteria for performance and efficiency.
- Features a concealed trapway and a chrome trip lever for a clean and elegant look.
- Elongated bowl and a comfortable height seat for added comfort and ease of use.
- Classic design that blends well with traditional and contemporary bathrooms.
- Comes with a 1-year warranty and a choice of colors.
Price and availability: $436.50 on Kohler.com
B. Kohler Highline Arc 2-Piece Toilet
Key features and benefits:
- A budget-friendly option that offers great performance and water efficiency.
- A dual-flush system that lets you choose between a full 1.28-gallon flush or a partial 1.0-gallon flush, saving up to 16,500 gallons of water per year.
- Also meets EPA WaterSense and MaP Premium criteria for performance and efficiency.
- Features a two-tone flush button and a canister flush valve for easy flushing and leak prevention.
- Also has an elongated bowl and a standard-height seat for comfort and convenience.
- Also comes with a 1-year warranty and a choice of colors.
Price and availability: $199.00 on Kohler.com
C. Kohler Veil Comfort Height Compact Elongated Toilet
Key features and benefits:
- A compact and stylish toilet that has an integrated cleansing function.
- Offers a range of features, such as a heated seat, a warm air dryer, a deodorizer, and a remote control.
- Dual-flush system that uses 0.8 or 1.28 gallons of water per flush, depending on the mode.
- Tankless design and a wall-mount installation that saves space and creates a seamless look.
- EPA WaterSense and MaP Premium certified.
- Features a stainless-steel wand and a UV light that sanitizes the nozzle and the bowl.
- Comes with a 1-year warranty and a choice of colors.
Price and availability: $4,518.75 on Kohler.com
5. Incinolet
Incinolet is a toilet brand that is part of Research Products/Blankenship, a Texas company that produces incinerating toilets and air filters. It offers revolutionary and innovative toilets that incinerate human waste into sterile ash without using any water. It also features an electric heat system and a vent system that removes any smoke and odor from the toilet.
A. Incinolet Incinerating Toilet
Key features and benefits:
- Incinerates human waste into sterile ash without using any water.
- Uses electric heat to burn the waste at a high temperature, leaving behind a small amount of ash that can be easily disposed of.
- Eliminates the need for water, plumbing, septic, or sewer systems.
- Destroys pathogens and bacteria in the waste, ensuring hygiene and safety.
- Ventilation system that removes any smoke and odor from the toilet.
- Simple and sturdy design that can be used in any location, such as homes, offices, camps, etc.
- Complies with electrical safety standards set by UL and CSA.
- Comes with a 1-year warranty and a supply of paper liners.
Price range and availability: $2,799.00 – $3,049.00 on Incinolet.com
6. Tushy
Tushy produces bidet toilet seat attachments and accessories. It offers simple and affordable options that transform any toilet into a bidet. It also features a pressure control knob that allows the user to customize the water pressure and angle.
A. Tushy Classic 3.0 Bidet Toilet Seat Attachment
Key features and benefits:
- A simple and affordable option that transforms any toilet into a bidet.
- Saves up to 80% of toilet paper and reduces the environmental impact of paper production and disposal.
- Provides a refreshing and soothing wash that prevents irritation, infection, and hemorrhoids.
- Comes with a self-cleaning nozzle that sanitizes itself before and after each use.
- Easy and adjustable design that can be attached to any standard toilet in minutes, without any plumbing or electricity.
- Features a pressure control knob that allows the user to customize the water pressure and angle.
- Comes with a 60-day risk-free trial and a 12-month warranty.
Price and availability: $99.00 on HelloTushy.com
7. BioBidet
BioBidet specializes in bidet toilets and toilet seat attachments. It offers luxurious and innovative toilets that have a built-in bidet function that provides personalized cleansing and drying settings. It also features a smart remote control and a wireless app that allows the user to customize the water temperature, pressure, and spray pattern
A. Discovery DLX Smart Bidet Toilet
Key features and benefits:
- A luxurious and innovative toilet that has a built-in bidet function that provides personalized cleansing and drying settings.
- Features a motion-activated lid, a touchless flush, and an LED nightlight for convenience and comfort.
- Tankless design and a direct water supply that ensures a consistent and reliable flush.
- Eliminates the requirement for toilet paper and reduces the environmental impact of paper production and disposal.
- Features a smart remote control and a wireless app.
- Comes with a 3-year warranty and a heated seat.
Price and availability: $2,699.00 on BioBidet.com
8. DuraStyle
DuraStyle produces sanitary ceramics, bathroom furniture, and accessories. It offers modern and minimalist toilets that have a square-shaped bowl and a skirted trapway that gives it a sleek and simple appearance. It also features a soft-close seat and a chrome push button for comfort and convenience.
A. DuraStyle 1-Piece 1.28 GPF Single Flush Square Toilet
Key features and benefits:
- A single-flush system that uses 1.28 gallons of water per flush.
- Saves up to 16,500 gallons (62,460 liters) of water per year compared to a standard 1.6-gallon (6-liter) toilet.
- Meets EPA WaterSense and MaP Premium criteria for performance and efficiency.
- Floor-mount installation and a vertical outlet make it easy to install and maintain.
- Features a soft-close seat and a chrome push button for comfort and convenience.
- Comes with a 5-year warranty and a choice of colors.
Price and availability: $438.75 on homedepot.com
9. HOROW
HOROW specializes in producing toilets, bidets, and other bathroom products. The company is based in Taiwan and sells its products worldwide. HOROW aims to craft comfortable spaces for life, with products that are designed for small spaces, water efficiency, and easy installation. HOROW also offers a lifetime after-sales service and a 2-year limited warranty for its products
A. HOROW HWMT-8733U Small Compact One Piece Toilet
Key features and benefits:
- This toilet is designed for small spaces, measuring only 25 inches deep by 13.4 inches wide and 28.4 inches high.
- It features a dual-flush system that uses 0.8 or 1.28 gallons of water per flush, saving water and money.
- It has a siphon flush mechanism that is powerful and quiet, preventing clogs and leaks.
- It comes with a soft-closing and quick-release seat that is comfortable and easy to clean.
- It has a fully glazed bowl that stays clean and sanitary.
- It has two large installation access holes on the side that make it easy to install.
- It has a lifetime after-sales service and a 2-year limited warranty
Priced at around $275.49 on horrowbath.com
10. Swiss Madison
Swiss Madison provides a wide range of toilets that feature sleek and modern designs, water-efficient flushing, electric components, bidet seats, and more. Swiss Madison also offers a 1-year limited warranty and responsive customer service for its products.
A. Swiss Madison Well Made Forever SM-1T254 St. Tropez One Piece Toilet
Key features and benefits:
- This toilet has a sleek and modern design that enhances the look of any bathroom.
- It features a dual-flush system that uses 1.1 or 1.6 gallons of water per flush, conserving water without compromising on power.
- It has a Vortex flush technology that uses dual nozzles to create a powerful and clean flush, keeping the bowl cleaner than standard rim holes.
- It has a skirted trapway that conceals the plumbing and makes it easier to clean.
- It has a standard 12-inch rough-in that fits most existing plumbing.
- It has a 1-year limited warranty and responsive customer service.
Priced at around $391.00 on swissmadison.com
How to Choose the Best Sustainable Toilet?
Choosing the best sustainable toilet for your home or project depends on several factors, such as your budget, space, water availability, power supply, and personal preference. Here are a few recommendations to help you in making a decision:
- Compare the water efficiency of different toilets: The most common measure of water efficiency is the gallons per flush (GPF) rating. Look for toilets that have a GPF of 1.28 or less, which are considered high-efficiency toilets. You can also opt for dual-flush toilets, which have two buttons for different flush volumes, allowing you to save water depending on the type of waste.
- Consider the size and design of the toilet: Before buying a new toilet, make sure to check the dimensions and the location of the flush handle or button to ensure it fits well in your space. You may also want to consider the shape and height of the toilet seat, the style and color of the toilet, and the ease of installation and maintenance.
- Explore the features and benefits of different types of toilets: There are many types of sustainable toilets available in the market, each with its advantages and disadvantages. Some of the most popular ones are Low-flow single-flush toilets, WaterSense toilets, Composting toilets, Incinerating toilets, and Bidet toilets.
- Read reviews and ratings of different toilets: Before buying a new toilet, it is a good idea to read the reviews and ratings of other customers who have used the same or similar models. This can help you get a better idea of the quality, performance, and durability of the toilet, as well as any potential issues or drawbacks.
- Check for certifications: You can also look for certifications or awards that indicate the toilet’s environmental or social impact, such as the WaterSense label, the Cradle to Cradle certification, or the Good Housekeeping Seal
Conclusion
We hope that this blog has provided you with useful information and cleared your doubts about how eco-friendly toilets work. We also hope that it has provided insights on the most water-efficient and sustainable toilets available in the market and inspired you to consider switching to an eco-friendly toilet for your own benefit and for the benefit of the planet.