Interactive and Eco-Friendly Sinks

The term “going green” is fast becoming one of those clichéd culture trends that people hardly pay attention to anymore. (Add to that list: bank bail-outs and any celebrity reality show on VH1.) But because this year is all about change, we’re scouting out new ways to be environmentally (and financially) responsible. And while Hybrid cars and fluorescent light bulbs are good ways to, ahem, go green, we’ve found that water conservation is another great way to express eco-friendliness, and it’s easier than it sounds. Just take a look at these environmentally-conscious sinks and accessories.

The Plugless Sink


Although this product is not yet available for purchase, we feel the concept is worth the, uh, plug. The Plugless Sink, by Polish designer Maja Ganszyniec, was designed to awaken your water-usage consciousness. Without a plughole, you must tip the bowl over toward a drain slot to dispose of the used water. The concept forces the user to be aware of how much, and how often, they dispose of the water. The minimalist design and functionality promotes water re-usage and brings awareness to how much water we have the ability to waste. Check out Maja’s website to learn more about her original designs.
Removable Kitchen Sink

In a similar (though perhaps less stylish) vein, Hughie of Australia has created the Removable Kitchen Sink. More than just capturing your water-usage consciousness, this sink actually saves and recycles waste-water. It saves 80 percent of grey water that would otherwise be sent down the drain, and instead preserves the water for other uses such as watering plants or washing your car. Made from biodegradable plastic (and available in a range of colors), the sink is lightweight and fits virtually all kitchen sinks. The portable sink can also save water during an array of activities like bathing pets or collecting rainwater.
Fashion Plugs

The sink plug may not be the most glamorous of kitchen adornments, but these tastefully designed plugs from the Japanese company Cina add elegance to the ordinary. If you’re not quite willing to go totally plugless, using these plugs is another way to conserve water. Fill the sink while washing plates to reduce the amount of water used. And while most conventional sink caps have a knack for disappearing, these aesthetically pleasing plugs will stand out from the kitchen clutter.
Pedal Valve

The ultimate sink accessory: hands-free faucet controllers allow you to have a more convenient control over water use. With this pedal installation, after you turn on the faucet, simply step on and off the pedal to control the water. With the hands-free faucet, you’re less inclined to keep the water running. And once the faucet is turned off, the pedals are disabled.
Touch-Free Faucet

This EZ Faucet automatic faucet not only benefits the germaphobe; its automatic sensor means you can feel guilt-free when it comes to using water, because it’s only on when something’s under the spout. It saves up to 70 percent of water, and during flu season, may even save you a trip to the doctor.