You have made the big decision that it is time to remodel your bathroom. You are ready for a change and look forward to something new and different in your life. As you begin to plan your big remodel, one of the most important factors on your mind is how to keep it green. As an environmentally conscious homeowner, you want to choose sustainable, energy efficient materials and products. In order to do so, you need to know the options available to you. Then you can officially get started on your bathroom remodel with no trepidation about any negative environmental impact. 

Replace Or Refinish Your Bathtub?

Much of the environmental impact that comes from remodeling projects is from discarded bathroom fixtures such as toilets, sinks and bathtubs. Most people just throw these things out without another thought about it. But as an advocate for sustainability, this is just not your style. 

When it comes to your bathtub, you may want to consider simply refinishing it rather than replacing it. If the bathtub has noticeable cracks that cause leaks and other issues, then by all means replace it. However, if it does not, the environmentally conscious thing to do is to invest in bathtub refinishing.

Sanding down and refinishing your bathtub will make it look like new. And bathtub refinishing products are now more environmentally friendly than ever. Look for products that have low VOC's (volatile organic compounds) or other harsh chemicals. Porcelite Bathtub Refinishing is a local company that specializes in bathtub refinishing.

Bathroom Flooring

Most bathroom remodels include new flooring. After all, the floor is one of the most noticeable aspects of your bathroom and will pull the room together. Luckily, there are several sustainable, green options available for your new bathroom floor. 

Cork

Cork is one of the most eco-friendly flooring options available. It is harvested by carefully removing the bark from a cork oak tree. This means the tree itself is not damaged in the process. In fact, the bark grows back in fully within a few years and can then be re-harvested.

Cork is ideal for use in bathroom flooring because it is naturally resistant to mold and mildew. At the same time, it is also an absorbent material which is ideal in damp, humid environments.

Bamboo

Bamboo is another environmentally friendly flooring option. It is technically a grass, and when it is harvested, the roots are left intact to regrow. This prevents soil erosion and eliminates the need for replanting or forest clear-cutting.

Bamboo is also naturally mold and mildew resistant. It is not absorbent like cork but is still an excellent flooring option for bathrooms because it is unaffected by exposure to water and moisture.

As you can see, your bathroom remodel can be eco-friendly and sustainable. You just have to think through your options and make the selections that are best for you.