3 Keys to a Successful Green Bathroom Remodel

Guest post by Fay D. Wein

A green bathroom remodel is more than just using a few eco-friendly materials.

Consider both the immediate and the lasting impact of each of your choices.

Short-term green choices prevent immediate negative impact on the plant, while long-term

choices ensure that moisture and daily cleaning don’t result in an eco nightmare down the road.

 

“A green bathroom remodel is 

more than just using a few

eco-friendly materials.

Consider both the immediate

and the lasting impact

of each of your choices.

 

#1. Manage the Moisture

There’s nothing environmentally friendly about mold and mildew in the bathroom.

Not only does it often require harmful chemicals to remove it, extensive mold damage

can damage walls and caulk, requiring frequent replacement of otherwise long-lasting materials.

Mold needs moisture to thrive, which is why it’s common in the bathroom.

When remodeling, add a ventilation fan to your final design.

For the cost of a small amount of electricity, the fan will move the moisture out of your bathroom

and home.

The environmental impact of running a fan is much less than that of of frequent mold removal.

 

#2. Make It About Water Savings

3 Keys to a Successful Green Bathroom Remodel

The bathroom is responsible for 64 percent of the average home’s water use, so cutting back usage

there is one of the most eco-friendly choices you can make.

The best ways to plan for water usage savings with a remodel are:

 

*Install a low-flow shower head.

You get the same water pressure, but use up to 7 gallons less water per minute.

 

*Make the toilet low-flow, too.

Newer water-wise toilets use less than half as much water as their standard counterparts.

 

*Switch to a tankless hot water heater.

Choose one which uses less energy and provides on demand hot water.

 

*Add faucet timers to the sink and shower.

These cut the flow after a set time, which means no more wasted water while you shave or brush your teeth.

 

#3. Go Green With Your Materials

3 Keys to a Successful Green Bathroom Remodel

Not all materials are created equal, especially from a green point of view.

 

“Take the time to source

sustainable materials that

fit both your budget and

your design goals.”

 

Green material options include:

*Recycled items-which help keep items out of landfills by giving them a new life.

Consider recycled glass tiles for the countertops and floors, recycled wood vanities and

cabinets, or refinishing instead of replacing the tub surround.

3 Keys to a Successful Green Bathroom Remodel

*Sustainable materials-which have less environmental impact in the long run.

Cork and bamboo are two popular sustainable materials, and cork’s antimicrobial

abilities make it a natural for the moist environment of the bathroom.

 

*Low-impact items-which are environmentally preferable because they don’t have

a major short- or long-term impact.

Items that you can recycle if you re-do the bathroom again in the future, such as glass tiles,

are one example of a low-impact item.

Choosing low-VOC paints, materials that don’t require chemical cleaning, and those produced

locally all result in a lower impact.

3 Keys to a Successful Green Bathroom Remodel

Conclusion

As you can see, both short-term and long-term planning is required if one is conscious about

making the planet a better place place to live in for ourselves and our families.

About the author
Fay D. Wein is a content and communication specialist at Glass Tile Oasis, an online retailer of inspired kitchen, bath and pool tile. Fay loves interior designing, blogging, and spending time with her family.

 

Are you considering a green bathroom remodel?

Have you already remodeled your bathroom in an eco-friendly manner?

Share your tips, experiences, thoughts and comments with us.

Photos courtesy of Houzz.com

Photo source: Glass tile

 

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