Bathroom conversion projects add value to your home while improving your quality of life. Something most homeowners may not consider is the waste and pollution they create during a bathroom renovation.

The good news is you don’t have to live with that outdated bathroom or unsafe conditions like bathtubs that are too high to get in and out of safely. You can take several steps to ensure your project is environmentally friendly from start to finish.

In this blog, we’ll discuss 5 brilliant ways to green up your bathroom conversion project for a win-win situation for you and the environment.

Green Bathroom Conversion Tip #1 – Plan Ahead

You might think that the demolition of the old space is the first critical step in your new bathroom renovation. As fun as it may be to swing a sledgehammer around in your bathroom, it shouldn’t be done without first planning ahead.  

Before you start demolition, plan out your renovation project from start to finish. Not only does it help you avoid costly mistakes, but it also gives you an opportunity to consider the environmental impact of your choices.

Here are 3 tips for planning ahead with your bathroom conversion project to keep it as eco-conscious as possible:

1 – Explore different materials, fixtures, and designs.
Sustainable materials like bamboo and cork, plus water-saving fixtures, can be part of the process. Choosing the wrong fixtures, for example, can create more harm to the environment if you end up replacing them sooner than expected.

2 – Set a budget.
Once you know how much you can afford, your budget can guide decisions about sustainable materials and other eco-friendly methods for your bathroom conversion project.

3 – Hire a professional.
Working with a bathroom conversion specialist ensures you stick to your plan. They can help you find the most eco-friendly solutions within your budget and ensure your new bathroom lasts for years to come to reduce your environmental footprint.

Green Bathroom Conversion Tip #2 – Choose Sustainable Materials

Sustainable materials – bamboo, cork, recycled glass – can fit well into any bathroom renovation project. Not only are these materials good for the environment, but they also add a touch of luxury to your bathroom.

If you’re not sure which sustainable materials you can afford or which are available to you, check with your bathroom renovation contractor. They can recommend specific products and materials that fit within your budget.

Don’t forget to check with your local government about incentives for using sustainable materials in home renovation projects. You can choose resources that match programs in your area.

Green Bathroom Conversion Tip #3 – Recycle and Reuse

During demolition, consider which materials to recycle or reuse to reduce the amount of waste going to the landfill. It’s easier to reuse some items in your bathroom than others. Here are some tips for identifying what’s reusable and what’s not.

• Recycle bathroom tiles for use on countertops or other surfaces.
• Refinish or repaint cabinets and use them in your new bathroom or somewhere else in your home.
• Repurpose fixtures like faucets and showerheads (if they’re eco-friendly).

If you don’t want to keep any of your items, consider donating them to a place like Construction Junction. Another option is to donate them to a local Habitat for Humanity ReStore.

Can’t recycle or reuse your materials? Make sure you dispose of them properly. Most communities have programs that accept construction and demolition debris.

Green Bathroom Conversion Tip #4 – Water-Saving Fixtures

One of the most effective ways to make your new bathroom environmentally friendly is with water-saving fixtures. Low-flow toilets, faucets, and showerheads save you money by using less water.

Fresh water makes up less than 3% of the available water sources on the planet. Water conservation is important for this and other reasons.

Water-saving fixtures also reduce the amount of energy needed to treat and distribute water. The less water you use, the more you can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect the environment.

Green Bathroom Conversion Tip #5 – Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products

Going green with your bathroom conversion project doesn’t just mean installing water-saving fixtures and choosing sustainable materials. You can keep the eco-friendly cycle going by committing to using natural cleaning products to keep your new bathroom looking clean and fresh.

You can buy popular eco-friendly cleaning products at your favorite store, or you can make your own solutions at home. Here are some of the most popular ingredients if you decide to make them from scratch.

• Baking soda is a natural abrasive. You can use it to clean and deodorize surfaces in your bathroom. Baking soda isn’t safe for all surfaces, so be sure to never use it on ceramic tile, glass, or marble.
• Essential oils work well for cleaning. Tea tree oil is an excellent choice because it has antifungal, antibacterial, and antiseptic properties. Not only does it clean well, but it also leaves your bathroom smelling nice.
• Lemon juice works well to remove stains and it disinfects surfaces. Soap scum and rust don’t stand a chance if you apply lemon juice and scrub gently.
• Vinegar is a natural disinfectant you can use to clean the shower, sink, and toilet.

Get started with your eco-friendly bathroom renovation

Improving the functionality of your bathroom with environmentally-friendly practices in mind requires cooperation from a bathroom conversion specialist. Just Bath’s installation experts ensure you not only save yourself money but that you also do your part to save the planet.

Give us a call today to schedule a consultation, or use our instant quote feature on our website to get started.