As the push for sustainable living grows, homeowners increasingly seek eco-friendly solutions for home improvements. From energy-efficient appliances to reclaimed wood furniture, sustainable home trends are reshaping how we live, and people are loving the creativity that follows. While most think of repurposed furniture, sustainable energy, and more efficient recycling methods when they picture green living, one overlooked yet highly impactful option is bathtub refinishing. Bathtub refinishing is a sustainable home trend that breathes life into a new tub and aligns beautifully with the principles of green living. But how does bathtub refinishing align with green living? Let’s find out.
The Environmental Benefits of Bathtub Refinishing
Replacing a bathtub might seem like the easiest way to upgrade a bathroom, but the environmental cost is significant. You might not consider it, but replacing a bathtub increases waste in landfills, requires resource extraction for materials, and contributes to transportation emissions. Several hidden factors of buying new items (and installing them) often go overlooked. Refinishing your bathtub, on the other hand, offers multiple eco-friendly benefits:
- Reduces Waste in Landfills
Millions of pounds (nearly 145 million tons, to be exact) of construction waste—including old bathtubs—end up in landfills yearly. Refinishing your existing tub eliminates the need to dispose of it, significantly reducing waste. By choosing refinishing, you’re giving your tub a second life and contributing to a circular economy. This, in turn, helps reduce the ever-growing issue of landfill overcrowding and promotes a more sustainable waste management system. - Conserves Precious Resources
Producing a new bathtub requires raw materials like porcelain, steel, and fiberglass, along with considerable amounts of energy and water—all of which have environmental impacts. Refinishing allows you to extend the lifespan of your current tub and bypass the need for extracting and depleting more resources. - Lowers Carbon Footprint
The bathtub manufacturing process involves mining, transportation, and production—activities that emit substantial greenhouse gases. Refinishing, on the other hand, is done locally and requires significantly less energy. In fact, it’s typically done in 24 hours and less, producing virtually no carbon footprint aside from using a bit of electricity.
Steps to Ensure a Sustainable Refinishing Process
The green benefits of bathtub refinishing shouldn’t compromise the aesthetics or functionality, but working with a reputable professional is essential. Otherwise, you may find that additional refinishes need to be done much earlier than expected. To ensure that your refinishing project is done well and as eco-friendly as possible, consider these steps:
- Partner with a Green Refinishing Company — Look for professionals like The Surface Doctors who use environmentally friendly materials and methods. Our technicians are also well-versed in refinishing and can give you results that make your bathtub look brand new.
- Choose Low-VOC Coatings — Not all refinishing products or coatings are considered green. Therefore, requesting eco-friendly, low-toxicity coatings is crucial to protect indoor air quality and reduce harmful emissions.
- Maintain Your Refinished Tub — Proper care and cleaning will extend the lifespan of your refinished tub, further reducing waste and the need for future refinishing.
Why Bathtub Refinishing is the Future of Green Living
In a world where sustainability is becoming increasingly important, small decisions like refinishing your bathtub can have a significant impact. This eco-friendly solution exemplifies what it means to live green by reducing waste, conserving resources, and lowering carbon emissions. Plus, it’s a practical, affordable, and aesthetically pleasing option for any homeowner.
Do you want to refresh your bathtub in an environmentally ethical way? Contact The Surface Doctors today to schedule a consultation and learn more about our eco-friendly bathtub refinishing services.