How to make your bathroom renovation eco-friendly

A good bathroom renovation should turn your space into a functional, spa-like sanctuary. The finished room should be somewhere you can relax, and indulge yourself. But that’s not all. If you’re so inclined, your bathroom renovation can be eco-friendly too. 

Sustainable bathroom renovations are becoming increasingly popular as home owners become more aware of the impact their properties can have on the environment. To help you get started on your very own eco-renovation, we’ve put together a quick guide.

Go for timeless materials

Renovating more frequently will ultimately have a larger effect on the environment. So when you update your bathroom it’s always best to use timeless, long lasting materials, fittings and fixtures, including:

• Marble countertops and tiles. 
• Stainless steel fixtures and fittings like these
• Granite. 
• Clearstone, by Gareth Ashton. 
• Chrome. 

Every item should be made using quality materials, from a brand you can trust like Abey Australia. That way, your renovation could look amazing for 10, 20 or even 30 years. 

Choose upcycled wherever possible

Most of the environmental impact of any renovation comes from the manufacturing of new materials, from bathroom cabinets to countertops. So, when you renovate, it’s a great idea to look out for opportunities to upcycle. 

Search Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree and vintage shops for old tiles, cabinets and vanities that could be reused. With a little imagination these items can make a bathroom renovation truly special. 

Check the WELS rating of your fixtures

You should always check the WELS rating (Water Efficiency Labelling Standards) of any fixtures or fittings you buy. These ratings score the water efficiency of bathroom, kitchen and laundry taps, spouts and appliances out of six – with higher scores equalling better water efficiency. Abey stocks a huge range of ultra-efficient bathroom mixers, including the very stylish, very eco-friendly Piazza 3 piece basin mixer by Gareth Ashton. 

Use VOC-free paints and coatings

VOCs, or volatile organic compounds are compounds that are emitted as gases from certain manmade products, such as paints, sealants and adhesives. These are often environmentally harmful to produce, but they can also be bad for your health – prolonged exposure to these compounds can cause serious health problems. Luckily there are paints, sealants and grouts that are VOC free – simply ask your tradesmen to source these instead of their usual materials (or find these yourself if you’re into DIY). 

Recycle your old fixtures, fittings and materials

When you’re done with your bathroom renovation you can make the change even more eco-friendly by recycling the old fixtures, fittings and materials – or by simply passing them through to the second hand market. You could donate them to a second hand store or sell them on Facebook Marketplace. Whatever you do, the key is to make sure they end up being used or recycled instead of ending up in landfill. 

Talk to an expert and see your options in person

Before you get started on your eco-friendly bathroom renovation, it’s a great idea to speak to an expert about efficient fixtures and fittings. Drop in to your nearest Abey Selection Gallery and one of our bathroom experts will walk you through your options.