March 23rd, 2012 by TRT Blog

A steadily growing trend among the hotel industry is the pathway to a greener and cleaner hotel. What most businesses in the industry may fail to realize is that making the move towards a green hotel is not only a popular move among the consumers, but can also be very cost effective. Here is The Refinishing Touch’s list of top tips for hotels looking to go green:

1. Rethink your flow: Installing low flow systems—toilets, sinks, and showers—in every bathroom not only lessens the amount of water used by guests, but it also lowers the monthly water bill that the operators have to pay.

2. Buy local: Consider buying organic and locally grown produce for kitchens and restaurants. This not only lowers gas emissions for transportation, but it supports local farmers and sellers. Plus organic foods stop pesticides from polluting the environment.

3. Offer incentives: Busy travelers don’t always remember to decline room cleaning or towel changes. Jog their memory with a well-planned incentive program. Offer five dollar gift cards to Starbucks or money off a meal at the hotel restaurant. This will be sure to entice distracted travels to participate in your hotel’s green programs.

4. Asset Management: Hotel furniture sees a lot of use, but sometimes all it needs to look and perform like new again is a new finish or new upholstery. Instead of buying new furniture consider refinishing and refurbishing instead. Not only does it save time and money, but it prevents tons of wood from ending up in landfills.

While there are many other ways for hotels to save money and the environment, these few tips not only help save money, but it reduces carbon emissions and environmental impact otherwise produced by manufacturing new pieces of furniture and throwing out the old. In the end, having a green hotel not only appeals to the interest of the consumer, but it helps to maintain budgets. A win-win all around!

budgets, environment, green hotel, low flow systems, organic, sustainable, tips, transportation

March 9th, 2012 by TRT Blog

Most of us are aware of the importance of being sustainable in our everyday lives and how our actions affect the environment. Everything we do has an impact – the food we buy, the car we drive (and how long/often), the homes we live in, where we travel to and stay on vacation. And there are a number of studies that show if businesses listen to the wants of their consumers, they are likely to increase their reputation and their bottom line.

In one such study which was recently published, conducted by market research firm American LIVES, researchers spent 18 years (yes, that’s right – years) tracking the values that baby boomer generation consumers place on sustainability. Here are some highlights from the findings:

- 97% were interested in high energy efficient heating and cooling for their own homes
- The majority of respondents said they would pay more for a sustainable home
- 87% said they thought favorably of a hotel company that had a green design / sustainable practices
- And 50% said they would be willing to pay up to 5% more to stay at such hotels

Here at The Refinishing Touch, we’re glad to see consumers embracing these types of changes. But hotels, along with other businesses and organizations, need to act, and to take these findings into consideration when reviewing their furniture assets and planning upgrades to rooms, offices and accommodations. It’s not just about meeting customer expectations – it’s also about being cost-efficient: remember, refinishing furniture is upwards of 80 percent less than buying new.

So by committing to sustainable options, businesses have the opportunity to take care of the environment and make more money—and we think it’s difficult to find a downside in that outcome.

American LIVES, consumers, environment, market research, study, sustainable

February 14th, 2012 by TRT Blog

It’s the season of expensive gifts, dinners and heart-shaped cards, but this year, why not shower your loved one with beautiful gifts that are also environmentally-friendly? We’ve done our research and have come up with some great ideas to please your sweetheart and Mother Nature:

Chocolates. When you’re picking out the best looking box of chocolates this February 14^th, these will be free of pesticides, will help support sustainable agriculture and will support the workers who produced the. Plus, who doesn’t like a tasty box of chocolates?

Flowers. Flowers are a staple for Valentine’s Day, and although the florist right around the corner is convenient, try thinking ahead this year. Organic and fair-trade flowers cost about the same as regular flowers, but are grown with the environment and the workers in mind.

Unique Gifts.  Try thinking out of the (chocolate) box this year. Choose something for your loved one that will stand out and last all year long. Pick up a unique fair-trade gift, such this hand-painted jewelry box to make an extra special, thoughtful gift.

Regardless of the gifts you give on Valentine’s Day this year, do your best to choose those that don’t harm the environment. While it may not be the most conventional route, there are plenty of products out there that are made with recycled materials that are not only romantic but will reduce your environmental impact as well.

eco-friendly, fair-trade, sustainable

February 7th, 2012 by TRT Blog

With an increasing demand for eco-friendly practices, many industries have already begun their own initiatives in an effort to increase and standardize sustainability. With continued advancements, both socially and technologically, going green is a reality for many sectors. However, not all industries have had such luck. One industry in particular has come under fire for the little advancements that have been made in innovation and green practices: construction.

According to an article by Construction Digital, over the past few decades the construction industry has seen little movement towards green building. Although the demand for green building has increased and much of the appropriate technology is available, construction has not changed in the ways other industries have. Many have argued that the construction industry has not become more environmentally friendly due to the high costs of replacing machinery, an area which largely has seen little to zero new technology. 

Despite its past, the construction sector has a hopeful future. Sustainable technology continues to advance (as well as become less expensive) and will soon help to ease the transition into green building. However, one issue for green building that has remained unresolved is the translation from digital designs to physical materials. Exciting new technologies such as 3D printing is emerging as a technology that can speed up the building process and most likely require little man power. This technology is already being applied around the world—a 30 story skyscraper was recently completed in less than 360 hours in China using similar technology.

While as a refinishing and refurbishing company, we try to incorporate as many sustainable practices into our business as possible, we also understand those practices aren’t as plausible for other industries. We hope that the construction industry continues to look for sustainably alternatives to help it catch up with the demand for green building and structures as well as seek out new, emerging technologies to help it get there.

construction, eco-friendly, green, green building, sustainable

December 30th, 2011 by TRT Blog

Every year, it’s important to look back and appreciate all that took place, both good and bad. This year, while many companies and individuals continue to struggle as America slowly finds is economic footing, The Refinishing Touch is thrilled that we were able to help organizations across the country reduce carbon foot prints, decrease spending, and stay committed to saving the environment through refinishing, refurbishing and asset management. We are so proud that our work continues to increase our country’s overall environmental sustainability year to year.

As you look back on the happenings of 2011, we wish you and your loved ones a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year. As we quickly move into 2012, we hope that you will join us in making at least one New Year’s resolution: be conscious of how we treat the environment and work towards becoming a more sustainable, environmentally friendly country.

Happy New Year!

2011, 2012, environmentally friendly, new year, New Year resolutions, resolutions, sustainable

December 23rd, 2011 by TRT Blog

The holiday season has arrived and it’s time to relax, eat good food, and spend quality time with loved ones. Every year at The Refinishing Touch we take to heart the notion, ‘it is better to give than to receive’. We take pride in the work that we do and strive to make sure that every one of our projects continues to benefit our clients for a long time to come.

As we look back on this past year we are thrilled to see that the hospitality, education, and government industries are all dedicated to becoming more sustainable, because there is no better gift than saving the environment.

On behalf of our entire team, The Refinishing Touch wishes you and your loved ones a cheerful, safe, and peaceful holiday season.

environment, holidays, sustainable