Shower curtains are generally not the first thing we think of when it comes to household pollutants. But if you want to make your home more safe for your family and for the environment, then eco-friendly shower curtains are something you should look into. Let’s get into the details.
TL;DR: Want affordable, eco-friendly shower curtains? Try Vita Futura’s PEVA curtains, which are plastic but can be recycled. Or, try shower curtains on Etsy!
How Can I Make My Shower Eco-friendly?
Apart from using safe, effective non-toxic bath products such as shampoo bars, your bathroom decor can be modified to make the room more eco-friendly. Things like using eco-friendly bathroom towels, using sustainable alternatives to toilet paper, adding lovely humidity-reducing plants, etc., can go a long way.
This post specifically covers eco-friendly shower curtains, what they are, why you need them, and which brands have the best ones.
Eco-friendly Shower Curtain Liners
If you’re using an organic cotton shower curtain, for example, it isn’t sufficient by itself to block water from seeping through. In this case, you would need a shower curtain liner, which offers an added layer of protection from the water. Check out some of the most eco-friendly shower curtain liners.
Why Opt for an Eco-friendly Shower Curtain?
You’ve obviously noticed that most shower curtains are made of plastic. It makes sense, since it has to keep water away. But it’s also extremely unhealthy. Plastics such as PVC contain phthalates, lead, organotins and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and other toxic compounds, which can get released into the air and then into us.
Instead, we can use non-toxic shower curtains made from eco-friendly materials. They do the same job, but also keep us safer.
What Materials are Eco-friendly Shower Curtains Made From?
Fabrics such as organic cotton, recycled polyesters and PVC-free plastics are common – and non-toxic. There are hemp shower curtains, recyclable shower curtains, curtains made from plastic bottles, and many other options. Our list below will elaborate!
Do Shower Curtains Biodegrade?
Well, plastic ones won’t. Which is why you need to switch to eco-friendly shower curtains. Biodegradable shower curtains are ones made from natural fibers (cotton, linen, hemp) specifically to biodegrade at the end of their life. Other options for sustainably using curtains at the end of their life is to recycle them, or repurpose them into other products.
Top Brands for Eco-friendly Shower Curtains
Here are 10 home brands that have wonderful options for eco-friendly shower curtains:
1 // Coyuchi
Price: From $118
Regenerative farming | GOTS-certified | fair trade | 1% for the planet
Coyuchi gets its organic cotton from ethical sources in India and Turkey. The shower curtains are made from organic Turkish cotton in monochrome textural patterns.
Coyuchi supports local regenerative farming practices, and upcycle used Coyuchi items for a circular supply chain. Coyuchi’s 2nd Home Take Back program encourages customers to recycle their used Coyuchi products and receive 15% off the next order. The recycled products are sold through 2nd Home Renewed at discounted prices.
Coyuchi shower curtain review: “Subtle effect, solid, flowing, and the perfect length. Just the right weight to dry quickly. Soft, feels like something you would find in an upscale hotel.”
2 // Nebia
Price: From $119
Long-lasting | water-repellent | 100% recycled rPET | recyclable packaging | 1% for the planet
Nebia’s water-repellent, anti-shrink, machine washable shower curtains certainly tick all the boxes! Moreover, it’s very durable, and made to last for at least 10 years. It’s made completely out of recycled materials (specifically, out of 41 recycled plastic bottles), and has a detachable liner.
Nebia shower curtain review: “I love this shower curtain! I got this because I was looking for a more sustainable curtain option that wouldn’t constantly need replacement. I also like the neutral/timeless color. The included hooks and snaps have been very durable for us and didn’t arrive with any issues.
“We’ve had this for about ten months and have found that the bottom of the liner does get pink over time. However, to solve this, I take off the liner and soak it for about 30 mins in a diluted bleach mixture. Then I throw it in the washer on warm and every time, it comes out as good as new and is sanitized by the bleach! This is a sustainable option to not constantly be throwing out curtain liners. Highly recommend”
3 // Parachute
Price: From $89
Oeko-Tex certified | made in Turkey | free carbon-neutral shipping
Many of Parachute’s home goods items are made from 100 percent Turkish cotton. The muted colors of the Turkish cotton shower curtain will go with any style of interiors, and the soft material is perfect for added coziness while taking a warm shower.
Parachute is a participant of the UN Foundation’s Nothing But Nets global campaign that raises awareness, funds and voices to fight malaria.
Parachute shower curtain review: “So simple and beautiful! This item is so high quality and made our bathroom look great.”
4 // Pottery Barn
Price: From $80
OEKO-TEX® Certified | Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) |
Pottery Barn does have sustainably sourced products made of 100 percent organic cotton. Their organic cotton shower curtain is also GOTS-certified, and they have shower curtains made from flax linen, etc. Check out the gorgeous fauna bird cotton shower curtain. If you’re browsing for other similar products, know that Pottery Barn also has products made from recycled, reclaimed, alternative or responsibly harvested materials that meet high social and environmental standards.
5 // Quiet Town
Price: From $62
Cotton grown in USA | 100% compostable packaging | local supply chain
Quiet Town was founded by husband-and-wife team Lisa and Michael Fine, to create responsibly made, design-driven bathroom accessories. They use US-grown canvas, as well as upcycled materials, and the minimalist products are designed and sewn in Brooklyn, NY. Check out the Quiet Town Beacon shower curtain, which adds a pop of geometric color to your bathroom.
6 // Rawganique
Price: From $55
100% organic European hemp | non-toxic | PVC-free | Biodegradable | Hypoallergenic
Rawganique is an awesome option for non-toxic shower curtains. They use specially woven organic hemp canvas fabric that adds weight, quick-drying properties, and has no off-gassing. You can order the Montebello hemp shower curtain in various colors and sizes, and also opt for hemp macrame rings and a waterproofing wax bar as additions.
7 // The Citizenry
Price: From $125
Fair trade | handcrafted | traditional crafts
The Citizenry works with master artisans in the state of Kerala, in India, who handcraft the curtains from 100% organic cotton (and each curtain, like this Chilka model) takes an entire day to be completed!). They also promote the work of the artisans, along with an appreciation of the intricate handwork. Happily, The Citizenry’s team of artisans reportedly earns two times the average fair-trade wage.
The Citizenry shower curtain review: “I purchased the cream-colored shower curtain set for my bathroom and couldn’t be more pleased. The fabric of the shower curtain itself is substantial and good quality. The stitching is very well-done, and I really like the minimalist design. The hooks were easy to put on and compliment the style of the curtain nicely.”
8 // Vita Futura
Price: From $14
PVC free | non-vinyl PEVA | mildew resistant | made-to-order | affordable option
What if you don’t want to spend a small fortune on your eco-friendly shower curtains? Well, Vita Futura’s shower curtains are made of PEVA (polyethylene vinyl acetate), which is plastic, yes, but it is also PVC-free, non-chlorinated, non-vinyl and a highly recyclable plastic. And it costs a fraction of what other curtains cost (though it is made in Germany by Kleine Wolke, they have warehouses in Canada and USA). Plus, since it’s plastic, it doesn’t need a separate liner. And, it’s easy to maintain.
However, it then becomes your responsibility to make sure your PEVA curtain is safely recycled at the end of its life. Check your local recycler if they know how to deal with PEVA.
9 // West Elm
Price: From $90
Fair trade certified | OEKO-TEX® Certified | premium European-grown flax | durable
West Elm has numerous options for environmentally friendly shower curtains, including luxe options such as this European flax linen shower curtain. It’s durable, soft, and comes in soothing colors that can transform your bathroom into a spa!
10 // Etsy
Price: From $30
Eco-friendly & upcycled options | small businesses | carbon-neutral shipping
Etsy is a great place to look for unique, sustainably-sourced products for your home. You’d be supporting small businesses, and can choose to buy handmade, organic products. Besides, Etsy is a B Corp and offers carbon-neutral shipping for all sales.
Eco-friendly shower curtains from stores such as Dusty Linen, Kingdom of Comfort, and 3H Linen are highly rated products.
Can you buy eco-friendly shower curtains at a big box store? In many cases, yes. But make sure you look into the details of the materials, how to maintain it, how long it will likely last, and how to dispose of it when you’re done using it. Certifications such as GOTS and OEKO-TEX 100 are good, but it also helps to do your own research into the brand, the reviews it has from customers, and whether it fits your needs. Watch out for greenwashing!
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NOTE: All brand photographs belong to the respective brands/businesses. All reviews are from brand websites, from verified buyers.
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