Zero Waste Shower Curtain: 10 Sustainable Options In 2024

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Are you looking for zero waste shower curtains? 

I collected a list of fantastic zero waste shower curtain options that are sustainable and plastic-free! 

Below, you can find 10 sustainable shower curtain alternatives and why you should consider switching & ditching synthetic ones. 

You will learn about:

1. 10 Sustainable Zero Waste Shower Curtains
2. Pros & Cons Of Sustainable Shower Curtains
3. FAQ
4. Summary

Let’s begin!

10 Sustainable Zero Waste Shower Curtains:

Rawganique offers PVC-free, chemical-free natural & sustainable hemp shower curtains. 

They have a range of different sizes and colors. The woven organic hemp canvas fabric doesn’t leak water, and it dries pretty fast.

The shower curtain can be waxed to become waterproof. However, waxed curtains are no longer machine washable.

The price range is quite affordable in comparison to other sustainable shower curtains. 

Their 24″ X 72″ comes with rings, and it costs $55. If you look for a wider option, check the 48’’ X 72’’ curtain for $79. 

They also have linen shower curtain, but it is a bit more expensive ($109). 

The company has no sweatshop policy, and they only sell ethical, sustainable, and handcrafted products. 

Bean shower curtains come in three sizes and three colors. You can choose the cheaper one, made from cotton, or the more expensive one made from organic cotton.

The durable fabric allows the shower curtains to dry quickly. You can use Bean’s shower curtains with a tub, bath, or stall shower.

The products are handmade with all-natural and nontoxic materials.

They also sell a hemp shower curtain for $85-$100.

The sturdy, rustproof nickel-plated brass grommets help make your curtain last for years.

While browsing through the comments, I found that they ship the curtains in plastic packaging. 

This can be a bit irritating, especially if you want to reduce your plastic waste and because the product is advertised as “green.”

You can try to avoid that, contact them before purchasing to ask if they can send out the product plastic-free. 

The Citizenry has four options for fair trade & sustainable shower curtains – two made with cotton and two with linen. 

They are all handcrafted, from start to finish. Each piece is Oeko-Tex® certified and made sustainably in a fair trade environment. 

The light, breezy linen curtain is made with the finest French flax and woven in Portugal’s oldest, family-run linen mill. 

It is mold-resistant, with a machine-washable liner and stainless steel rings.

Echelon Home is a New-York based company that offers sustainable Belgian linen shower curtains that are soft, quick-drying, high-quality, and reasonably priced.

Linen is a fabric with unique hygienic and antiseptic properties. It is made from the cellulose fibers that grow inside of the stalks of the flax plant, and it is much stronger than cotton.

Their linen shower curtain is lightweight and hangs well. The material becomes softer with every wash, and it is recommended to wash the curtain before using it.

Linen absorbs moisture and dries fast, making it an ideal material for sustainable shower curtains.

Parachute Home sells sustainable shower curtains made with long-staple Turkish cotton or a blend of cotton and linen.

All of them are of exceptional quality and very beautiful. The differences between their products are in weight, colors, and softness.

Due to the yarn-dyed process of coloration, the colors won’t fade, even with regular washing.

To avoid shrinkage, it’s best if you line dry the shower curtains.

Bed Bath And Beyond has a couple of zero waste shower curtain options. They are made with organic cotton, or a blend of cotton and hemp, in various sizes and colors.

Their sustainable curtains are one of the most affordable ones. You can choose from:

• Solid Hemp Shower Curtain – Made with cotton and hemp. It is Certified Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex, high quality & cost-effective.
• Two-Tone Organic Cotton Shower Curtain – Oeko-Tex certified & 100% organic cotton curtain.
• Pebble Stripe Organic Cotton Shower Curtain – 100% organic cotton, certified GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) and Standart 100 by Oeko-Tex. 

The floral shower curtain by Threshold is made with 100% cotton. 

It is lightweight, durable, and Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX certified (which means it’s tested for harmful substances).

While it is unknown where it is made, and the cotton isn’t organically sourced, it is an affordable and better plastic-free shower curtain option.

You must machine wash & air dry it. If you use a dryer, it is possible to shrink a little. 

All their shower curtains are made from 100% USA-grown, milled, dyed cotton canvas and grommets imported from Turkey.

The curtains are sewn in a small, owner-operated Brooklyn factory, and each is constructed using a durable, double-needle stitch to make it long-lasting.

What’s great about those shower curtains is that the company up-cycles all of the remaining in their ongoing Re:canvas projects.

mDesign focuses on making functional, affordable, and high-quality products. They have a variety of water-resistant shower curtain liners in different sizes and colors.

Their eco-friendly shower curtains are made with cotton yarns and a tight weave to provide a firm, smooth texture that is made to withstand damp, moisture-rich bathrooms.

Do not tumble dry; ensure you wash with cold water or gentle temperature to avoid shrinking.

YoKii extra long elegant shower curtain is made of a cotton and linen blend. It has the latest waterproof coat on both sides. 

It is wrinkle-free, plastic-free, waterproof, and heavy-weight, so it hangs nicely and in place. In addition, it is easy to install and clean, plus at an exceptionally good price. 

Pros & Cons Of Sustainable Shower Curtains:

Pros of eco-friendly shower curtains:

• One-time investment – while being more expensive, you can consider it a one-time investment. You will buy a sustainable and pricier curtain, but it can last many years if you take good care of it. 
• Compostable– You can easily dispose of it sustainably when it’s no longer usable. 
• Sustainable materials – The eco-friendly shower curtains are made with sustainable materials.

Cons of eco-friendly shower curtains:

• Pricey – The cheapest ones start at ~ $40.
• The curtain can shrink – Mainly if it’s made from cotton.
• More maintenance – You need to wash them more regularly. 

FAQ:

Why are sustainable shower curtains better than cheap polyester ones?

Polyester shower curtains aren’t eco-friendly. They are synthetic, made from petroleum, a non-renewable resource, and aren’t recyclable. In addition, it often contains many chemicals that can be toxic for you and the environment. 

Most shower curtains are made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). PVC shower curtains may release into the air 108 toxic chemicals (source 1, source 2) – 7 of which are identified as hazardous air pollutants by the Environmental Protection Agency.

What’s more, VC is a synthetic chemical used in the polymerization of PVC. Studies like this one concluded that VC is a known human carcinogen by inhalation. 

In short, plastic shower curtains could be toxic and release toxic fumes. Because of this, it is recommendable to choose eco-friendly alternatives, like hemp, cotton, or linen.

What can I use instead of a shower curtain? 

Shower curtain alternatives include sliding doors, glass doors, or an open shower. 

A glass shower door can be great if you have your own place. While it can be pricier, glass is easy to clean, doesn’t emit nasty chemicals, and is a long-term sustainable option. 

On the other hand, if your bathroom is strategically designed and you won’t make everything wet when showering, you might not need any shower curtains.

Or, if you have good ventilation in your bathroom and everything dries pretty fast, consider having your bathroom curtain-free. 

Each option has its pros and cons, and the one you choose depends on your situation.

What is the best non-toxic shower curtain? 

Hemp and linen shower curtains seem to be one of the best choices for shower curtains.

Both are naturally anti-microbial; the tight weave prevents water absorption and lets the fabric dry quickly. 

Other natural shower curtain materials, such as cotton usually absorb more water, making them prone to becoming moldy quicker.

Do shower curtains biodegrade?

The synthetic shower curtains made from plastic are not biodegradable.

On the other hand, shower curtains made from natural fibers like cotton, linen, and hemp are biodegradable. 

This makes them a more sustainable & better option.

Can you recycle a shower curtain? 

There is a very low chance that you will be able to recycle your old synthetic shower curtain. PVC (plastic #3) is generally not recyclable in municipal recycling systems. 

TerraCycle offers boxes that people can purchase and fill with bathroom accessories, including shower curtains. You can find more about it here. 

How do I prevent mold from growing on my eco-friendly shower curtain? 

Mold is annoying and very common in most bathrooms. You can try to prevent it by following these tips: 

• Ventilate your bathroom well, so the fabric dries faster. As soon as you are done showering, turn on the exhaust fan, and leave it for at least 30 min (or if you have a window, open it.)
• Always leave the shower curtain all the way open/spread out after using the shower so it can dry. If you leave it crumpled together in the middle, mold will grow in the folds.
• Wash the eco-friendly shower curtains regularly. Shower curtains collect dirt and bacteria, so washing it at least once a month is recommendable. Always follow the manufacturer’s directions. 
• When you wash the curtain, be sure the air dries completely before getting wet again. This will help prevent mold and mildew from forming. 
• Choose a thinner shower curtain so it dries faster.
• Make sure the curtain doesn’t touch the ground. 

What to do if you see mold on the curtain?

If you see moldy stains, take the curtain down, and the machine washes it with some towels.

You can also soak the dirty parts in a bucket or sink in a homemade cleaning solution of baking soda, vinegar, tea tree oil, and water.

Summary

There you have it – 10 options for zero waste shower curtains. 

Pick the one that fits your lifestyle and current situation, and try to take good care of it, so it lasts longer.

Did I miss a cool sustainable shower curtain brand? Make sure to let me know in the comments below! 🙂