Last Updated on October 30, 2024
Did you know most shower curtain liners are made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which contains a number of toxic chemicals? If it emits that “new shower curtain smell” it’s likely made from PVC.
The problem is PVC contains volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which are linked to indoor air pollution and adverse health effects, such as headaches, dizziness and respiratory issues. VOCs can also contribute to petrochemical smog.
When possible, it’s best to avoid VOCs altogether, or choose low-VOC emitting materials for your shower curtains like PEVA or EVA (more on them below).
Here are the best non-toxic shower curtain liner options on the market. I’ve included both water-resistant and water-proof options to make it a more accessible list!
what kind of shower curtain liner is non-toxic?
If you’re looking for a non-toxic shower curtain liner, the best options are liners made from organic fabrics like cotton, linen, or hemp. These are not waterproof, but they are water resistant. They do take longer to dry, but they don’t emit any VOCs during production or use.
If you’re going to use them, it’s recommended to only use them in well-ventilated spaces to avoid mold growing. Opening a window and turning on the air filter can help circulate air in the room after a shower.
If you want water-proof fabrics that are low-tox, consider PEVA (polyethylene-vinyl acetate) or EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) liners. These are basically the same material.
However, it’s worth noting that PEVA shower curtains do emit VOCs that can harm living organisms. More studies are needed to deduce whether toxic effects occur in more complex organisms, especially humans.
While they may not be as healthy as natural fabrics, or even just regular polyester, PEVA and EVA are generally safer than PVC or moldy curtains. For this reason, I’ve chosen to include some PEVA and EVA options below.
which is safer, EVA or PEVA?
PEVA and EVA are basically the same materials. However, it’s worth noting that they are both made from synthetic plastic materials. While both options are chlorine-free, they do still emit VOCs, though on a lower scale than traditional PVC liners.
These options are completely water-proof, durable and affordable. You can typically find them in Home Goods, which makes them very accessible. I’ve also included some sustainable brands that use PEVA and EVA liners below.
However, the overall best non-toxic shower curtain liner will always be one made from sustainable materials, like organic cotton, hemp or linen. These may not dry the same way as plastic, but they are non-toxic and won’t emit any VOCs whatsoever.
You can also machine wash them which makes them reusable. However, you will have to wash them on a regular basis to keep them in good condition.
what is the best material for a shower curtain liner?
The best materials for a shower curtain liner are made from sustainable materials, such as organic cotton, hemp or linen.
Be mindful that if you choose one of these materials, you will need to do a few things to ensure mold doesn’t grow:
- Wash it once per week/two weeks. Wash cold and hang dry.
- Let your shower curtain dry completely between uses. You can speed this up by fully extending the curtain on the outside of the bathtub.
- Ensuring the room has proper airflow (open the door or a window – or both). Using a fan is a great idea too.
If you do encounter any mold problems, consider using some non-chlorine bleach, like Meliora’s Oxygen Brightener or Dropps’ Oxi Booster, on your cloth liner. Adding white vinegar to your wash cycle can also help.
However, if you’re looking for something entirely water-proof, PEVA, polyester, and EVA materials are generally better than PVC.
Be mindful that you should also look for more than just materials when it comes to making a purchase. Ideally, you should purchase from brands that use ethical and transparent manufacturing, sustainable certifications like OEKO-TEX, and/or have a recycling system in place.
gzw approved non-toxic shower curtain liner
These non-toxic shower curtain liners get the Going Zero Waste seal of approval. All of these brands are made without PVA, and one of them even offers a recycling program.
I included some PEVA and EVA options for those looking for waterproof options, as these are considered low-tox materials compared to PVC.
I’ve gone ahead and highlighted some key features of each brand, but it isn’t an exhaustive list. Be sure to check out their websites for more information.
1. coyuchi
- Made with organic Turkish cotton
- GOTS Certified
- 1% of every order donated to non-profit of your choice
- Fair trade certified
- Take-back program
2. quince
- Linen + organic cotton curtain options
- Ships right from the factory to you, reducing overproduction
- Transparent pricing practices
- Compostable poly bags + recycled plastic mailers
3. bean products
- Organic cotton, hemp + linen shower curtain options
- Handmade in Chigaco, USA
- GOTS certified cotton
4. parachute
- Made from 100% polyester
- No harsh chemicals like other PVC vinyl liners
- Reusable + machine washable
- Waterproof and mildew resistant
- OEKO-TEX Certified
5. boll + branch
- Organic cotton shower curtains
- GOTS certified cotton
- Standard 100 OEKO-TEX Certified
- Full impact report available on website
6. outlines
- Two parts: The top is reusable + machine washable 100% cotton. The bottom is made from PEVA.
- Bottom can be disposed of when time is right + recycled with pre-paid mailer
- Subscription plans available to replenish the bottom part every 3, 6 or 9 months
- Anchors are dishwasher safe silicone-coated stainless steel
7. earthsake
- Made with EVA – a chlorine-free, green alternative to PVC vinyl
- Clear 9-gauge style is made in the USA + more durable
- Mold & mildew resistant
- Option to add on shower hooks
8. quiet town
- Made from heavy, 12 gauge EVA that won’t stick to you in the shower
- Chlorine-free, PVC-free + BPA-free
- Can use them as a standalone curtain or shower curtain liner
- Various colors + patterns to choose from
- Plans to create a recycling program for their liners in the future
So would you give one of these non-toxic shower curtain liners a try? Let me know in the comments!
The post 8 Non-Toxic Shower Curtain Liner Options For Your Bathroom appeared first on Going Zero Waste.
There’s something undeniably special about wearing uniquely handcrafted, fair trade jewelry that you can know was made slowly and thoughtfully with care. Equally special is wearing an elevated set of jewelry crafted with recycled materials and sustainable processes.
Whether you’re looking for an investment piece or more affordable pieces, there are options for any budget on this list. The aesthetics of these fair trade and sustainable jewelry brands also vary, so you’ll also be able to discover an ethical brand that matches your unique style.
What is Fair Trade Jewelry?
Fair trade can both be a general term used to describe a brand’s sourcing practices — like direct relationships with artisan cooperatives, wages above local standard rates, and safe working conditions — or a third-party “Fair Trade” verification through an organization like Fair Trade Federation, Fair Trade USA, or World Fair Trade Organization. When a brand doesn’t have a certification, we verify a brand’s practices by their own published information.
In the cases where brands do go the extra mile and get a third-party verification for their fair trade practices, we’ve noted it directly in their entries.
Note that this guide includes affiliate links and partners. As always, we only feature brands that meet high standards for responsibility we love, and that we think you’ll love too!
2. Ana Luisa
Best for: affordable everyday jewelry
Conscious Qualities: Recycled Gold, Lab-Grown Diamonds, Small-Batch Production, Direct-to-Consumer
Ana Luisa creates stunning, elegant jewelry from responsibly-sourced materials including 100% recycled gold and lab-grown diamonds. The sustainable jewelry brand also produces in small batches to minimize waste.
By using a direct-to-consumer model, Ana Luisa is able to provide luxury, high-quality jewelry at accessible prices.
3. Monica Vinader
Best for: recycled demi-fine jewelry
Conscious Qualities: Woman-Founded, Recycled Silver & Gold Vermeil, Traceable Gemstones, Lab-Grown & Conflict-Free Diamonds, Supply Chain Transparency
Price Range: $85 (studs) – $2,495 (diamond ring)
British jewelry brand Monica Vinader was one of the first brands to meet the gap between fashion jewelry and fine jewelry with their “demi fine” jewelry. The women-founded brand has necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and rings crafted from 100% recycled sterling silver and gold vermeil, fully traceable gemstones, and lab-grown or conflict-free diamonds. Monica Vinader also launched Product Passports, taking an active effort towards full supply chain transparency.
4. WorldFinds
Best for: unique statement jewelry with a story
Conscious Qualities: Fair Trade Verified, Upcycled Materials, Artisan-Made
WorldFinds provides sustainable employment and just wages for hundreds of women artisans in India and Bali. These artisans handcraft both sleek metal fair trade jewelry and unique recycled Kantha pieces. WorldFinds is Verified by the Fair Trade Federation, which assesses members against fair trade principles including fair wages, safe conditions, and transparent supply chains.
Plus WorldFinds’ signature Kantha jewelry is made from upcycling materials: wood scraps from a furniture factory and locally sourced Kantha fabric remnants.
5. Astor + Orion
Best for: drop earrings and charm necklaces with symbolism
Conscious Qualities: Certified Ethical Factory, Recycled Materials, Designed for Recyclability, Repair Program
Ethical jewelry brand Astor + Orion sources their jewelry from a factory with multiple certifications ensuring worker safety, fair production practices, and responsible environmental management. Astor + Orion’s stunning jewelry is made from recycled materials and designed in a way to make it easily recyclable! Their pieces also come with a quality assurance — the brand will repair any piece within 6 months of purchase.
6. Laura Elizabeth
Best for: non-toxic jewelry in organic shapes
Conscious Qualities: Locally Sourced Recycled Metals, Woman-Owned, Fair Wages, Safe Working Conditions
Price Range: $45 – $330
Crafted from recycled metals sourced locally in LA, Laura Elizabeth creates stand-out sustainable jewelry. All of the brand’s jewelry is sourced ethically from a small, woman-owned studio in Los Angeles that ensures reasonable working hours (35 hr/week), fair wages, and safe working conditions (such as proper ventilation). Check out more on Laura Elizabeth in this post!
The jewelry is also non-toxic, free of cadmium or lead.
7. Ten Thousand Villages
Best for: giftable fair trade jewelry
Conscious Qualities: Fair Trade Production, Artisan-Made
Price Range: $6 – $175
Founded in 1946, Ten Thousand Villages is one of the fair trade pioneers and a founding member of the World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO), the global network that verifies fair trade practices across its member organizations.
They’ve developed relationships with artisans around the world, providing valuable economic opportunities for thousands of makers in 30 countries around the world. Their marketplace has handmade necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and rings, along with a variety of other fair trade goods.
8. Edge of Ember
Best for: gemstone jewelry
Conscious Qualities: Recycled Gold & Silver, Artisan-Made, Ethical Production
Price Range: $49 (ear cuff) – $2,730 (diamond tennis bracelet)
Edge of Ember’s timeless jewelry is responsibly crafted by makers working in artisan groups and small-scale factories. Their delicate necklaces, bracelets, rings, and other pieces are crafted by skilled artisans in India, Hong Kong, Germany, and Thailand. The brand carries out independent social audits to ensure ethical working conditions and environmental responsibility.
Edge of Ember has a wide selection of recycled gold and silver rings, bracelets, and necklaces adorned with stunning gemstones, including many birthstone jewelry options perfect for gifting.
9. Aurate
Best for: ethical diamond fine jewelry
Conscious Qualities: 100% Recycled Gold, Lab-Grown & Conflict-Free Diamonds, Vintage Collection
Price Range: $18 (stainless steel chain) – $19,000 (diamond tennis necklace)
Responsibly-sourced quality jewelry — that’s Aurate’s promise. The jewelry brand’s sleek, timeless pieces are thoughtfully made by seventh-generation craftspeople using 100% recycled gold and lab-grown or conflict-free diamonds.
Aurate also has a curated collection of vintage fine jewelry from cocktail watches to signet rings up to 50% off.
10. SOKO
Best for: modern, minimalist artisan-made jewelry
Conscious Qualities: Above-Market Artisan Wages, Black-Owned
Price Range: $78 – $298
SOKO is an innovative Black-owned ethical jewelry brand using mobile tools to bridge the barriers for artisan entrepreneurs in Kenya. In partnership with SOKO, independent artisans can operate a “virtual factory”, earning 5x more than an average artisan workshop in their local areas.
The jewelry is made with 24K gold or silver-plated brass — an affordable metal that also happens to consist of 90% recycled content on average. Other materials include reclaimed horn and bone, locally-sourced teak wood offcuts, and ceramic beads made by a fair trade women’s collective in Kenya.