Can I Live With A Plastic Shower Curtain?

Photo credit: Flickr/Jamelah

It is no secret – I hate plastic.  Not only is it usually displeasing aesthetically, but I also believe in most cases that plastic is harmful to people and the planet.  So I try to avoid it at all costs.

So surprise, I bought a plastic shower curtain.  But before you admonish me for compromising my values, hear me out.  I bought this plastic shower curtain from Green Depot so I knew that at least one eco-minded person thought it was a good product.  Turns out, it is not too shabby.

The Ty Shower Curtain from Grain Design LLC is made from 100% high-density polyethylene.  Translation, it is #2 plastic and commonly recyclable.  Unlike many other plastic curtains which are destined for the landfill after their useful life, you can simply dry this one off and put it in your curbside recycling.  But if that makes you feel funny, you can send it back to Grain and they will take care of the recycling for you.

And even better, this product is PVC free!  So no off-gassing of those toxic chemicals associated with vinyl.  I can tell you that the one I brought home has no funky chemical smell.  And it works just as well as any other shower curtain.  Meaning it keeps the water in your shower. 

I just started using mine so it is too early to tell if this will stand the test of time but I have a good feeling about it so far.  They say that the curtain is mold and mildew resistant.  But in the event that it does need a washing, it is machine washable.  However, don’t be surprised if it comes out feeling different, it is supposed to feel linen-like after a trip through the washer.  I will let you know if I find this to be true in the future . . .

What I think most people will like about this product – it is only $30.00.  Most natural fiber shower curtains can cost upwards of $75.00 so if you don’t have that kind of budget for bathroom accessories, this is a great option.  Not only is the price right, but Grain Design LLC is a ‘1% for the Planet’ company, meaning they donate 1% of all sales to environmental causes.  Another purchase you can feel good about.  You can find Ty Shower Curtains at Green Depot or Ecohaus or you can buy online at www.graindesign.com. 

Eco Home Consultations provides green living consultation services in the Seattle area, focusing on practical ways to integrate green living into your household.  Learn more at www.ecohomeconsults.com or email questions about this blog or other green living issues to Melissa@ecohomeconsults.com.