our bathroom may not be the first place you think about when it comes to going green. Unfortunately, hanging a plastic curtain in your shower could do more harm than you realize.
Most of the shower curtains and liners we have today are made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a type of plastic tough on both users and the planet. A study by the Center for Health, Environment and Justice (CHEJ) found that a single PVC shower curtain releases over 100 VOCs (volatile organic compounds) into the air in the first 28 days.
Sample PVC shower curtains from major commercial stores also contain chemicals hazardous to human health, even phthalates, which are banned in children's toys.
When it’s time to replace that curtain, the PVC becomes a part of landfills. PVC isn’t biodegradable, and when it breaks down into microplastics, it continues to pollute our air, soil, and water for decades to come.
The good news is there’s a super-easy fix. Environment-friendly shower curtains and liners not only cut down on plastic waste but also last longer and even look and smell better. It might be a simple switch, but once you change, you’ll wonder why you didn’t do it sooner.
Let’s explore why this small change can make a big difference.
Table of Contents
Eco-Friendly Materials in Shower Curtains and Liners
When shopping for more sustainable options, we consider eco-conscious materials for both the liner and the curtain. First, let’s distinguish between the two: the liner is the inner waterproof barrier that keeps water off your bathroom floor, while the curtain is the decorative outer layer. So, we ask: What should you look for in liners and curtains?
For Liners
Traditionally, liners are made of PVC, which is harmful and toxic. Luckily, there are alternatives to plastic shower liners that are made from PEVA (polyethylene vinyl acetate), EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate), or eco-vinyl. These shower liner materials are chlorine-free, contain fewer chemicals, and release few to no VOCs, making them safer for your home and the environment.
Eco-vinyl is a general term for less toxic vinyl alternatives that are more recyclable than traditional PVC. Be careful when choosing these shower liner alternatives because they are still plastic-based. For those willing to go for plastic-free shower curtains and liners, there are ones made from organic cotton with plant-based waterproof coatings available on the market today.
For Curtains
Fabric shower curtains are a good way to go for sustainability. Durable and washable materials like organic cotton, hemp, or linen are all biodegradable, renewable, and free from synthetic chemicals that shed microplastics. Hemp is a good option for its natural anti-mildew and anti-mold properties, a perfect alternative for humid bathrooms.
You’ll also find shower curtains made from cotton-poly blends, which are a mix of natural cotton and synthetic polyester. They tend to dry faster and resist wrinkles, which could prolong their life and reduce the need for replacements.
By choosing organic materials, you’re minimizing unnecessary waste while supporting sustainable production and farming practices that avoid synthetic fertilizers and petroleum-based chemicals, which contributes to a major environmental win.
Are Shower Curtains and Liners Recyclable?
Not all shower curtains and liners are recyclable, but some are, with the proper care and conditions. It depends on the materials they’re made of.
- PVC liners are not recyclable. They are considered hazardous in production and disposal, making them the least environmentally friendly option for your bathroom.
- PEVA, EVA, and eco-vinyl liners are not biodegradable but may be recycled in some specialty plastic recycling programs.
- Fabric liners and curtains, such as those made from organic cotton or hemp, are not recyclable but are biodegradable if they are free of synthetic coatings. These natural fibers break down over time without harming the environment.
- Cotton poly blends and polyester curtains depend on specialized textile facilities for recycling since they are mixed natural and synthetic fibers that can’t usually be composted.
If your local recycling options are limited, services like Terracycle can be a great solution. They specialize in hard-to-recycle materials and offer mail-in, carbon-neutral programs for household items, including shower curtains and liners. Other recycling service centers like Polycarbin, Ridwell, and Novoloop accept hard-to-recycle household items.
How Long Do Shower Curtains Last?
The lifespan of the shower curtain or liner depends on the material, quality, and how well you care for it. Cheap shower liners, including those made from PVC, tend to tear, yellow, or accumulate mildew quickly.
Higher-quality materials like PEVA or vinyl may last more than a year with proper care. Letting them dry fully between showers and cleaning them regularly makes them more resistant to mold and tearing than plastic ones.
Fabric curtains made of organic cotton, hemp, and linen can last several years when maintained well, since they contain durable and mold-resistant natural fibers.
Do You Need a Liner with a Fabric Shower Curtain?
Usually, yes – because a liner protects the curtain from both water and mildew. Some fabrics made from thicker materials are tightly woven and may not need a liner, like hemp or high-thread-count cotton.
Here is a quick curtain and liner matching guide:
- Light cotton or liner curtain – use with a PEVA/vinyl liner
- Organic cotton (medium weight) – a liner is recommended, except for water-repellent ones
- Hemp or high-thread-count cotton – a liner is optional with proper care
- Water-repellent treated fabric – may be used without a liner, depending on bathroom ventilation and drying
11 Eco-Friendly Shower Curtains and Liners
Here are 11 eco-friendly shower curtains and liners for you to choose from so you can upgrade your bathroom without compromising the environment:
eco-friendly and non-toxic shower curtain liners
1. Outlines
Outlines have a shower liner system that lets you reuse the upper part and replace the lower part that touches the water during a shower. The Outlines shower curtain has a unique design allowing you to connect two parts – a reusable top (Keep) and a recyclable bottom (Replen) – and replace only when needed, depending on ventilation, frequency of usage, and contact with hard water.
Price Range: $60 for the whole system, $28 for the Replen
Sizing: Fits most bathtub-shower combinations: 72” from top to bottom, 71” width
Eco-friendly Materials Used:
- Shower Keep is 100% machine-washable, reusable, cotton canvas
- Shower Liner Replen is certified non-toxic PEVA, with guaranteed recycling by Outlines
- Anchors (corner weights) are reusable, dishwasher safe, silicon-coated stainless steel, and included in pairs for every order
Sustainability Practices:
- Winner, Good Housekeeping Awards 2022, Best Cleaning and Organizing
- Third-party certified PEVA eco-friendly shower curtain liner
- Inclusion of prepaid mailer for old and used Replens for hassle-free recycling
2. Bowery Home
Bowery Home’s clear shower curtain liner is a waterproof, eco-friendly shower liner that eliminates the need for drying and is suitable for frequent shower users. This wrinkle-free liner comes in 4G and 8G thickness, and has three bottom magnets to ensure your bathroom floor stays dry, without worrying about chemical odors or liner tears.
Price Range: $17-$18
Sizing: 72”L x 72”W
Eco-friendly Materials Used:
- Made of 100% recycled PEVA, waterproof and washable
- Equipped with rust-proof metal grommets
Sustainability Factors:
- Non-toxic materials
- Moisture-free, reducing the need to tumble dry after washing
3. Pottery Barn
Pottery Barn offers an EVA vinyl shower liner complete with three bottom magnets to provide weight and stability. Looking for an easy-to-clean liner? Simply wipe this vinyl liner with a damp sponge and you’re good to go! The product also has 12 grommets at the top hem to ensure durability and long-term use.
Price Range: $20
Sizing: 72”L x 72”W
Eco-friendly Materials Used:
- Made of 100% PVC-free vinyl
Sustainability Practices:
- Responsibly-made, sourced from low-impact materials
- Part of the family of brands at William-Sonoma Inc., the only exclusive home furnishings retailer on Barron’s list of 100 Most Sustainable U.S. Companies.
Best eco-friendly shower curtains
4. ETSY Shower Curtains
Rhanfold Decor has one of the two best eco-friendly shower curtains on Etsy. It is made from linen and polyester. What you will love about this product is its wide range of sizing options and how you can customize it if the desired size is not on the list.
LinenByMN is another Etsy store product that can accommodate requests not only for sizing but also for other top hem customizations. For those who love their sustainable items personalized, this eco-friendly shower curtain is for you: choose from 7 types of heading styles, 15 grommet colors, and 40 different hues and patterns.
Price Range: Rhanfold Decor costs $85-$102, while LinenByMN costs $40-$100 per panel
Sizing: Rhanfold Decor’s curtains come in 21 length options from 64”-120”, and 3 width options from 72”-96”, while LinenByMN’s product comes in a variety of sizing options from 24” W x 39” L to 53” W x 140” L
Eco-friendly Materials Used:
- Rhanfold Decor shower curtain is made from washable 80% linen
- LinenByMN shower curtain is made from 100% breathable, medium-weight, all-natural linen
Sustainability Practices:
Rhafold Decor
- Oeko-Tex Certified, no harmful substances were used during production
- Chemical-free, no need to tumble dry after wash
LinenByMN
- GOTS-Certified 100% European Linen eliminates the need for ironing
- Locally-sourced, natural fabrics from an ethical and environmentally-friendly production process
5. Schoolhouse
Schoolhouse shower curtains are made from pure percale cotton, which features a traditional crisscross pattern, resulting in a crisp, cool weave. This allows the fabric to circulate air easily, making it breathable and lightweight. Because of percale cotton’s high thread count, it’s durable and more resistant to pilling and lint.
Price Range: $89-$129
Sizing: Some designs only offer standard 72” Wx72” L, while others have an extra-long 72” Wx84” L option
Eco-friendly Materials Used:
- 100% percale cotton, washable and recyclable
Sustainability Practices:
- The textile used is Oeko-Tex Certified, 100% safe for you and your home
- Consolidating shipments and limiting overall use of plastic to reduce the carbon footprint in both packaging and shipping
6. The Citizenry
The stonewashed linen shower curtain by the Citizenry is made of light linen with hand-stitched details and woven in Portugal's oldest family-run linen mill. This option is machine washable and does not require dry cleaning. The shower curtain kit includes a mold-resistant, washable liner with 12 stainless steel rings.
Price Range: $129
Sizing: 72”W x 72”L
Eco-friendly Materials Used:
- 100% French flax, organic and natural fibers, lasts a lifetime if cared for properly
Sustainability Practices:
- Oeko-Tex Certified
- Uses small batch craft techniques that have low carbon emissions and zero waste
- Largest U.S. home retailer to have 100% of products made with a process audited and guaranteed by the World Fair Trade Organization
7. Quince
Quince offers an organic, luxe waffle shower curtain woven from cotton grown without using pesticides and insecticides, making it safe for farmers and the environment. This eco-friendly shower curtain is breathable and absorbent, and features 12 stitched button holes along the top hem for easy installation. Because of its breathable material, you can just hang it up to dry after washing!
Price Range: $50
Sizing: 72”W x 72”L
Eco-friendly Materials Used:
- 100% organic cotton, free of harmful chemicals and toxins
Sustainability Practices:
- U.S. Green Building Council, LEED Gold certification
- Ships directly from the factory to reduce the carbon footprint
- Uses 100% compostable poly bags and recycled plastic mailers for packaging
8. Quiet Town
If you’re looking to buy both a sustainable shower liner and an eco-friendly curtain, try Quiet Town. They have sun shower curtains that can be used as a liner or a standalone shower curtain. These liners are made of 12G EVA plastic, which is stable and durable.
Quiet Town’s linen shower curtains come with several designs to choose from. They are best paired with the sun shower curtains to avoid mold growth and mildew buildup.
Price Range: $175-$215 for linen shower curtains and $42-$52 for sun shower curtains
Sizing: Linen shower curtains come in 72” W x 72” L, while sun shower curtains have an additional option for a 72” W x 84” L
Eco-friendly Materials Used:
Sun Shower Curtain
- 30% recycled shower curtain materials
- 100% EVA plastic, PVC, and BPA-free
- 100% brass grommets
Linen Shower Curtain
- 100% upcycled, European flax linen
- Reinforced buttonholes instead of grommets
Sustainability Practices:
- Linen shower curtains are made in partnership with a family-run studio in India that adheres to responsible manufacturing and slow production
- Instructions on how to properly clean sun shower curtains for sustainable use
- Option to ship back old sun shower curtains with a discount on the next purchase, with an ongoing project to launch a recycling program soon
- 100% compostable packaging
9. Rawganique
For over 20 years, Rawganique has continuously provided products that promote environmental sustainability. Their organic cotton linen and hemp shower curtains are produced sweatshop-free in Europe and can be used with or without a liner because of their breathable and fast-drying features. Each purchase has options to include add-ons like macrame rings to hold the curtains, or a natural wax bar for waterproofing and stain-proofing your shower curtain.
Price Range: $109-$140
Sizing: Comes in 73.5”W x 72”L and 48”W x 72”L
Eco-friendly Materials Used:
- 100% organic European hemp, biodegradable, hypoallergenic, plastic-free, and metal-free
- Colored ones may be hydrogen peroxided or biodegradable, low-impact, eco-dyed. You can also choose the natural, unbleached, and dye-free option.
- Macrame curtain rings are made from 100% organic hemp and biodegradable, all-natural wood. The colored ones are fiber-reactive and eco-dyed.
Sustainability Practices:
- Small-scale manufacturer of chemical-free products, grown, weaved, knitted, and sewn in-house for true purity
- Uses unsubsidized raw organic materials
- Zero animal testing, animal cruelty, or slave labor
10. Rejuvenation
Rejuvenation is part of the same family of brands as Pottery Barn and offers an eco-friendly waffle stripe shower curtain for that luxurious and spa-like vibe. No harmful chemicals or pesticides are used during the production. These environmentally friendly curtains come in both neutral and rich hues that pair with the company’s waffle knit organic cotton towels as well.
Price Range: $99
Sizing: 72” W x 72” L
Eco-friendly Materials Used:
- 100% organic cotton
Sustainability Practices:
- Oeko-Tex Certified
- Responsibly-made, working with Fair Trade Certified factories and Nest’s Ethical Handicraft-certified vendors, sourced from low-impact materials
- Factory and corporate facilities will be carbon neutral in 2025
- Rejuvenation is part of the family of brands at William-Sonoma Inc., which is the only exclusive home furnishings retailer on Barron’s list of 100 Most Sustainable U.S. Companies.
11. Bean Products
Made from natural cotton canvas, Bean Products’ organic cotton shower curtain is a healthy choice for your bathroom and the environment. This 5.5-oz fabric shower curtain resists leaks, dries quickly, and comes in soft neutral tones.
Price Range: $60-$80
Sizing: 36”W x 74”L, 54”W x 74”L, 70”W x 74”L
Eco-friendly Materials Used:
- Organic cotton, unbleached or bleached in eco-friendly hydrogen peroxide
- Comes with high-quality rustproof nickel-plated brass grommets
Sustainability Practices:
- GOTS-Certified organic cotton
- Option during checkout to shop sustainably by offsetting your order’s carbon footprint
- Handcrafted products made in an eco-friendly manufacturing facility since 1987
Our Shower Curtain and Liner Selection Criteria
Choosing a sustainable shower curtain and liner isn’t just about the label. We chose each product on this list with sustainability, function, and practicality in mind. Here’s how we evaluated them:
How it’s made
We looked for products manufactured using low-impact, eco-conscious processes. That includes responsible sourcing, reduced water or energy usage, and minimal packaging where possible.
What’s it made of?
We focused on natural fibers like organic cotton and help as well as safer plastic alternatives like PEVA, EVA, and vinyl. Materials matter, and the items on the list are free from harmful chemicals like PVC and phthalates.
Is it circular?
We also looked into the options that have the potential for circularity through specialty programs or are made of biodegradable materials. This is crucial to help reduce long-term waste. Recyclability ensures your shower curtains and liners don’t end up in a landfill and can be repurposed/upcycled or recycled.
Beyond eco-credentials, we also looked at real-life aspects:
Versatile sizing
Not every bathroom is built the same, and having options to fit a homeowner’s needs is practical. We check on the variety of sizes available – standard (72x72), long (72x84), extra-long (72x96), and stall (54x78). This ensures that you can find a sustainable option for your space: customizable options are a huge bonus!
Wide cost range
Sustainability should be accessible, so we included PVC alternatives that range from budget-friendly to premium. No matter the price point, the list we came up with has something for everyone.
Easy to care for
We selected curtains and low-maintenance liners that are machine washable whenever possible. Products that require heavy scrubbing or dry cleaning didn’t cut it.
Durability
Curtains and liners that wear out or tear quickly are NOT sustainable. We chose ones that have strong customer reviews for lasting quality, mold and mildew resistance, and great performance in humid bathrooms.
Conclusion
Switching to an eco-friendly shower curtain and liner is a small yet meaningful step toward a healthier home and a happier planet. We’ve discussed better materials, smart care, and brands that help you make environmental alternatives work in real life.
While at it, pair your new curtain with a secondhand hookset, a reclaimed wood bath mat, or a potted plant that loves humidity. It’s a simple way to turn your bath into a fresh and calming space that blends function with everyday style. Your bathroom may just be a small part of your house, but your choices can ripple beyond your shower curtain. Sustainable living means building eco-conscious habits one step at a time.
