Eco-Friendly Bathroom

There's a multi-million dollar industry built around organic body merchandise. We Americans invest a great deal of time making sure that we stock our bathroom shelves with all-natural ingredients, determined not to put chemicals into our follicles and pores. But that appears slightly counter-productive when you contemplate that a chemical-laden culprit might be hanging out in plain sight.

Yep, I'm talking about your shower curtain.

Although it serves quite a beneficial purpose, if you're utilizing a vinyl curtain or even a linen curtain with a vinyl lining, then your shower might come with a giant whiff of phthalates. It undoubtedly messes up your aromatherapy time, doesn't it? Phthaltes include PVCs which can trigger reproductive issues and asthma-related illnesses in humans. But the chemical fun does not stop there - vinyl curtains include several other VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) which have been linked to everything from nervous system damage to liver & kidney problems.

And there's more...

In 2008, the Center for Health, Environment & Justice conducted a study that looked closely at Vinyl/PVC shower curtains. The study found that 108 different VOCs were released into the air over 28 days and for a period of 7 days, the total VOC level was over 16 times the recommended guideline for indoor air quality as given by the US Green Building Council. All of the shower curtains tested contained the phthalates DEHP and DINP which have already been banned by the European Union from children's toys.

This backs up another study conducted by the US EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) which found one new vinyl shower curtain can release "elevated indoor air toxic concentrations...for more than a month".

Once again, being a green consumer is going to take some work:

- When shopping for a new shower curtain, make sure to have this guide for PVC and PVC-free Shower Curtains sold at major retailers.
- Contemplate cloth shower curtains (sans the liner) or if you're renovating, opt for a shower cubicle or stall.
- If you do buy a new shower curtain, hang it outside to air out for as long as possible before making use of. The smell that comes with vinyl and plastic is linked to chemical off gassing, the process of compounds migrating into the air.
- Or if you are renovating, opt for an enclosed shower stall or shower cube.

While you're at it, take a look around at the rest of your bathroom. Even though towels and washcloths don't give off harmful chemicals to us humans, their production process may be a danger to Mother Earth. Replace cotton towels with bamboo towels for a sustainable (and really soft) alternative.

If you are considering renovating, choose recycled glass tile, Richite (a paper-based fiber composite), salvaged hardware and lighting and make certain to dispose of old cabinets, toilets and sinks in a responsible manner (which means avoid the landfill at all costs!).

While it seems that you can't turn a corner in your own home without running into an environmental hazard, take heart. Simple changes such as replacing your shower curtains and linens are a quick way to continue "greening" your home.

Douglas Michaels Jr. writes educational articles for Green Earth News, the authority on everything Bamboo. For more information on Living Green. Check out Green Earth Bamboo for bamboo towels, bamboo sheets, duvet covers, clothing and baby products, all made from the world's most sustainable and renewable resource on the planet.