Yes, your shower curtain or, more specifically, your plastic liner, is likely toxic. Most are made from PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and off-gas dangerous volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) like toluene and xylene. No other plastic contains or releases as many dangerous chemicals including: dioxins, hormone disrupting chemicals called phthalates, vinyl chloride, ethylene dichloride, lead, cadmium, and organotins into the air you breathe. These chemicals can damage the respiratory system, liver, kidney, central nervous system, and have been connected to diseases such as cancer. PVC-containing shower curtains can emit 108 chemicals in the air according to studies by the Center for Health, Environment and Justice, CHEJ. You can recognize this evil plastic (yes, I’m 100% comfortable calling it that), by locating the recycling number inside the triangle. PVC will always be a number 3 (not good for you or recycling). To get better equipped with the dangers to both your health and the environment, read our past posts: PVC?

and PVC: THE POISON PLASTIC! Get Safer Supplies & Back to School Guides But, back to your beloved bathroom and breathing easier! The good news is healthy alternatives to nasty PVC options do exist. We recommend hemp because it is naturally resistant to mildew and bacteria and can be machine washed. It also doesn’t require a plastic liner. Yes, they will cost you a bit more (but, you’re sooo worth it!). Here are some of our favorites. Let us know if you have a fave in the comments below. Earthsake $119.00 – 100% pesticide-free Romanian hemp shower curtain. Does not require a liner. Resistant to mold and bacteria and dries quickly. It is machine washable. GreenHome $105.00 – Romanian grown hemp which is grown without pesticides and chemical fertilizers. The shower curtain will get wet, but will not leak through. natural resistance to mildew and bacteria, and can be machine washed to clean any grime buildup. Rawganique $42.50 – $109.00 – Made from 100% organic European hemp grown.

Use with or without a liner. Coyuchi $214.00-$236.00 – Can be used with or without a liner. Earthsake $126.40 – May be used with a liner or without-just squeeze the   water out of the lower edge after use and let it dry. Hangs from rustproof metal grommets. Cotton/linen is made in India from flax grown in France and Belgium, and 100% organic cotton from India. Coyuchi $158.00 – 100% organic cotton. evie ready made curtains whiteCan be used with or without a liner.sears rod pocket curtains Coyuchi – $162.00 100% organic cotton. important quotes from the tortilla curtain GreenHome – $82.14 100% Certified Fairtrade and Organic cotton shower curtain. prairie swag curtains patterns

A second curtain may be necessary as a liner as these have a sheer like texture, but also works well alone for areas with a smaller splash factor.Repels water naturally w/out liner. 100% certified organic cotton canvas. So Well Made – $39.94. For a limited time, this also comes with a free organic cotton hand towel. Choose natural or white. The Best Non-Vinyl Shower Curtain — powered by ehow Many of our readers made comments below about the above options being too expensive. Sometimes in life, you’re forced between choosing the lesser of two evils. In this case, if you can’t afford any of the above, then we recommend PEVA (polyethylene vinyl acetate) or EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) over PVC. While they’re not perfect (made from petroleum; a non-renewable resource and contains chemicals), PEVA and EVA are made from chloride-free vinyl which delivers touchable softness and waterproof function without the smell of traditional PVC vinyl. Both are PVC free, biodegradable, don’t off-gas and are affordable.

However, buyer beware as a new study published in the Journal of Toxicological Sciences found PEVA toxic to living organisms. Further studies are needed to determine toxicity in humans. You can find these at BedBathstore $3.99+ or Target $9.99+.  Styles are also available from West Elm or Pottery Barn for only $12.00. Or, the PEVA liner from Cb2 for $9.95. They’re chloride & odor free and offer a safer alternative to PVC versions. Also, buyer beware when it comes to liners. Steer clear of labels: mold or mildew resistant. This means that the product is or contains an antimicrobial chemical which interferes with the growth of mold and mildew. It does not mean that the product will kill disease-causing bacteria or provide a health benefit. Remember – shower to shower each day, but keep toxins at bay! Sign Up to Receive Free Healthy Home Tips and Giveaways from Ron and Lisa! Energy Efficient Curtains Work Hard to Save You Money It takes quite a bit of work to keep your home cool during the summer and warm during the winter.

This often means that your energy bills can climb higher than normal. Give your hard-working house a break and help it along by installing some energy efficient curtains and window treatments. While it's not immediately obvious, having these special types of thermal curtains and drapes offer several advantages over traditional window dressings. There are four different types of heat loss that occur round our windows: conduction, infiltration, convection and radiation. Energy efficient curtains help to prevent heat from leaving and entering your home. You’ve probably found yourself cranking up the heat during the winter to combat that pesky draft you can’t get rid of. With energy efficient curtains from JCPenney, your home will stay warmer because the heat inside is not escaping and the cold air stays outside. The reverse occurs during the summer. The sweltering heat will stay outside and the cool air from you’re A/C stays in. All year long you save money while maintaining the perfect home temperature in style.