Washing My Hands of Non-environmentally Friendly Bathroom

I now realize why the kids are always in our bathroom. Theirs is most definitely one of the most neglected parts of our home.

A true upgrade is on our “to do” list, but for now I am thinking about ways I can make it more eco-friendly with minimal time and investment.

I started with the shower curtain. I am not sure what it is made of since there is no tag but I am assuming since its about 5 years old that it probably was made with PVC (polyvinyl chloride). Vinyl shower curtains like this one can leach out over 108 chemicals in the first 28 days of use, and continue to off gas for a long time. Hot water only enhances the possibility of the chemicals being inhaled and absorbed by our skin. Not only are the PVC shower curtains not so healthy for us, they are not biodegradable. PVC is very difficult to recycle and usually ends up in a landfill. Not to mention the air and ground water pollution from the factories making products containing PVC.

So what to use instead? There are hemp shower curtains, which are especially good for dry climates (the dryer, the less mold). Another alternative is a washable, tight weave, cloth curtain. Finally, there are liners and shower curtains made with EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate).

Other easy, inexpensive ways to make the bathroom more eco friendly is to use green cleaning products, as well as green body, hair and other personal care products. Basically if there are words you don't know or can't really pronounce on the packaging, they aren't so great for you or the environment so choose something a little bit closer to nature like Burt's Bees products. Look for bathroom tissue made from 100% recycled paper with a minimum 80% post-consumer content.

Organic or hemp organic towels are another good option if you are in the market for new towels and make sure the bathroom is lit with energy efficient lighting.

Luckily there are ways of making the bathroom more eco-friendly without spending a dime. Saving water while showering, shaving and brushing your teeth will even save you a few!

Bigger ticket items include installing a low-flow shower head, a low-flow faucet aerator, and a dual-flush toilet. Need to know how? Manage my home can tell you. This might cost a bit up front, but you will save thousands of gallons of water, and money, each year. Folks also retrofit their current toilets to make them dual flush.

Washing my hands of non environmentally friendly bathroom,
-Phyllis, Green Expert