5 Simple Ways You Can Reduce Plastic in Your Bathroom

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Natural, eco-friendly alternatives to everyday bathroom items.

Let’s get to the issue: Bathrooms have many toxins, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs), pesticides, and plastic toxins.

The villains of this story: shower curtains and towels, often containing toxic polyvinyl chloride and plastic toxins, pesticides, and chlorine bleach that can emit into the air and get absorbed by our bodies.

GOOD NEWS! There are simple solutions you can make today.

5 Simple Ways You Can Reduce Plastic in Your Bathroom

Towels are the second most important item to swap when starting or looking for new towel sets. Towels, like rugs and bath mats, have the same toxins, pesticides, chlorine bleach, heavy metals from dyes, and formaldehyde (keeps the color from facing, prevents static cling, and is mildew resistant).

Instead, opt for 100% organic Turkish cotton towels. Finding a GOTS-certified towel is even better. Having this certification ensures the fabric is all-natural. The cotton is grown naturally, free from pesticides, and has no added treatments.  

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Plastic shower curtain liners swap for cloth (like this one) or a naturally mildew-resistant material like hemp instead (like this one)

Shower curtain liners can contain plastic toxins, PVC toxins, and other VOCs to stay waterproof, mildew and mold-free

I haven’t found a 100% toxin-free option other than hemp. Some secondary options would be nylon or polyester, but because they are made with petrochemicals, they will off gas somewhat. 

LiBa has a vast selection of shower curtains and bathroom essentials super affordable.

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Storage is one of the (in my perspective) biggest culprits, with so many plastic bin options available today. So, if you can, switch to wire, metal, or glass; these materials won’t hold on to extra moisture or have moisture condensation inside or inside of them.

Cotton or cloth storage should be avoided in the bathroom because it quickly absorbs moisture and can begin to grow mold and mildew (if not placed in a well-ventilated area).  

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Personal products are always the hardest to switch because testing out different products that suit your skin type and hair needs takes time. Reducing the number of products used should be the goal, but if that’s not for you, opt for more natural, less-packaged products.

My go-to essential products are this DoTerra bar soap that gives you a spa-like experience and this bar shampoo + conditioner duet.

I have used them over the last five years, and I’m not looking back (Check out DoTerra’s collections here).

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Countertop accessories tend to be made of plastic or acrylic, both manufactured materials containing many toxins and VOCs. The good news is that you can get super creative with mix-matching items like mason jars and little decorative bowels.

Try to find materials like glass, stainless steel, or even ceramic for your bathroom accessories.

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Bathrooms typically have a very high humidity level, and because of this, toxins and VOCs tend to off gas at a much higher rate.

Reducing plastic in the bathroom can improve indoor air quality and reduce exposure to potentially harmful substances (over time).

There’s also a positive effect on the environment by reducing plastic usage in the bathroom; you contribute to the conservation of natural resources (the production of plastic involves the consumption of non-renewable resources, including fossil fuels), but that’s for a conversation for a different post.

I hope the ideas shared inspire you to make positive changes in your bathroom. Look closely at your bathroom accessories and identify areas where you can switch to more low-toxic options. Even a single change can create a more balanced and healthier environment in your bathroom.

I’m celebrating 10 YEARS of living low-toxic (as of Dec. 2023).

I grew up with chronic asthma. After many, many years (~18), I was able to crack the code. The toxins in my home were the culprit. After embracing a simpler, organic, and low-toxic lifestyle, I’m not exaggerating; everything changed.

My goal here is simple: To help you reduce environmental toxins in your home so you can feel better & live a much simpler, cozy life with less stuff.

Follow along for more low-toxic product guides.