How to Reuse Vinyl Shower Curtains and Liners

It's easy to give new life to old vinyl shower curtains and liners. If you are redecorating the bathroom, or are just tired of the vinyl curtain you've had in there for the last decade, here are some creative, practical and earth-friendly ways to reuse the material and keep your shower curtain from ending up in a landfill.

Reuse Vinyl Shower Curtains: Creative Fashion Ideas

If it's cute, or at least kitsch, there are lots of options for reusing your vinyl shower curtain and looking quite hip while doing it. Since eco-fashion is all the rage (finally!), handbags, ponchos - and any other accessory you can imagine - made from your old vinyl shower curtain will show that you know how to care about the environment and look incredibly cool at the same time.

Vinyl is great for anything that needs to be waterproof or easy to clean, so think reusable shopping bags, tote bags, beach bags and the like. If it isn't that cute, you could also use it as a liner for cosmetic bags, handbags or a diaper bag.

For some great project ideas and tutorials for handbags, zipper pouches and tote bags, check out sites like www.crafster.com, or do a Google search and find tons of links to patterns and tutorials.

Reuse Vinyl Shower Curtains: Practical Ideas for Around the House

Vinyl shower curtains and liners are also great for a multitude of purposes around the house. You can cut it into pieces to use as drawer liners, use it as a tarp to cover a woodpile or for hauling things in the back of a truck, a trunk liner for toting around dirty or wet cargo, or as a seat cover when transporting children, pets or items inside your vehicle.

Alternatively, you can use an old vinyl shower curtain or liner for a drop cloth when painting, or to protect your floor or table while doing craft projects of your own or with kids. They are a perfect size and material to keep paint, glue, glitter and crayons off your carpet or other flooring, or to keep your dining room table clean and unscratched.

Reuse Vinyl Shower Curtains: How to Get Rid of It

If you aren't the crafty sort, or you just want it out of the house, here are some ideas for disposing of it in an eco-friendly manner.

1. Donate it to a thrift store or organization that assists lower income families.

2. Give it to someone who has children or pets and could use it for some of the above ideas.

3. Give it to someone who makes handbags or other items out of reclaimed materials.