ASSESSMENT AS OF: JANUARY 2024
HOW TO GET STARTED
- Replace your acrylic mirror when it reaches the end of life through fogging or damage
- Use jute or cotton rope with a little wax to hang the mirror around the shower nozzle or use a stainless steel pot hook to do the same
- Place in your shower or on your vanity and use as needed
- Throw in recycling when the mirror reaches the end of life
EMBRACE
- Cleans up easily - can be easily cleaned in the dishwasher
- Is made of infinitely recyclable stainless steel
- Will not emit microplastics at the end of life
- Will have an impressive multi-decade lifespan
AVOID PRODUCT TYPE
Acrylic Shower Mirrors
AVOID
- Acrylic mirrors eventually permanently fog or crack and break
- These mirrors often begin to separate over time if used in the shower
- Inevitably these will end up in landfills and turn into microplastics
Noteworthy Product Attributes
Forgoing plastic wherever we can is critical - even in small ways. Stainless steel options versus conventional plastic choices are always a better move from an aesthetic, longevity, and environmental impact perspective.
Overall Sustainability Score - 81 / 100
Score Breakdown
Manufacturing (Score - 5/10) - Not made close to the target market
Distribution (Score - 5/10) - Not made close to the target market
Cost (Score - 8/10) - Often cheaper than competing acrylic mirrors
Packaging (Score - 6/10) - Has some blister packaging-related plastic
Effectiveness (Score - 7/10) - Ideal for the bathroom where it comes to break and shatters when dropped
Lifespan (Score - 10/10) - Virtually indestructable. Can be repolished with cleaning if it gets foggy
Fun (Score - 10/10) - Easily fits in your hand and can be brought closer to your face as needed for those who use the mirror in the shower and wear glasses
Relevance (Score - 10/10) - Perfect for all sorts of bathroom applications - would be better if it came with a stand. Italian military signal mirrors will often have a steel prop stand
Disposal (Score - 10/10) - Is stainless steel and will not emit microplastics at end of life
Recycling (Score - 10/10) - Is infinitely recyclable.
