Laurel soap by Sote's Skin Care
The average person uses 11 bottles of shower gel and 10 bottles of shampoo a year. The majority of these products are packaged in plastic, contributing to the 300 million tons produced each year. And because most people don’t have recycling containers in their bathrooms, it is easy for these plastic containers to end up in the trash.
Bar Soaps have a lower environmental impact than liquid soap in many important categories including carbon footprint, ecotoxicity, ozone depletion potential, and eutrophication potential (Koehler, A. and C. Wildbolz, Environmental Sciences and Technology)
While it is already common to use bar soap in the shower, we can also take extra consideration in our environment by using bar soap at our sinks.
Also, did you know you can also get shampoo and conditioners in bars? Sote's Skin Care highly encourages their customers to try these non plastic-packaged items. They will also offer refills at discounts to encourage customers to reuse their containers.
Left image: Bamboo Shampoo Bar by Sote's Skin Care. Clear packaging made with compostable materials (corn, sugar or wood fibers)
What can customers do to reduce packaging litter?
Switch from liquid-based to solid-based substances (e.g. bars, strips, powders).
If a product is only available in liquid form, purchase a larger volume in a larger container to reduce the amount of plastic containers that need to be disposed of.
Reuse the containers for refills as possible.
Consider supporting local artists by using handmade soap made with natural ingredients.
What can businesses do to reduce packaging litter?
Provide alternatives to liquid substances as much as possible.
If liquid alternatives are unavailable, make the product available in large volume containers.
Provide incentives to customers who refill their bottles; or who return them to be reused.
Use compostable / biodegradable packaging where possible. Compostable packaging uses natural materials such as corn and sugar. As an interesting idea, you can also make your package out of soap!
See an example of sustainable practice standards at Sote's Skin Care.
Today’s Challenge:
Show us your favorite bar soap or take a picture of you purchasing bar soap!
Be sure to tag @onepieceaday1, and use the hashtag #OPADPlasticFreeJuly to earn 1 ENTRY!
How can I win prizes?
Step 1: Follow @onepieceaday1
Step 2: Tag a friend! (optional)
Step 3: Share a photo (to your story OR your feed) of you completing each challenge for 1 ENTRY (BE SURE to tag @onepieceaday1, and use the hashtag #OPADPlasticFreeJuly).
Step 4: Log your refusal on the OnePieceADay app!
Remember to log your refusal every time you skip using plastic on the OnePieceADay app!
Each day is a new opportunity to increase your chances. Your total entries will be counted at the end of the month and be entered into a draw to win a zero-waste prize pack. Be sure to stick around for more chances to win!
Questions? Drop them below!
Tomorrow make your own homemade cleaning spray!
If you purchase cleaning spray from the store regularly, not only will you likely be spraying harmful chemicals in your home, but you will be continually purchasing and disposing a plastic container.
Instead you can make your own cleaning spray and reuse the same spray bottle over and over again.
Stay tuned tomorrow for recipes and challenge details!
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