Jan 2019: Bar vs. Bottle
- Kaili Brande
- Jan 16, 2019
- 2 min read
Updated: Jan 8, 2022
Happy 2019, Sustainable subscribers! I want to personally thank you for continuing to read my blog, even as we enter a new year. I promise you another year’s worth of (hopefully) useful and insightful ways to cut down your environmental impact and broaden your sustainability!
Because it is the season of “New Year’s Resolutions”, I encourage you (if you have not already) to adopt the Resolution of reducing your plastic waste consumption! There are countless reasons why this is important:
1. Reduces non-biodegradable contributions to landfills, which take hundreds/thousands of years to break down
2. Reduces the production of greenhouse gases that occurs when plastic is produced (thereby helping climate change!)
3. Reduces build up in your recycle bin or trash can
4. Reduces your exposure to plastic chemicals through food storage or personal products
5. May reduce the clutter on your shelves/improve aesthetics ;)
One major way I have decided to reduce my plastic waste consumption is to try out using shampoo bars. Yes, BARS rather than BOTTLES. Why? Shampoo bars have been tested and proven to clean your hair just as well as shampoo, can last many times longer than liquid shampoo can, and don’t require a hefty plastic bottle to store them. Often they are packaged in cardboard/paper boxes which also break down easily in nature (are compostable). Finally, from my research, many of them are also made in a sustainable and respectfully-minded way (i.e. cruelty-free, without palm oil, etc.): added bonuses! I’m sure that not all shampoo bars are created equal, and that is why I recently ordered a couple different kinds online to try out! I am currently trying the Chagrin Valley Soap and Salve brand (listed at the link and shown below), and it smells great and suds wonderfully! Lush Cosmetics seems to be a top contributor as well, if you’re into that brand. Everyone’s hair and cleansing preferences are different, but I’m sure there is a good fit out there for everyone.
I’m not the only one who is catching onto this trend of sustainability. Check out Elle Magazine’s suggested list of top shampoo bars here. To see how it works, check out this quick video below from Lush Cosmetics, which explains how to use a shampoo bar.
Finally, wondering how to store it correctly? Simply use a soap dish or wire holder (preferably metal or wooden!) just like you would use with any regular soap bar.
Together, we can make a collective impact on reducing the unsustainable waste stream of the 21st century. Let us know in the comments if you have tried any shampoo bars and which brands are winners! :)
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