Why not start the day ecologically? Even making an ethical or environmental choice for a small item such as soap and shampoo can be more than a token gesture. Bars use significantly less plastic than the pumped liquid soaps. Regularly choosing soap bars rather than liquid soap dispensers will reduce plastic waste over the year. Some soap bars are available in solid form and without any plastic packaging at all. Shampoo bars are also readily available.

There are other advantages too. The ingredients tend to be plant based (suitable for vegans) and palm oil free options are readily available. Those that are derived from palm oil are often using certified sustainable palm oil. The companies that make these soap and shampoo bars are generally small companies with products that are made locally (and some are B Corporations, where they have been scored highly for their social and environmental performance).

There are some disadvantages. Soap bars are not suitable for communal wash areas for hygiene reasons, but they are perfectly suitable for private bathrooms. Bars must not be left soaking in water and if they are kept dry between uses then they can last a long time. Shampoo bars probably take some getting used to. People may be accustomed to a small handful of liquid shampoo that foams readily in the hair. The shampoo bars tend to foam less. The bars need a little more effort to get enough shampoo off them. This, however, may be a distinct advantage since it is much harder to use too much. High quality soap bars and shampoo bars may also look like they have a premium price tag, and this may put off people. But because they can last if stored appropriately and are harder to use excessive amounts, they could actually work out as being more cost effective than the liquid alternatives.

All in all, this little change can make you feel cleaner and greener when you wash. Why not give it a go?

Read more on Palm Oil here and consider writing letters to address the Palm Oil issue.