Consciously living with the environment in mind doesn’t have to be a lot of work. Tasks like becoming a vegetarian or eliminating trash from your life might seem daunting to some of us, but there are decisions we make every day that can easily become a habit. Recently, I’ve switched from liquid to bar soap. It was an effortless decision, but has become one way I am living more simply and sustainably. Initially, this choice was made because bar soap is pretty and more fun to buy than liquid, but then I realized it was a total earth-friendly move as well! Here’s why I started and continue to buy bar soap:
I am obsessed with small, locally owned bath and beauty product stores. I love walking around these places and buying everything that smells good or looks pretty. These owners are running small businesses, and really care about the product they are creating. Often times, the soap is produced on site, and some places even have soap making classes (I might need to start making my own bar soaps)! Buying from local businesses is great for your local economy, and you can reduce your carbon footprint by avoiding buying soap manufactured in large factories and shipped from out of state.
Knowing what’s in my beauty products is a huge bonus. I would be lying if I said everything I own is organic and all-natural, but I’ve becoming more and more conscious of the ingredients in the products I use, and with bar soap it’s been a breeze. It’s so easy to find bar soap made of only natural ingredients. Because small businesses pride themselves in the quality of their products, they care about what goes into them. Bar soap is often made from things like goat’s milk, honey, lemon zest, salt, oils, and oats.
Packaging. I try to avoid buying soap bars packaged in tons of plastic or cardboard. When I purchase soaps, it usually comes naked or wrapped in a single sheet of tissue paper, and they stack nicely in my medicine cabinet. I love this simplified packaging, and it’s definitely more sustainable. Goodbye, plastic soap dispensers!
*Tip: I cut my bar soap in half or thirds before I use it. I like the soap to stay fresh and pretty for guests, and smaller sizes keep the bar lasting longer. When your soap has seen better days and is no longer presentable, grate it in some warm water, press it, dry it out, and voilla! new bars!
