Why? Because the waste is unwittingly colossal
RANKING FACT
If plastic were a country it would be the 5th largest emitter in the world after China, USA, India and Russia.
Right, we’ve all done our toothbrushes, now for our showers. So let’s try this right now. Walk into your shower and have a look at what you’ve got in there. Chances are if you’re like most of us, there’s almost definitely a shower gel, a shampoo and a conditioner, each in a plastic bottle?
Now to a bit of maths. We don’t have the exact stats which is why we’re doing our own. There’s 66 million people in the UK, let’s say at least half of which buy those 3 things. Now let’s say your gels, shampoos and conditioners run out every 3 months (a conservative estimate). So we have 33 million x 3 items x 4 times a year = 396 million plastic bottles a year.
More maths. Only 9% of that is recycled (and we all know recycling is not the answer anyway), which leaves 360 million going to landfill every year. And we haven’t included the ubiquitous plastic sponge in that calculation. Beyond the terrible trashing that it wreaks upon our planet, plastic is made from petroleum, manufacturing it takes energy and it lets off emissions when it breaks down. It’s a greenhouse gas cocktail. Nuff said.
Ok, so what’s the fix?
This one is the easiest in the world. We just swap them all for bars. Soap’s straightforward. And what’s exciting is that shampoo and conditioner bars are now even in Boots! Amazing!
Here’s our picks:
Soap - No instruction needed, though if you can, you want to look for natural ones that are organic, petroleum, palm oil and animal fat free. There’s a great selection here that are Ethical Consumer’s Best Buy, ticking every box.
Shampoo - Lush do a great one. This range is available in Boots and they also stock a whole load of other brands.
Conditioner - Ditto, although Aimee found the Lush shampoo bar so good, she doesn’t need a conditioner. Here’s Lush. And Boots.
Sponges - Ditch those plastic ones (once they’re past their prime). Replace either with a sea sponge (not suitable for vegans, as they are technically an animal, but apparently the sponges don’t hurt when you cut them, and they are sustainable). Or a loofah (vegan safe). Or a soap pouch like this one made from sisal, which doubles as a soap holder and a scrubber.
Done!
Have something to ask or share with everyone? Please post it in the box below. And…is there something you’re proud of, big or small (bamboo toothbrush bought, humous homemade)? Email us, so we can feature you on our Weekly Shout Out. It’s a real boost for everyone!
Will it cost me more money?
Depends on the brand you used to buy. But overall not really.
We…
Aimee: I love my sea sponge instead of the artificial shower sponge - I got one for Christmas last year and it’s still going strong. Never going back. After having tried a couple of different shampoo bars, this one wins hands down for me - again, not looked back. Next on the list is switching the shower gel to a bar of soap...
Sonia: I’m a little shocked that I’ve only recently cottoned on to this! Love a shower gel and have historically poured scorn on shower soggy soap. Still, now I’m all set, a little bit of shampoo and gel left and then it’s over to the bars, waiting in the cabinet. In fact my local pharmacy stocks UK made soap, without even the paper wrapping so it’s literally zero waste. Hurrah. But…I’m quietly disapproving of Aimee’s animal sea sponge, but she’s ignoring me. I stand resolutely by my soap pouch.
“Gonna wash that plastic right out of my hair”
Photo: Alex