Zero Waste Bathroom: How Switching to Bar Soap Reduces Plastic by 50%

Zero Waste Bathroom: How Switching to Bar Soap Reduces Plastic by 50%

Creating a zero waste bathroom isn’t just a trend; it’s a meaningful shift towards reducing the staggering amount of plastic waste we generate daily. One of the simplest and most effective changes you can make is switching from liquid soap in plastic bottles to solid bar soap. EPA data shows that bar soap programs cut bathroom plastic waste by up to 50% annually.

Why Plastic-Free Bathrooms Matter

2.1 million tonnes of plastic packaging waste generated in the UK in 2023, much of which comes from single-use products in our bathrooms. Shampoo bottles, liquid soap dispensers, and body wash containers are rarely recycled due to contamination. Instead, they often end up in landfills or the ocean, where they take hundreds of years to break down. By adopting sustainable swaps, such as using bar soap, we can significantly cut back on this waste.

Bar soap is an excellent first step because it’s versatile, long-lasting, and typically comes with minimal or no packaging. Many artisan soap makers, including us at The Humble Shepherd Co., wrap our bars in recyclable or compostable materials, ensuring they’re as kind to the planet as they are to your skin.

How Switching to Bar Soap Reduces Plastic Waste

Liquid soaps often require bulky plastic packaging to contain and dispense the product. In contrast, bar soap arrives as a standalone product or in simple, biodegradable wrapping. The environmental impact of this difference is significant.

A 2009 Swiss study revealed liquid soap demands 5x more energy and 20x more packaging compared to bar soap. Furthermore, bar soaps are lighter and take up less space, reducing the carbon footprint associated with transport. It’s an easy win for a more eco-friendly bathroom.

Tips for Incorporating Sustainable Soap into Your Bathroom

1. Choose Handmade, Natural Soap

Not all bar soaps are created equal. Mass-produced bars can contain synthetic detergents and preservatives that may not align with zero waste principles. Instead, opt for handmade, sustainable soap that use plant-based oils, natural colourants, and essential oils.

For example, Lush’s naked (package-free) solid shampoo and soap bars offer a range of package-free soap bars made with ethically sourced ingredients. Supporting small businesses and ethical brands ensures you’re making a positive impact on both the environment and local economies.

2. Store Your Soap Properly

To extend the life of your bar soap, use a soap dish with good drainage to prevent it from sitting in water. A well-ventilated dish helps the soap dry out between uses, making it last longer. You can find eco-friendly soap holders made from bamboo or recycled materials, which align perfectly with a zero waste bathroom.

3. Explore Multi-Use Bars

One of the beauties of bar soap is its versatility. Today, there are solid soaps designed for everything from washing your hands and body to shampooing your hair and even shaving. For instance, Dr. Bronner’s pure-Castile multi-use bar soaps for body, hair, and shaving provides options for all-in-one uses, reducing the need for multiple plastic-packaged products.

4. Look for Refillable and Compostable Packaging

While most bar soaps are already plastic-free, some brands go the extra mile with refillable or compostable packaging. Choose soaps wrapped in paper or cardboard, both of which can be repurposed or recycled. Composting the packaging after use is another excellent way to ensure nothing goes to waste.

The Environmental Benefits of Zero Waste Bathrooms

Switching to a zero waste bathroom doesn’t just reduce plastic pollution; it also helps conserve natural resources and energy. Consider the water and energy required to produce a single-use plastic bottle—by eliminating these, you’re actively reducing your carbon footprint.

National Geographic’s 2025 update: only 9% of all plastic ever produced has been recycled. Waste not recycled often end up in natural ecosystems. By choosing sustainable soap and other plastic-free alternatives, you’re playing your part in combating this crisis.

What to Look for in Eco-Friendly Soap

When shopping for bar soap, look for products made with natural ingredients and avoid those containing synthetic dyes, fragrances, or palm oil that isn’t certified sustainable. Ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, and olive oil are excellent for the skin and better for the environment compared to petroleum-based alternatives.

Consider buying from brands that prioritise fair trade and environmentally conscious practices. For example, Dove’s 2025 pledge for 100% recycled plastic bottles and 50% virgin plastic reduction highlights their initiatives towards using 100% recycled plastic and sustainable ingredients.

Small Changes, Big Impact

Transitioning to a zero waste bathroom doesn’t require an overnight overhaul. Start small. Swap out your liquid soap for a beautiful, sustainable bar, and you’ll already be reducing plastic waste by a substantial margin. From there, try adding other swaps like solid shampoo bars, reusable cotton pads, and refillable toothpaste tablets.

At The Humble Shepherd Co., we’re committed to helping you make these changes effortlessly. Our handmade soaps are crafted with love and care, free from plastic packaging and made with sustainable ingredients to support your eco-friendly journey.

In the end, adopting sustainable habits like using bar soap isn’t just about protecting the environment, it’s about embracing a simpler, more mindful way of living. When you choose sustainable soap, you’re not just cleaning your skin; you’re also helping to clean the planet.

Do you have any tips for creating a zero waste bathroom? Share your thoughts in the comments below, we’d love to hear from you!