Hit 80% less plastic waste this month by switching to bar soap and shampoo bars, but my spouse thinks it's just a trend that won't stick

After tracking our household trash for three months I got the number down from 12 pounds to 2.4 pounds by changing just those two products, but now I'm wondering if the convenience of liquid soap is worth the extra waste in the long run - what's your take on how much personal habits actually add up?.

2 comments

2 Comments

roberts.troy9d agoMost Upvoted

But is it really adding up or are we just trading one form of waste for another? @laura940 I hear you on feeling good about less trash, but bar soap comes wrapped in paper or cardboard that still takes resources to make and ship, and those bars often travel farther since they're not as common as liquid soap. Plus, the convenience factor isn't just about laziness, liquid soap pumps and bottles are designed to reduce waste from overuse while bar soap gets mushy and falls apart faster if you're not careful. I've seen people throw away half a bar because it cracked or turned into sludge, which is its own kind of waste. Maybe the real question is if we're so focused on plastic that we forget about the carbon footprint of manufacturing and transporting these "eco-friendly" alternatives.

laura9409d ago

Wait are you saying your trash went from 12 pounds down to 2.4 pounds just from swapping soap? That's honestly wild. I switched to bar soap and shampoo bars about six months ago and never looked back. I get what your spouse means, trends come and go all the time. But for me it's less about making a big statement and more about just one small change that adds up over time. I'd rather deal with a slightly less convenient soap than keep tossing plastic bottles in the bin every few weeks. It really does feel good when you see the pile shrink like that.