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Switch to a bar of soap

Bar of soap on cloth with blue background.

Wednesday 24 February 2021

We get through 13 billion plastic bottles every year in the UK. Many of those plastic bottles will be tucked away in our bathrooms. All plastic bottles are recyclable in Essex, but you can avoid this plastic by opting for a bar of soap or even shampoo bar, they often last longer than bottle alternatives and can now be found wrapped in paper or card.

Swap to a bar of soap

By switching to a bar of soap, you can reduce the amount of plastic you use, and it could even save you money. Not only are bars of soap often cheaper to purchase, they can last longer than shower gel bottles which makes it even more cost effective.

You’ll also reduce your carbon footprint by making the switch, as per wash, liquid soap has a 25% bigger carbon footprint than solid soap due to the amount of packaging and energy used to make them. Solid soap isn’t just an alternative to shower gel though – you can also use solid shampoo, conditioner, and hand soap. By making these switches, you will soon be on your way to having a plastic-free bathroom!

Recycle your bathroom bottles

Sometimes you may not be able to avoid using bottles of shower gel and shampoo, but you can recycle them using your kerbside collection anywhere in Essex. Give the plastic bottle a quick rinse, squash it and pop the lid back on, then it is ready for your plastic recycling bin or sack.

Find out more about plastic

Ideas to help reduce your plastic

Plastic recycling in Essex

Tips to improve your recycling

What's the difference between biodegradable, compostable and eco?