The Eco-Friendly Choice: Bar soap vs Liquid Soap

As environmental sustainability takes centre stage in our daily lives, it’s important to consider the small changes we can make that, in the bigger picture, could make a significant difference. Soap is one such item that could have just a little more thought put into the selection process. In particular, the contrast between the conventional bar soap and its liquid equivalent and the environmental effects of each. 

The Environmental Impact 

Soap has the potential to harm the environmental as it washes away, goes down the drain, and gets into the water system. While liquid soap’s manmade surfactants, colours and perfumes and preservatives may take a long time to biodegrade and may even cause harm when returning to the earth, the natural oils in natural bar soap break down rapidly into harmless chemicals. 

Plastic waste 

Plastic waste is one of the main effects of liquid soap on the environment. Usually, liquid soap is sold in plastic containers that are partly recyclable or not recyclable at all, which then wind up in landfills, where they take hundreds of years to break down. Bar soap on the other hand, is typically packaged in paper or cardboard, which can be recycled more readily and cuts down on the quantity of plastic waste produced. 

The Rise of Liquid Soap 

The relatively modern innovation, liquid soap became well-liked because of how convenient it was. It is simpler to lather up and apply to the body, and it comes in a variety of dispensers. Liquid soap is primarly composed of water, oils and lye; to improve its feel and scent on the skin, it frequently includes fragrance and glycerin, two artificial chemicals. Furthermore, it’s worth noting that you’re not getting value for money because the majority of liquid soap ingredients is water.

Ancient Origins 

The history of soap begins in prehistoric societies when people first realised that mixing fats and ashes may have purifying effects. Making soap became a daily ritual for the Babylonians, Egyptians, and Romans as they realised the advantages of soap for personal cleanliness. 

Varieties today 

Growing concerns about environmental sustainability have led to the rebirth of interest in traditional bar soaps today. Natural artisanal bar soaps with short, clear ingredient lists are becoming more and more popular as people place a higher value on their own health and environmental responsibilities.

Some Cultural Examples:

• African Black Soap, also called Dudu Osun, Anago, or Alata soap depending on the country in Africa, is prepared with locally sourced ingredients and antiquated methods. African Black soap, which is typically produced from cocoa pods, shea butter, burnt plantain peels, and palm oil that is available locally, is well known for its ability to relieve oily skin whilst being fragrance free.
• Kabakrou Soap, made by young people in the Ivory Coast using palm kernel oil that is produced locally. Kabakrou soap is used for cleaning clothes by hand, which many people in the area rely on this soap for income. It’s formed into balls and allowed to cure for its to become hard and safe for humans and sold.
• Aleppo Soap, one of the oldest varieties of soap, which comes from the Syrian city of Aleppo. Made with water, lye, olive oil and laurel oil, Aleppo is well-known for its all- natural components and age-old manufacturing techniques. It’s a special cultural product as its legacy has been carried on for years and kept true to the original location for 4000 years.

In conclusion, liquid soap has a large environmental cost despite its potential convenience. Bar soap, on the other hand, has a significantly smaller carbon footprint and is just as good at its purpose. Selecting a bar soap instead of a liquid soap can help the environment and cut down on the amount of plastic waste you produce. The selection of sustainable, eco-friendly and non-toxic soaps is vast, ranging across different cultures for all variety of specific purposes and benefits.