Reducing plastic

Here are a few cheaper bars to try. Note that in theory one bar = 2-3 bottle of shampoo.

£3- https://www.google.com/aclk?sa=L&ai...Z95X0AhXQgVwKHU8IAxkQwg96BAgBEDU&dct=1&adurl=

£1.89 Eucalyptus Lemon & Mint Natural Vegan Shampoo Soap Bar | Etsy

£1.49 Faith in Nature Coconut Soap | Holland & Barrett

Keep an eye in Aldis, they have a set of shampoo/conditioner bars in their special buys every now and again.

Also a tip if you're struggling with the bars, cut a chunk off and put it in an old shampoo bottle with some water and wait for it to dissolve and then voila, a somewhat normal shampoo consistency youre used too.

I don't know if any one is aware but bubbles/suds whatever you call it, doesn't dictate cleanliness. Some don't lather but will still clean you.
 
Just used the Friendly shampoo and conditioner bars for the first time.

The shampoo lathered as well as I was expecting it too (knowing they don’t lather like bottled shampoo does). It left a sticky feeling once rinsed out but I find that with all bar soaps.
The conditioner was slightly trickier to put on my long hair but it took all the ‘sticky’ feeling from the shampoo away. Think I just need to get used to using it given it does work slightly differently to bottles. My hair felt almost as soft when rinsed out as it does with the bottled conditioner and it’s good knowing it isn’t using loads of chemicals

Just now hoping it leaves my hair feeling as soft as normal once it’s dried - I let my hair dry naturally most days so it’ll be a couple of hours before I know for sure!

Not entirely keen on the smell of this one but I actually can’t smell it on my hair now at all so the smell is only when it’s being used. May look for one with a fruitier scent once these ones are used up.

All in all I’m pleased with it so far, highly likely to stick with bars from now onwards
 
My shampoo bar arrived in the mail yesterday. I got the Garnier Whole Blends Honey Treasures. It smells great and it made a nice lather. I'm going to see how my scalp reacts, sometimes new shampoo will make my scalp break out. Hoping this one doesn't. The one sad thing is that Garnier doesn't make a conditioner bar.
 
Piggies&buns said:
That is what was worrying me! It’s expensive so don’t really want to have to go through loads if I can’t get on with it. I think I’ve seen that Ethique do samples. Problem is, I’ve looked at so many now I’ve confused myself!

My local morrisons did stop selling salad and veg already plastic wrapped (not sure if Covid stopped it though). So many things don’t need to have wrap on them.
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I've just ordered a mini shampoo bar from Ethique - it was £3 but £4 shipping but I did get another bar for free so not too bad! Will see how it goes!
 
Yesterday my hair dried naturally but I went out in the garden so tied it up so I didn’t really feel it - wasn’t really a good ‘trial’

Today I’ve left it to dry naturally for an hour and a half, I’ve just used the blow dryer to dry off the ends. My hair feels a bit flat, heavy and the roots feel like there is lots of product in it - I know there isn’t though. It feels like I’ve not washed it for a couple of days. It’s not completely dreadful, it doesn’t look unwashed, but it’s also not as good as my normal shampoo and conditioner. I wonder if this is just the difference of using bar shampoo/conditioner and my hair had to get used to it?
 
Piggies&buns said:
Yesterday my hair dried naturally but I went out in the garden so tied it up so I didn’t really feel it - wasn’t really a good ‘trial’

Today I’ve left it to dry naturally for an hour and a half, I’ve just used the blow dryer to dry off the ends. My hair feels a bit flat, heavy and the roots feel like there is lots of product in it - I know there isn’t though. It feels like I’ve not washed it for a couple of days. It’s not completely dreadful, it doesn’t look unwashed, but it’s also not as good as my normal shampoo and conditioner. I wonder if this is just the difference of using bar shampoo/conditioner and my hair had to get used to it?
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If your normal shampoo contains sulphates then it could be that. Sulphates are really harsh on our hair and scalp. When I first stopped using my sulphate shampoo I purposely brought a cowash designed for dry and itchy scalps as it was the only thing that gave me that tingly washed hair feel. It does take some getting used to
 
Piggies&buns said:
Yesterday my hair dried naturally but I went out in the garden so tied it up so I didn’t really feel it - wasn’t really a good ‘trial’

Today I’ve left it to dry naturally for an hour and a half, I’ve just used the blow dryer to dry off the ends. My hair feels a bit flat, heavy and the roots feel like there is lots of product in it - I know there isn’t though. It feels like I’ve not washed it for a couple of days. It’s not completely dreadful, it doesn’t look unwashed, but it’s also not as good as my normal shampoo and conditioner. I wonder if this is just the difference of using bar shampoo/conditioner and my hair had to get used to it?
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When I've read reviews of bar shampoo, people have said they've started off with bars which seemed to leave residue or leave their hair waxy, till finding the right one for them. I can't remember, maybe the link I posted above said that too. It seems people can start off having that feeling on their hair, but then find the right bar for them. So hopefully hair can feel clean and nice, with the right bar.
 
Piggies&buns said:
Yesterday my hair dried naturally but I went out in the garden so tied it up so I didn’t really feel it - wasn’t really a good ‘trial’

Today I’ve left it to dry naturally for an hour and a half, I’ve just used the blow dryer to dry off the ends. My hair feels a bit flat, heavy and the roots feel like there is lots of product in it - I know there isn’t though. It feels like I’ve not washed it for a couple of days. It’s not completely dreadful, it doesn’t look unwashed, but it’s also not as good as my normal shampoo and conditioner. I wonder if this is just the difference of using bar shampoo/conditioner and my hair had to get used to it?
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I also found it took a bit of trail and error.
Just like with bottle shampoo it took me a few tries to get one that suited my hair type.

Plus I also think your hair goes through a bit of a transition period as it over compensates for the lack of chemicals it is so used to.
Hopefully you will find something that works for you and well done for giving it a try.
Plus it looks like this thread has inspired a few others to try shampoo bars, so that's a huge plus.

But if you can't sort out the shampoo issue that's also ok.
Pick something else (deodorant, toothpaste, washing powder) and start there and revisit the shampoo at a later date.
 
I don't think I feel a difference around the scalp/roots, the thing I had to get used to is not having conditioner loaded with silicone because that gives your hair such a slippery/silky feel and you don't get the same texture with bar conditioner. I think maybe you can find a bar that suits your hair better with a bit of perseverance, but it's hard to feel enthusiastic about it when you've just started a bar and not sure you like it! When I tried Beauty Kubes I really wanted to convince myself that I could stick with them although I knew I really didn't like them. So I felt disillusioned and went back to bottles for a bit. But the chance to buy trial size Ethique eased me into a second try and now I'm hooked! Shipping can be expensive. Sometimes you can find things in physical shops but often not the full choice range. If bars don't work out then some places have the option to refill bottles with liquid shampoo. We have a great zero waste shop in Salisbury where I refill laundry liquid, washing up liquid, shower gel and also get loose dried foods like red lentils.
 
Piggies&buns said:
Yesterday my hair dried naturally but I went out in the garden so tied it up so I didn’t really feel it - wasn’t really a good ‘trial’

Today I’ve left it to dry naturally for an hour and a half, I’ve just used the blow dryer to dry off the ends. My hair feels a bit flat, heavy and the roots feel like there is lots of product in it - I know there isn’t though. It feels like I’ve not washed it for a couple of days. It’s not completely dreadful, it doesn’t look unwashed, but it’s also not as good as my normal shampoo and conditioner. I wonder if this is just the difference of using bar shampoo/conditioner and my hair had to get used to it?
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What we consider"clean" hair isn't clean as such, it is coated in chemicals! To have lovely slippery silky hair isn't normal. That is hair being covered in product. There are two things to consider...
Realistic expectations. Your hair will feel different. It's a bit like going "no poo" in that there is a withdrawal from chemical build up. Once you have got used to that then you might be happy. My hair was often quite lank. I know now that it was the conditioner in particular but also the shampoo. I have to come straight home from the hairdresser now and get rid of their nasty shampoo because I can't bear it! I now have bouncy hair with a bit of volume admittedly with less shine.

The right product. It took a few for me to get one that suited me and our water. The others left a waxy residue that was a bit grim. Trial and error got me there and a recommendation from someone local that took the water problem out of it as their water was the same as mine!
 
Piggies&buns said:
Yesterday my hair dried naturally but I went out in the garden so tied it up so I didn’t really feel it - wasn’t really a good ‘trial’

Today I’ve left it to dry naturally for an hour and a half, I’ve just used the blow dryer to dry off the ends. My hair feels a bit flat, heavy and the roots feel like there is lots of product in it - I know there isn’t though. It feels like I’ve not washed it for a couple of days. It’s not completely dreadful, it doesn’t look unwashed, but it’s also not as good as my normal shampoo and conditioner. I wonder if this is just the difference of using bar shampoo/conditioner and my hair had to get used to it?
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It takes a while for your hair to get used to it. A lot of shampoo bars don't contain the same chemicals as bottled.

How are you applying it? Are you putting the bar straight onto your hair or are you lathering it first?

(Also, I'm sure you know this, but washing your hair everyday isn't good for it either)
 
Swissgreys said:
I also found it took a bit of trail and error.
Just like with bottle shampoo it took me a few tries to get one that suited my hair type.

Plus I also think your hair goes through a bit of a transition period as it over compensates for the lack of chemicals it is so used to.
Hopefully you will find something that works for you and well done for giving it a try.
Plus it looks like this thread has inspired a few others to try shampoo bars, so that's a huge plus.

But if you can't sort out the shampoo issue that's also ok.
Pick something else (deodorant, toothpaste, washing powder) and start there and revisit the shampoo at a later date.
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9e8aa0882fdc89090162122451eed742.webp
 
Hey everyone, just thought I'd share this. I found a washing powder that is ethically made in the UK, plastic free, vegan ect ect.

IMG_20211124_173317270.webp

Now it has a hint of lavender in it. I'm going to wash some fleece and see how it smells after. I'll let you know if I think it's worth it.
 
Engel said:
Hey everyone, just thought I'd share this. I found a washing powder that is ethically made in the UK, plastic free, vegan ect ect.

View attachment 190220

Now it has a hint of lavender in it. I'm going to wash some fleece and see how it smells after. I'll let you know if I think it's worth it.
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That's excellent. I love eco vibe and have the laundry egg from my last order with them but I know it's not good enough for the cloth nappies and also noticed the swim kit still smelt of chlorine after the last wash so clearly there are some things that it isn't good enough for. This would be good for those times
 
I've tried the washing powder and I'm pleased with the results. Washed my clothes, towels and guinea pig fleece with it. Tumble dried and air dried and can't really smell the lavender either way. Seems to have got rid of any calcium deposits and discoloration from the hay. No smell of pee or poop so far, will be doing Po and Jupiters fleece in the next few days so we'll see how it fairs against the boar smell. So far I'm happy. If this doesn't cut it with the boys Ecovibe do a powder for cloth nappies, but we'll see how this does first.
 
Engel said:
I've tried the washing powder and I'm pleased with the results. Washed my clothes, towels and guinea pig fleece with it. Tumble dried and air dried and can't really smell the lavender either way. Seems to have got rid of any calcium deposits and discoloration from the hay. No smell of pee or poop so far, will be doing Po and Jupiters fleece in the next few days so we'll see how it fairs against the boar smell. So far I'm happy. If this doesn't cut it with the boys Ecovibe do a powder for cloth nappies, but we'll see how this does first.
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Sounds good!
 
I really wasn’t getting on with the bar shampoo and conditioner I had bought. I’m using it as a soap instead and have been trying a different shampoo and conditioner bar for the past week which I much prefer

Ive also been grabbing empty cleaning bottles and stopping hubby from buying more! Ive got Ocean Saver bathroom and kitchen cleaner capsules and am getting on really well with them
 
I'm trying to write an article for our Parish Magazine to encourage people to reduce their use of plastic, and wondered if anyone had made any changes as a result of reading this thread? And does anyone have any other suggestions on things to do to avoid plastic?
 
I've gone a bit backwards recently with struggling with my health so reverted to sulphate shampoo from a plastic bottle, however I do only wash my hair once a week so that hopefully makes up for it.

I can't say I have made changes directly as a result of this thread but it's good to be aware of more sustainable products available. I recently got a trial of the Wild deodorant and actually getting on well with it so that will be another swap out for me.
 
Lady Kelly said:
I've gone a bit backwards recently with struggling with my health so reverted to sulphate shampoo from a plastic bottle, however I do only wash my hair once a week so that hopefully makes up for it.

I can't say I have made changes directly as a result of this thread but it's good to be aware of more sustainable products available. I recently got a trial of the Wild deodorant and actually getting on well with it so that will be another swap out for me.
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I'm using Splosh shampoo that is a concentrated refill. The shampoo bar I was using went up in price and it just got silly. Shame.

I've got Fussy deodorant just now. Same principle as Wild but on special offer when I bought it.

I got a great lunchbox that means I can put sandwiches in with no wrapping. It also has room for other bits too.

I'm collecting more plastic that I do use as the supermarkets now are collecting so much more, so worth mentioning that in your magazine.
 
I have been using the Garnier shampoo bar and have really been enjoying it! If it hadn't been for this thread, I would have never heard of a shampoo bar.
 
I no longer use cling film or plastic bags if I can avoid it. When I do a picnic lunch, I put everything in brown paper bags that can be recycled.
 
Betsy said:
I no longer use cling film or plastic bags if I can avoid it. When I do a picnic lunch, I put everything in brown paper bags that can be recycled.
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I've mostly stopped using cling film too. I bought some beeswax wraps at an eco fair last year which seems to work well, and plastic boxes - both bought and ex takeaway containers - are very good for both leftovers and lunches. Also I reuse bags from cereal boxes for sandwiches and cake tin liners etc.
 
Qualcast&Flymo said:
I don't know where you got this from originally, @Lady Kelly , but I "borrowed" it for my magazine article. I needed an illustration for my piece and it seems spot on 👍👍 so thank you!
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It was likely on one of the cloth nappy retailers social media. There's a whole thing about cloth nappies doesn't have to be an all or nothing, even just one reusable a day makes a big difference. We didn't have enough newborn nappies first time round and trying to get my head round nighttime nappies was too much so we just clothed during the day until we ran out. It wasn't until she was a good few months old I started trying nighttime nappies etc. Think I'm a bit more prepared this time round but saying that, I'm not against using disposable ones while I readjust to never getting more than 2 hours sleep in a row 😂
 
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