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Switch from shower gel to bar soap

All Practically Green: 636 or so people have DONE this action so far.

All Practically Green: 87 or so people have ADDED this to their action plan so far.

Why is "Switch from shower gel to bar soap" green?

The heavier something is, the more energy it takes to ship it around. Shower gels contain water, which adds to both transportation costs and fuel usage. By switching from a liquid body wash or shower gel to a bar soap, you save the water used in the manufacturing process as well as the transportation impact.

Shower gels are typically packaged in petroleum-derived plastic. Using a paper wrapped bar soap cuts down on packaging from a non-renewable resource, and the waste associated with it. You can also buy bar soap with no packaging at all.

How to: Switch from shower gel to bar soap

Finish up the shower gel you’re currently using and recycle the packaging. Instead of buying a new bottle, replace it with a natural bar soap in minimal packaging.

Keep in mind that not all bar soaps are created equal; like most conventional cosmetics, soaps can contain a number of synthetic chemicals that have been linked to everything from cancers to hormone disruption to birth defects to skin or eye irritation.

Before you shop, look up bar soaps containing natural, organic, or biodynamic ingredients on the Environmental Working Group's Skin Deep Cosmetics Database or the GoodGuide. Or seek out a soap with a third-party natural or organic certification label.

  • Gourmet Body Treats Naked Shea Butter Soap
    • (0 Ratings)

    Rated extremely highly by EWG's Skin Deep database, Gourmet Body Treats soaps are handmade in small batches using with natural and organic ingredients to assure highest possible quality. Best for cleaning and moisturizing skin.

  • Miessence Cleansing Bar
    • (0 Ratings)

    Rated extremely highly by EWG's Skin Deep database, Miessence says their certified organic Tea Trea Cleansing Bar is hand crafted using organic, cold-pressed virgin coconut oil from the Pacific Islands. Contains certified organic coconut oil and tea tree essential oils.

  • Dr. Bronner's Citrus Orange Pure Castille Bar Soap
    • (1 Rating)

    Packed with certified organic ingredients including palm, olive, jojoba, orange, lemon, and lime oils, this all in one bar soap earned high marks from EWG's Skin Deep database. Plus, the invigorating citrus aroma is a welcome morning pick me up.

  • Tom's of Maine Deodorant Body Bar
    • (1 Rating)

    Rated extremely highly by EWG's Skin Deep database, Tom's of Maine says their body bar relies on the natural odor-fighting properties of sage and lemongrass and avoids the use of synthetic and artificial ingredients.