Help me reduce my plastic. Shampoo and conditioner bars help

[PlasticFreeIn2022]

So I'm committing myself to massively reduce my 1 time use plastics.

I've brought some cloth nappies.

I've got a local shop that sell pasta, spices etc that you take your own container for.

I currently use Aussie shampoos and conditioners. This is a swap that I'm nervous about. Any help on lovely bars would be great.
Also anti dandruff for men?
We use dove soap. But my other half has requested something stronger before he'll commit to giving up his linx.

Also plastic free toothpaste? And washing machine tablets.

(Before tolls come along. Yes I should've done this sooner).

Amazon sell toothpaste tablets with fluoride Ed dentix (I think that is the name).

Foamie bars – Sainsbury’s stock these and also a wide selection of bars
Wild deodorant (you didn’t ask, but it’s great – refillable aluminium vase and the refill is all compostable) – can do subscription or it’s in Sainsbury’s
Boca toothpaste subscription – refillable tubes

Vase? Case, FFS

I've not tried it yet, but Aussie do bar shampoos and conditioners

Beauty kubes are a non plastic shampoo alternative that is not a bar. Very good for hard water areas.

I used to buy from the good soap company on Facebook before covid effected my finances. The shampoo bars were really good and they contain conditioner so you don't need to buy separately.

It took me a while with shampoo bars before my hair adjusted to them. but now I can't stand the liquid shampoo. It takes about a week before I can get the horrible feeling out of my hair after going to the hairdresser. I don't need to use conditioner any more either - I used the purple one from lush for a while. Condition of my hair is better than ever. I don't have to wash my hair as often now either.
I use lots of different ones (my favourite isn'tmadeanymore). I Try to buy from small producers. Haven't used Lush for years now.
It takes time for your hair to adjust and to get used to the different feeling. Dh is very happy using bars as well.

Oooo this bar is great!

www.freedmstreet.co.uk/products/my-haircare-rescue-my-hair-shampoo-bar-pollution-patrol

Dove is not soap — compositionally it is closer to mayonnaise than it is to real soap.

I’d look for a local soap maker. Failing that, Nesti Dante or Dr Bronner’s. (All the guys I know who use soap really like Nesti Dante Cipresso.)

If you/your DH shave — try a double-edge razor rather than cartridges, because the blades can be recycled. (Plus they’re much, much cheaper than Gillette Fusion etc.) And shaving cream or soap in a metal pot rather than plastic tubs and tubes. Cartridge razor waste is a huge issue sustainability-wise, cos the Gillette/Wilkinson Sword etc heads can’t be recycled.

I use soapnut shampoo mixed up in a dispenser bottle with a nozzle, tiny bit of shampoo diluted with water

www.soapnuts.co.uk/products/bergamot-ylang-soapnut-shampoo-200ml

Honestly my hair is lovely and I only need to wash it every 3 days ish

It's £9 a bottle but one lasts ages as you don't wash as often and only use a tiny bit

I buy soap and shampoo bars from a local markers market which has a stall selling natural creams and shampoos etc. Have you tried your local markets?
I stock up on olive oil soap when abroad.

I've tried lots of different shampoo bars and have now settled in the white Lush one, along with the blue Lush conditioner bar. Been using them for a year or two now and I really like them.

For soap, we have got rid of the ones like Dove, `Palmolive etc and tend to use nice ones from smaller shops or sites. We really like the Scottish Soap Company ones. We tried them after visiting there and now order them online.

I use toothpaste tabs. Have tried 3 different ones so far. I quite like the Lush ones but the current black ones I'm trying I'm not sure about. A cheaper one I got from Amazon are a bit too chalky, they come in glass jars, not plastic ones.

I use a crystal deodorant at present. I did try a couple of deodorant bars but not find one I like yet.

I've not yet found a facial moisturiser bar I like. I need to investigate lotions I can get in reusable jars I think.

In our new bathrooms we had small hooks out next to the shower, instead of a shelf thing. We use Hussain bags for the shampoo and soaps. We use the soap whilst it's still in the bag - helps to foam up and also a little bit of exfoliation.

Not yet moved into dishwasher and washing machine options yet - they're in my next list.

My main issue with the Lush toothpaste tabs is lack of fluoride.
So I am still working my way through alternative ones.

I haven't moved mouthwash over yet either. Another thing on my list

I've used Nuddy and Gruum shampoo bars, both good and the companies often have introductory offers or deals.

I'm currently working through samples from Ethique - they do sample sets for a reasonable price.

I also get shampoo and conditioner from the Little Eco Shop - both excellent.

Soaps I get from TK Maxx. Or just plain old fragrance free bars from the supermarket, normally less than £1 for 2 or 3.

I use Smol for dishwasher and washing clothes because they come in the post and are fine for septic tanks.

I've just checked and the other toothpaste tab I quite liked, which does have fluoride, but doesn't foam as much is called parla.

@Ducksareruiningmypatio

Aussie are doing metal bottles and refills now!

Really? Interesting..

@Xiaoxiong

On cloth nappies, nothing works as well on stains as drying in the light (full sun obviously better but even just next to a bright window will work). We just used Persil bio with a cold pre-wash (I did 2 kids birth to potty in cloth so ask me anything!!)

Definitely use cloth wipes as well. I just used to keep next to the changing table a box of dry wipes and a sports bottle full of water with a bit of chamomile tea if I was feeling fancy. Squeeze water on dry wipe, wipe bum, drop into nappy bucket. You can buy cheeky wipes or bamboo wipes, or cut up old muslins or flannels.

I use Wild deodorant, also their soaps are excellent: www.wearewild.com/collections/wild-soap-collection

Colgate has a new range called "smile for good" where the tube is recyclable but that's not plastic free - however on Boots.com there are 5 or 6 different kinds of toothpaste tablets which all look like they're worth a try.

I can't help on the shampoo bars as I haven't found one yet that doesn't turn my hair to straw - watching with interest.

I've only got a few cloth nappies. How many would be recommend? How often do you put a wash on? I'm concerned about the extra washing if I'm honest

I buy Dettol sensitive soap from abs in. You get 4 for £5 or in home bargains/savers. Kills bacteria so I love it in summer.

beautykubes.co.uk/
and
www.zerowastepath.co.uk/

I have tried loads and these are the best options IMO.

I use this www.hollandandbarrett.com/shop/product/dr-bronner-s-all-one-tea-tree-pure-castile-bar-soap-60037070 all-in-one soap and shampoo bar (previously recommended to me by someone on Mumsnet). There are other 'flavours', but the tea tree oil one stops me having dandruff.

My Little Eco Shop did the best one I've tried so far but they're expensive (for me).

The Aussie bars are great! They smell lovely and are koala shaped. My hair is quite easily kept though.

M&S are selling reusable product bags and I'm trying not to buy plastic packaged fruit and veg.

I have reusable pads from Bloom & Nora for myself and like them for at night or being at home but can't quite get used to wearing them at work, as they feel bulky to me.

I love Home Things cleaning products. They're tablet versions of household cleaning products. You put them in a bottle with some warm water and they dissolve. They sell their own bottles but I use my old Method ones. I think they're better at cleaning.

I also use smol laundry tablets. I usually hate capsule type things but these are fab. No residue. Price is reasonable.

Shampoo bars. Although I haven't found a conditioner I like.

Compostable sponges they're selling in Tesco are brilliant.

Cleansing pads from My little eco shop are lovely although too big for me. I'm going to get smaller ones.

Silk dental floss.

Solid toothpaste bars from boots. They're not great tasting but you get used to it. I prefer to powder. They last ages.

Crystal deodorant

How do people reduce plastic waste from things like Chicken and fish. Do local butchers wrap chicken in paper or let you take your own container ?

Shampoo - I use Alter/native, either Lavender and Geranium or Rose and Geranium - I find the Sandalwood leaves my hair quite claggy, can't get it fully rinsed out.

Toothpaste, I've tries a few different tablets, the best I've come across is Denttabs www.anythingbutplastic.co.uk/product-page/denttabs-toothpaste-tablets-with-fluoride.

I don't use washing tablets, just washing powder which comes in cardboard boxes - Fairy Non-bio and Bold.