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AIBU?

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To find an alternative to bar soap but with minimal plastic?

40 replies

icecreamsundae32 · 28/08/2019 13:55

Hi looking for some tips please.
Trying to reduce our plastic use, but my autistic son can't bear the feel of bars of soap on his hands or skin or the fact it has been on other people etc. He'd literally not wash his hands if there is only a bar of soap available. So we use liquid hand soap and shower gel. He uses a body puff thing so doesn't use too much shower gel so it lasts a while.

Are there any alternatives to bars of soap/solid shower gel as that's the same principle he won't touch it. I heard some people mention refillable shower gels/shampoos, but where do you go for this? I haven't seen anywhere near me that does this?

It is a sensory issue and he can't get past it. He does love animals and cares about the environment, always helps recycle things. I finally got him to accept reusable drinking straws as he can't drink without one and I've bought him a metal water bottle and tin lunch containers for school. He walks or cycles to school and we recycle everything possible and donate all outgrown clothes/shoes/toys to charity shops. We have stopped eating red meat and only eat chicken/turkey twice a week max and have been using oat and almond milks. Just conscious of doing all we can so would appreciate any suggestions.

OP posts:
ScaryBunnyPainting · 28/08/2019 13:56

How would he feel about a soap pouch?

BirthdayCakes · 28/08/2019 13:57

Splosh do shower gel - you order refills online after buying the first bottle.. otherwise Faith in Nature do refills from shops - although often more expensive that just buying a new bottle (not that I would - it just rankles a bit!)

BirthdayCakes · 28/08/2019 13:58

Splosh also do handwash - AND they have a bottle-o-metre that will show you how many bottles you haven't bought (if DS is into that kind of thing - I'm always quite chuffed when I see it = I'm up to 50 something now!)

Steviestamborine · 28/08/2019 14:01

We have a shop in our town that you can take bottles to be filled with toiletries, I think these are becoming more common so it might be worth checking for your nearest.

misskatamari · 28/08/2019 14:04

We use splosh for hand soap and have just started with the shower gel as well. Really impressed with both.

Synecdoche · 28/08/2019 14:10

You can buy big 5l bottles of soap/shampoo/shower gel online (ecover, faith in nature etc) and then keep refilling up old/reusable bottles.

icecreamsundae32 · 28/08/2019 14:16

Thank you so much am on splosh website now and see they do washing up liquid and cleaning products too!

I had never heard of this so will recommend to friends and family too. I will also look for a local refill place too!

Glad I posted now!

OP posts:
icecreamsundae32 · 28/08/2019 14:40

Have searched there are no refill places near me. Some in London but that's an hour by train and means lugging the big bottles on train and tunbridge wells or near Brighton but both an hour away by car! Wonder if there are plans for any local to me tho...

OP posts:
WhosH00Wh0 · 28/08/2019 19:25

Soap leaves can get ones to use for hand washing, shaving, body, hair.
Soap in a tin, this one is lush for hair & body
Just add water
I've used the Lush Solid deoderant too
Or just buy another container to put soap in

To find an alternative to bar soap but with minimal plastic?
Hello1231 · 28/08/2019 19:30

If there are no refills nearby I agree that Splosh is probably the best bet. In honesty though OP, it sounds like you are doing what you can to not use as much plastic, but if this one thing makes washing manageable for your son I wouldnt stress too much about it. I don't think it will be long until there are widely available alternatives, and if others in the house are using bars instead that is fab.

Chocolatekitty · 28/08/2019 19:39

Entirely depends if you have the time or the inclination, but you can make liquid soap from bar soap- grate it and mix with boiling water. When it cools, you can decant it into pump bottles you already have.

dexterslockedintheshedagain · 28/08/2019 19:52

Just had a look at Splosh. Very impressed, have ordered a few things, see how I get on

Fridakahlofan · 28/08/2019 19:55

Where are you based? Just because you mention Brighton and t Wells?
Have a look at the zero waste Kent Facebook group (there is probably a Sussex one too). There will be a refill option near you - maybe forest row farm shop?

Philmitchell · 28/08/2019 20:01

There is one in eastbourne called zero waste if you live near there ? Think theres a brighton one to.

icecreamsundae32 · 29/08/2019 07:59

Hi no not near Brighton and tunbridge Wells both an hour drive. I'm near Dartford in Kent there is literally nothing closer than an hour drive or an hour train into London and then prob tube/bus! Not on Facebook to look at Kent zero waste but would be interested to know if there are any shops in Kent that might not be listed on the faith in nature website!

I am unfortunately not of the inclination and spare time to make my own but Splosh looks like the best compromise. I hope more refillable options appear in time.

Even things like food shopping the only supermarket near me is Asda, i like the idea of Waitrose where I hear you can take your own containers and measure out pasta etc but there is no Waitrose near me lol.

OP posts:
EdithWeston · 29/08/2019 08:05

This is when I wish Body Shop had stayed closer to its founding principles, and still did refills.

So I think you have to accept that at present there isn't much alternative, but for those who have to (or simply prefer to) use liquids, then pressing retailers to do refills might be the way ahead.

firstimemamma · 29/08/2019 08:12

Another vote for splosh shower gel and hand wash Smile

SummerSun10 · 29/08/2019 08:27

Thanks everyone for suggesting Splosh! I have never heard of it before this thread, just had a look and it looks great and very cheap. I have already ordered some things to try!

WhatHaveIFound · 29/08/2019 08:33

You can buy 5L containers of Ecover liquid soap on Ocado. I bulk buy the 5L laundry liquid/fabric conditioner from them but use bar soap.

Fullyhuman · 29/08/2019 08:36

Not saying you should make the trip specially but next time you are going to London you could go home via Nunhead (on line to Dartford) & stop off here (closed Mondays) bringyourownuk.com/

wheresmyliveship · 29/08/2019 08:44

Food for living in Dartford seem to do refills with eCover.

fairislecable · 29/08/2019 08:44

I buy the bio d products
www.amazon.co.uk/Bio-D-Geranium-Sanitising-Hand-litre/dp/B00MBIHF2U?linkCode=xm2&SubscriptionId=AKIAILSHYYTFIVPWUY6Q&creativeASIN=B00MBIHF2U&tag=mumsnetforu03-21&creative=165953&camp=2025

I also use their washing up and laundry liquid in 5 litre containers and decant into smaller bottles.

I now need to find a way of reusing the large 5 litre containers.

fairislecable · 29/08/2019 08:45

I have them delivered by Amazon.

floatinglily · 29/08/2019 08:52

Splosh looks great. Does anyone know what the refill pouches are made of?

icecreamsundae32 · 29/08/2019 08:54

@wheresmyliveship I will look at that one in Dartford thanks

OP posts:
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