Everything about the ban on single-use plastics

Plastic, we use a lot of it. Too much. Tiny plastic particles can be found all over the world. From the deepest parts of the ocean to our own blood, we find them everywhere. In recent decades, the use of plastic has increased enormously, leading to a global problem: the plastic soup. This soup of plastic waste in the oceans is not only harmful to the environment and the animals living in it, but also to human health. Therefore, it is high time to take action and ban single-use plastic.

The ban on single-use plastic

As of July 3, 2021, the ban on single-use plastic is in effect in the European Union. This means that products such as plastic cutlery, straws, stirrers, and balloon sticks may no longer be produced and sold. This also applies to single-use plastic for food and drinks. The plastic caps of soft drink bottles must also be attached to the bottle from 2024 onwards. Coca-Cola has already started this. The aim of the ban is to reduce the use of plastic. This way, the impact on the environment is limited.  

Alternatives to single-use plastic

Fortunately, countless alternatives to single-use plastic are available. For example, there are reusable straws, cutlery, and containers made of stainless steel, bamboo, glass, or wood. You can also opt for paper straws and biodegradable crockery and packaging. This way, you reduce the amount of plastic waste and contribute to a better environment.

Of course, we've mainly been talking about single-use plastic for consumption. But how do you handle it when it comes to personal care products? ShampooBars.nl has the answer! Did you know that we have much more in our assortment than just Shampoo Bars and Conditioner Bars? We also have Hair Masks, shower gel, body oil, shaving gel, body scrub, facial scrub and cleansing bars for the face. We also thought of office dog Nessa! So, especially for all our loyal four-legged friends, we also have a wonderful Shampoo Bar for dogs.

But that's not all. In addition to facial care that saves countless plastic bottles annually, there's more. We have various accessories that banish single-use plastic. Such as our Washable cotton pads with matching bamboo holder. Or our safety razor with refillable blades! Or Bamboo cotton swabs, bamboo toothbrushes (also for the little ones) and Konjac sponges. And it doesn't even stop there! We also have a Bamboo comb, hairbrush and even a dish brush.

Our Bamboo Cotton Swabs

One of the most common single-use plastics is plastic cotton swabs. These small sticks are used for cleaning ears. After a single use, they often end up in the environment or the ocean. Fortunately, alternatives are available, such as our Bamboo Cotton Swabs. These are made from sustainable bamboo and cotton and are fully biodegradable. This way, you contribute to a cleaner environment and reduce the amount of plastic waste.

The impact of plastic on the environment

Plastic waste has a huge impact on the environment. For example, it takes about 450 years for a plastic shampoo bottle to fully decompose. Large quantities of plastic end up in our beautiful oceans. This is also known as the plastic soup. This causes serious pollution with major consequences for the animals and organisms living in it. They get entangled in plastic waste and are poisoned by the chemicals in the plastic. Plastic also enters our own bodies via the food chain. Last year, plastic was found in human blood and lungs for the first time during a study. It's really everywhere! So, it's high time to start moving towards a plastic-free way of life. However small those steps may be, every step is important!

Our Shampoo Bars

Fortunately, alternatives to plastic bottles are available, such as our Shampoo Bars. These are not only packed with natural ingredients. They are free of microplastics, parabens, silicones, SLS and SLES, and they are also vegan and cruelty-free. In addition, each bar replaces about three plastic bottles and everything, down to the packaging, comes from Dutch soil. For example, the paper boxes are made nearby; they can even be picked up by bike, that's how close they are. And speaking of bikes, if possible, we have our packages delivered by bicycle courier. This way, we not only save a lot of plastic, but also a lot of trucks on the road!

And if you think about it: is one shampoo bar really more expensive than three bottles of your go-to liquid shampoo? And is your shampoo free of SLS and other drying chemicals? Small steps towards a plastic-free and sustainable way of life don't even have to be that expensive. So, which Shampoo Bar will you try soon to combat the plastic soup?