Yes, generally, bar soap is better for the environment than shower gel.
Here's a breakdown of why:
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Packaging: Bar soap typically comes in minimal cardboard packaging, which is easily recyclable and biodegradable. Shower gel, on the other hand, is usually packaged in plastic bottles, contributing to plastic waste and pollution.
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Waste Reduction: Using bar soap means there is nothing left to throw away once it's completely used, as opposed to plastic shower gel bottles that often end up in landfills.
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Ingredients: While the ingredients vary between different brands and types of both soap and shower gel, some shower gels contain microplastics, which can harm aquatic life when they enter waterways.
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Transportation: Bar soaps tend to be smaller and lighter than bottled shower gels, which can result in lower fuel consumption during transportation.
Therefore, due to reduced packaging waste, easier recyclability, and potentially fewer harmful ingredients, bar soap generally has a smaller environmental footprint compared to shower gel.