Plastic packaging is a major source of waste, filling up our landfills and polluting waterways and ecosystems. But how can we avoid it when so many everyday products come wrapped in plastic? Fortunately, there are more sustainable alternatives available than you might think. From reducing waste at home to making sustainable travel easier, bar-form products are versatile and ideal for an on-the-go lifestyle. Here are some surprising products you can buy in bar form that help reduce waste while keeping your daily routine intact.
1. Dog Wash Bar - Keep Your Pup Clean Anywhere, Anytime
Dogs may be our beloved companions, but they don't need plastic packaging for bath time. Instead, try a Dog Wash Bar. This pure and natural shampoo bar from 'A Wild Soap Bar' is enriched with organic aloe and oats, soothing the skin and leaving your dog’s coat soft, shiny, and fresh-smelling. It even includes essential oils to repel insects and calcium bentonite clay for a deep clean, making it an excellent choice for dogs with sensitive skin.
The solid form makes it perfect for travel—you can easily bring it along when visiting friends, camping, or taking a road trip with your dog, without worrying about liquid restrictions or spills. To use, simply wet your dog’s coat, rub the bar all over (avoiding the eyes and ears), and massage until you’ve loosened dirt and grime. Then rinse thoroughly. It's gentle enough to use bi-weekly or as needed, and convenient enough to take wherever you and your doggo go.
2. Stain Stick - Tackle Stains Anywhere, Without the Plastic
Accidents happen—especially on those days when you're wearing your favorite whites or light-colored clothes. Instead of a plastic bottle of stain remover, opt for a Vegan Stain Stick. This solid, zero-waste alternative works wonders as a pre-treatment for stubborn stains while helping to prolong the life of your clothing, all without the need for plastic.
Its compact size makes it a perfect travel companion—no need to worry about spills or TSA liquid limits, and you can easily throw it in your bag for quick stain emergencies when you're out and about. To use, simply moisten the stain stick and rub it gently onto the stain. Let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse and wash as usual. It's an easy, effective way to fight stains and keep your laundry routine low-waste, no matter where life takes you.
3. Dish Washing Block - Zero-Waste Cleaning at Home or on the Road
Handwashing dishes often means reaching for a plastic bottle of dish soap—but it doesn’t have to. Enter the Vegan Dishwashing Block, a zero-waste solution made by No-Tox Life. This soap block offers a rich, sudsy lather that cuts through grease and grime without drying out your hands. It's versatile enough to be used throughout your home, from taking stains out of laundry to wiping down counters.
The solid form of this dish soap also makes it ideal for travel—no more worrying about liquids spilling in your bag. Whether you're camping, staying in a rental, or on an extended trip, this block provides an easy, portable way to do your dishes sustainably. To use, scrape dishes to remove excess food, wet a sponge or scrubber, and rub it on the soap block to create suds. Wash and rinse your items as needed, and for tougher jobs like pots and pans, use a scrubber. One 6-oz. bar can replace roughly a 12-oz. bottle of typical liquid dish soap—saving both plastic and money.
For a complete sustainable kitchen switch, consider replacing your sponge too. Traditional kitchen sponges are notorious for harboring bacteria and shedding microplastics. A Washable Sponge is a great reusable alternative—plastic-free, durable, and easy to clean in the dishwasher or laundry.
4. Baby Wash Bar - Gentle Care for Your Little One, At Home or Away
Babies are precious, but caring for them often creates a lot of waste. A Baby Wash Bar offers a low-waste solution to keep your little one clean and fresh. Made by Urban Oreganics, this calendula oatmeal 2-in-1 shampoo and wash bar is free of harsh chemicals, providing a gentle clean that leaves skin soft and fully moisturized—so you may not need lotion afterwards.
Plus, it’s perfect for travel or visits with family, as it’s easy to pack without worrying about spills or leaks. No matter where you are, this convenient wash bar makes bath time easy and sustainable for you and your baby.
5. Shaving Soap - A Close Shave Without the Plastic, Anywhere You Go
Ditch those difficult-to-recycle shaving cream cans and switch to Organic Shave Soap. This unisex shaving soap is made with coconut oil, calcium bentonite clay, and essential oils to provide a lubricated lather that protects your skin while you shave. It’s also formulated with black willow bark for its antiseptic properties.
Its compact size makes it perfect for traveling—no bulky cans or plastic bottles needed, just a smooth shave wherever you are. Simply lather the 3" round bar directly onto moistened skin or with a brush, and enjoy a close, comfortable shave without the waste.
6. Shampoo and Conditioner Bars - Hair Care on the Go, Without the Plastic
The bathroom is often full of plastic bottles, but you can change that by switching to Shampoo and Conditioner Bars. These bars are non-toxic, plastic-free, and provide an amazing experience for your hair—all while reducing waste. Packaged in a 100% compostable, recyclable, and biodegradable cardboard box, they're a more sustainable choice without sacrificing quality.
The compact nature of these bars makes them perfect for traveling—no need to deal with liquid restrictions, and they take up minimal space. For added convenience, you can extend the life of your bars with a Soap Saver Bag made from organic cotton mesh. The bag is perfect for holding soap or shampoo bars, making them easier to use and store, and even providing light exfoliation.
When you're on the go, keep your bars fresh with a Travel Tin. Each tin comes with a soap lift to prevent your bar from sitting in water and getting messy. It’s a perfect solution for staying sustainable while traveling.
Making Sustainable Swaps
There are so many sustainable alternatives to the everyday products we use. From reducing waste at home to making sustainable travel a breeze, bar-form products are versatile, convenient, and eco-friendly. The next time you’re looking for a replacement, consider whether a bar-form product is an option. Whether you’re just beginning your journey towards a more eco-friendly lifestyle or are a seasoned pro, these swaps can make a real difference.
How are you reducing waste in your life? We'd love to hear from you—share your tips with us!
