Here's an easy way to save a few trees in the long run....Buy bar soap without the box!
Lately I've been buying these round, 100% vegetable oil soaps made by Sappo Hill at my local Whole Foods Market. They don't even have a label other than a tiny bar code - it's just good-old-fashioned soap without the waste.
Take a look on Etsy and you'll find plenty of homemade soap vendors:
I'm itching to try these beautiful, organic soaps from Mirasol Farm in River Falls, WI. If I ordered a bunch, I bet they would be nice enough to send the soaps all in one big box instead of individually packaged. :)
If you are looking to stock up, consider Joan's Gardens cold-process soap made with herbs and essential oils - your choice of 6 soaps for $20 bucks.
Soothing Suds cold-process soaps are a little more expensive but you get 10% off when you order 5 or more at a time.
Or how about a 2# soap log that you can cut into bars yourself? Artifact Soapworks makes them in a variety of scents and colors.
Do you have a favorite bar soap without any packaging?
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My favorite shampoo bar comes half-covered in a re-used brown paper shopping bag w/the Good Earth Soap logo on it. We don't have a WF here (maybe in Milwaukee??), so I find other sources for my soap. If we get out west this summer, though, I will check out the one in River Falls!
Posted by: DramaMama | April 06, 2011 at 04:05 PM
I wish I could remember the brand, but when I was out in Colorado purchased a soap that did have packaging, but it was biodegradable and had wildflower seeds in the package.
Posted by: Marjorie | April 06, 2011 at 06:45 PM
Sappo Hill soaps are fantastic--I'm a big fan of the lemon gardeners' with cornmeal. My good friend Jen also makes the most amazing goat milk soaps. My girls and I have helped hand-feed her baby goats in New Hampshire. Her soaps are wonderfully scented--cedarwood, rose geranium, neroli, sandalwood--and just last forever. Her website is: http://www.gardendreams.org
Posted by: Marcie | April 06, 2011 at 09:14 PM
I think we bought that same wildflower soap. Can't remember when or where though.
Posted by: Chris | April 07, 2011 at 07:11 AM
We have a local lady that has a shop in Downyown York that makes delicious smelling natural soaps. She makes small labels for them, but you can bring them back and have her reuse them or just leave it there. She also makes big soap logs that you can cut apart as well. The company is called Sunrise Soap Company based out of York, PA. Pretty sure she has a website but don't know it offhand.
Posted by: MyRealGreenLife | April 07, 2011 at 10:58 AM
I hadn't thought of looking on Etsy for homemade soap. What a great idea. I usually buy soap at the farmers market or at Whole Foods. All without any plastic wrapping. I really like Zum Bar Soap-made with goats milk.
Posted by: Lori Popkewitz Alper | April 07, 2011 at 11:30 AM
Bar soap is one of my favorite eco-"sacrifices". I troll our farmers' market for bar soap and just recently ordered some, along with honey, from a beekeeper I found who lives one town away.
Posted by: Green Bean | April 07, 2011 at 05:35 PM
Natural soaps just smell better too!
Posted by: Chiropractor Lynnwood | April 07, 2011 at 06:12 PM
I buy LuSa Organics soap from one of the crunchy stores in town (Community Pharmacy and Willy Street both have it) with no labels. And when the summer comes I could even buy it direct at the Farmer's Market if I remembered. My mother probably thinks I'm crazy to spend $4.50 on a bar of soap but it's so worth it.
Posted by: Jenn | April 07, 2011 at 07:45 PM
ooohh...those soaps sound wonderful Marcie!
Posted by: Micaela | April 08, 2011 at 09:30 AM
I've seen those Zum soaps but have never tried them - glad to hear a positive review!
Posted by: Micaela | April 08, 2011 at 09:31 AM
LuSa Organics is such a great company! I buy their stuff at the Madison farmer's market. Love the lotion bars! In my opinion good soap is worth every penny!
Posted by: Micaela | April 08, 2011 at 09:33 AM
I love the idea of buying from Etsy - I always try to buy handmade whenever possible. But I am concerned about the packaging required to ship the soaps to me. I guess I could reuse it. Fortunately, I have a Whole Foods, several small natural foods stores and several farmers markets in my area, so I will definitely look for non-packaged options in those places. Thanks!
Posted by: Cindy | April 09, 2011 at 08:21 PM
Do you think it can good benefits to my skin? he he he
But still i want to try that kind of soap. I am excited to see what will be the result.
Posted by: childrens christian curriculum | April 14, 2011 at 08:43 PM
I love to make homemade soap! It's easy and relatively inexpensive, and makes for a great craft to do with your kids. It also makes a great gift! Please see the link for an easy guide to make soap on my website:
http://www.vidacoco.com/crafts/holiday-crafts/item/55-valentines-day-craft-homemade-soap
Posted by: Coco of VidaCoco.com | April 24, 2011 at 11:25 PM
I just love soaps! and I love etsy. Will be looking for some to buy there! Love your blog!
Posted by: julesgoesgreen | May 12, 2012 at 09:33 PM
Thanks for stopping by Julie! Have fun shopping on Etsy!
Posted by: Micaela | May 14, 2012 at 07:53 AM