Handwashing was drastically increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sanitizers and soaps were more important than ever. Handwashing, along with other sanitation measures, ensured that we were safe from the coronavirus. But can the same be said for the environment as well?
According to research, improper disposal of soap residues can contaminate soil and groundwater.
Air pollution is also a major problem in the soap and detergent industry. These volatile petroleum compounds are used to make household cleaning products such as detergents. These compounds are easily dispersed into the air, dust, and soil. They pollute the environment and threaten our health.
Even regular outdoor activities, such as using soap while camping, can cause environmental pollution. The need for eco-friendly, sustainable alternatives is urgent. Learn more about the benefits and uses of biodegradable products.
What are biodegradable soaps?
Biodegradable soaps contain fewer synthetic and chemical components. They decompose rapidly and naturally without damaging the environment.
Biodegradable soaps are made with surfactants that come from natural sources, such as animal and vegetable fats. Surfactants act as foaming agents and lower surface tension in the water. When the soap suds from regular soaps reach water bodies, the animals’ mucus layers can be damaged.
Regular soaps contain phosphates and other antibacterial, antifungal, fragrances, and preservatives that can damage the ecosystem by destroying bacteria and algae.
Herbal soaps, on the other hand, are made of natural ingredients without harmful chemicals. Biodegradable products are only considered natural if they can be broken down into 90% water, CO2, and biomass in six months. Some materials can take many years to degrade.
How to Make Biodegradable Shampoo
You can make biodegradable soap from many natural ingredients. You can make your biodegradable bar of soap using commercial herbal soap.
Use the naturally occurring soapberries (or soapnuts), which are the fruits of the Sapindustree. These soap nuts are organic, fragrance-free, biodegradable and gentle. Saponins are abundant in soap nut shells. The shells can be made into biodegradable detergents and dish soaps. Composting the shells will result in zero waste.
You can also use natural oils such as palm oil co, coconut oil, and lye. Add dried flowers and berries to create natural scents or colors.
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What are the benefits of using biodegradable soaps?
Since they are made using natural materials and simple production methods, biodegradable soaps can be produced at a low cost. These are the main benefits of using biodegradable products:
1. Water quality improvements
Through soap suds, surfactants containing harmful chemicals can contaminate water. These detergents in high concentrations can affect aquatic life by reducing oxygen penetration. These detergents also change the chemical properties in water. Biodegradable soaps do not have any chemicals, so they are less harmful.
2. Exposure to hazardous chemicals should be minimized
Normal soaps can contain irritating ingredients such as triclosan, sulfates (SLS and SLES), and sulfates. Parabens are also found in them, and animal studies have shown that they can have negative effects.
3. Enhance skin and hair quality
Most natural soaps are rich in phytonutrients, including vitamins, proteins, and other bioactive substances that nourish and protect the skin.
4. Antioxidants are abundant in this fruit
Organic soaps contain antioxidants that act as preservatives and may even improve the shelf life. It is safer for your health to avoid the hazardous chemicals that are used in synthetic soaps as preservatives.
5. Animal cruelty prevention
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not recommend Animal testing for products such as cosmetics. Eco-friendly products are a great way to protect animals. Most manufacturers use humane and cruelty-free methods. Natural products do not usually require testing. However, even if they are tested, there is little chance that the results will be harmful.
6. Reduced environmental pollution
Biodegradable soaps reduce pollution by reducing the amount of soap suds that are released into the air. The production process of natural soaps is also considerably environment-friendly.
How to choose biodegradable soaps?
What you should know before choosing the best biodegradable soap.
Choose SLS and SLES-free products, as these ingredients can cause skin irritations, allergies, and rashes.
Avoid products that contain artificial dyes and fragrances. These can add to the pollution of the environment by adding additional chemicals.
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Avoid products that contain parabens. These preservatives, along with their associated compounds, can mimic the hormone estradiol and cause many health risks.
You should also check what conditions and duration are needed for the product you have chosen to degrade. This period can range anywhere from days to several years. It is also important to ensure that the breakdown products do not contain any toxic substances or are harmful in any other way.
How to Use Biodegradable Soaps?
Biodegradable soaps and hand soaps, such as natural soaps, are commonly used. These soaps may not be as strong and effective as normal detergents. These products require more effort to remove because they do not contain synthetic surfactants that make them easy to foam up and separate from the surface.
As they do not contain artificial preservatives, biodegradable soaps only have a short shelf life. It is a good thing because it means they break down quickly, but you cannot store them or buy them in bulk.
Even though soap may be biodegradable, you should not put it in the water. This is especially true near water sources that are public. Even though it is biodegradable, the soap can still harm aquatic organisms and affect water chemistry. Use any soap outdoors at least 30 meters away from the main body of water. Pour your soap suds or bath water into a 6-inch deep hole. This will allow the soil organisms to biodegrade the waste and prevent it from contaminating drinking water.
Bottom Line
Biodegradable soaps allow us to reduce our carbon footprint effectively. This is not only good for the environment but also your health.
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