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Shampoo Bar Review: The Zero-Waste Upgrade Your Hair
If you’ve been curious about shampoo bars but aren’t sure if they’re for you, let us introduce you to the Soleil Shampoo Bar—the plastic-free, zero-waste haircare game-changer that’s winning over even the most loyal liquid shampoo fans. One of our customers said it best: "A luxurious, voluminous lather that cleans my fine hair quickly and effortlessly. Great for travel! My hair is shiny—always a bonus—and I swear it has more volume these days. You won’t be disappointed." And honestly, we couldn’t agree more. Why a Shampoo Bar? Ditching traditional shampoo bottles for a shampoo bar isn’t just a trend—it’s a smart, eco-conscious choice. Here’s why: Zero Waste: No plastic bottles means no plastic waste. Simple as that. The Soleil Shampoo Bar comes in 100% plastic-free packaging, so you can lather up guilt-free. Made in Australia: Locally sourced, natural ingredients mean you’re supporting Australian businesses while giving your hair the best nature has to offer. Travel-Friendly: TSA-approved and spill-proof, this bar is the perfect companion for your next adventure. No more worrying about leaks in your luggage! Better for Your Hair: Free from harsh chemicals, the Soleil Shampoo Bar is gentle yet effective, leaving your hair clean, shiny, and full of volume—no conditioner required for some! Switching to a shampoo bar is one of the easiest ways to reduce your plastic footprint. Traditional shampoo bottles take centuries to break down, but a shampoo bar? It’s as simple as using it up and composting the tiny bit of packaging. You can either repurpose the tin, purchase a shampoo bar without the tin, or pop it into the recycle bin. Plus, since it’s zero waste, you’re helping to keep our oceans and landfills a little cleaner. Beyond the eco-friendly perks, the Soleil Shampoo Bar is a haircare hero. Whether you’re dealing with fine hair that needs a volume boost or just want a product that works effortlessly in any water type (soft, hard, or somewhere in between), this bar delivers. And did we mention the luxurious lather? It’s the kind of experience that makes you wonder why you ever bothered with liquid shampoo in the first place. Ready to Make the Switch? If you’ve been on the fence about trying a shampoo bar, let this be your sign. The Soleil Shampoo Bar is proof that Plastic Free doesn’t mean compromising on quality—it means upgrading it. Your hair (and the planet) will thank you. Want to learn more? Check out the Soleil Shampoo Bar and see for yourself why it’s a customer favourite!
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The Hidden Costs of Plastic: What You Don’t See
Plastic is everywhere—wrapping our food, holding our drinks, and even hiding in our clothes. But what you don’t see is often the most alarming. At Eorth, we believe that knowledge is power, and the hidden costs of plastic pollution go far beyond what meets the eye. Microplastics, tiny particles from broken-down plastic waste and synthetic fabrics, have been found in human blood, lungs, and even placentas. They sneak into our bodies through the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we eat. These invisible invaders remind us that plastic pollution isn’t just an environmental issue—it’s a human health issue too. And here’s the kicker: over 99% of plastics are made from fossil fuels like oil, gas, or coal. Every time you buy a single-use plastic item, you’re indirectly supporting the fossil fuel industry. With oil prices fluctuating, plastic production remains cheap for manufacturers, but the cost to our planet is anything but cheap. The connection between plastic and fossil fuels ties our plastic habit directly to the industries driving climate change. Unlike organic materials, plastic doesn’t biodegrade. Instead, it photodegrades, breaking into smaller pieces that never truly disappear. These fragments choke marine life, leach toxic chemicals into our soil and water, and cost taxpayers millions in cleanup efforts. But there’s hope. At Eorth, we’re all about action over anxiety. Small changes, like swapping single-use plastics for reusable alternatives or choosing products with plastic free packaging, add up to a big impact. Supporting businesses that prioritize sustainability is another powerful way to make a difference. The hidden costs of plastic are real, but so is our ability to change the story. Together, we can turn the tide on plastic pollution—one swap at a time.
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Plastic Free July & Birthday Celebrations
Six years ago, I participated in my first Plastic Free July—and it changed everything. I spent the following months looking around my home and seeing plastic everywhere! In the bathroom, the kitchen, even my handbag. Everywhere I went, it was plastic, plastic, plastic. I knew I had to make a change, not just for myself, but for the planet. My Aha Moment: I started shopping online, desperate to find a store that sold only non-plastic items—shampoo bottles, dental floss, hair brushes, dish brushes, laundry products. There were eco-stores, sure, but none that were completely plastic-free. So, I decided to create one! Eorth: an old English word for Earth. An Earth Before Plastic. After a year of research and learning, Eorth was born—an online store dedicated to Plastic Free Living. We stocked kitchen, laundry and bath products but customers kept asking for something more: Bath and Beauty products they could curate into gift packs. Back then, there wasn't a lot of options, so, I rolled up my sleeves and got to work. The Eorth Evolution: I completed a Diploma in Natural Skincare Formulation and studied Natural Hair Care Formulation. It wasn’t easy—especially with the personal setbacks endured over the past two years—but today, I'm proud to say Eorth as a brand is up and running. Our own beauty products — Plastic Free, Australian made using Australian Oils and Botanicals. We still stock homewares, and our focus remains the same: helping you live without plastic. What is Plastic Free July? Plastic Free July is a global movement that encourages millions to refuse single-use plastics during the month of July. It’s about raising awareness, making small changes and realising how much plastic we can avoid when we try. Why it matters: Over 460 million tonnes of plastic is produced yearly. Much of it ends up in our oceans, harming wildlife and polluting our earth. The impact: Every swap—whether it’s a dental floss or plastic shampoo bottles—it all adds up. How to Participate in Plastic Free July: Take the Pledge: Visit plasticfreejuly.org and commit to avoiding single-use plastics during the month of July. Start Small: Pick one plastic item to swap—like Plastic Free Dental Floss or a Solid Shampoo Bar. Follow Us: This July, we’re celebrating 6 years of Eorth together with Plastic Free July and making it easier for you to make the switch. Check out our socials for our Plastic Free July Specials. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook. P.S. Share your Plastic Free July journey using #earthbeforeplastic — I’d love to see your progress!
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Antarctica, Plastic Pollution & The Future
In a world grappling with environmental challenges, leadership and innovation are more crucial than ever. Dr. Saffron Bryant, a Senior Lecturer at RMIT University in Melbourne, Australia, embodies these qualities through her work in science and sustainability. In a recent podcast, Dr. Bryant shares her experiences from an extraordinary expedition to Antarctica as part of the Homeward Bound initiative, and we discuss the need for plastic reduction and sustainable practices. A Journey to the End of the Earth On November 3, 2023, Dr. Bryant joined 80 remarkable women from 19 countries on a three-week expedition to Antarctica. This journey, organized by Homeward Bound, aimed to inspire and equip women in STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine) with the skills to lead and drive sustainable change. The expedition was more than just a scientific mission; it was a leadership initiative designed to foster collaboration and action for a better future. Dr. Bryant's work bridges chemistry, biology, and physics, focusing on real-world challenges such as cryopreservation, drug delivery, and wound healing. Beyond her scientific pursuits, she is a passionate environmental advocate and a prolific writer, with over 30 science fiction and fantasy novels to her name. During the podcast, Dr. Bryant discusses how her experiences in Antarctica and the amazing women she met on the trip. As part of her fundraising efforts for the expedition, Dr. Bryant pledged to go plastic free for a week. Instead of participating for just one week she is now making it her 2025 mission to cut back as much plastic as possible from here day-to-day purchases. Dr. Bryant's vision for the future is one where science and sustainability go hand in hand. She believes in the potential for scientific breakthroughs to address the plastic pollution crisis, emphasizing the need for continued research and innovation.
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Still Wrapping Suitcases in Plastic? Why?
Plastic-wrapped luggage is a common sight at airports, but have you ever wondered why people do it? Is it really necessary, or is it just another source of plastic waste? In this post, we'll explore the history behind luggage wrapping, the waste it generates, and whether it actually protects your suitcase from tampering or damage. How Did This Trend Start? The most popular reason, at least in Australia, dates back to 2005 and the high-profile case of Schapelle Corby—an Australian woman arrested in Bali for smuggling a large amount of marijuana in her boogie board bag. The intense media coverage led many travellers to believe that wrapping their bags in plastic would prevent airport staff from tampering with their luggage. The fact is, some Australian airports were offering wrapping services before this incident, mostly catering to international visitors. But after the Corby case made headlines, plastic wrapping gained popularity among Australian travellers. Fast forward to today—20 years later—and airports are still providing wrapping services. But why? One online commenter provided the following reasons: - The wrapping service also includes a weighing service, so you’ll know if your bags are overweight prior to check-in. - It protects against damage, prevents cases from flying open, removes the need for locks, and protects against scuffs and petty theft from baggage handlers. Let’s counter that argument: 1. Weigh Your Bags at Home There are inexpensive digital scales that can help you check your luggage weight before leaving for the airport. There’s no need to rely on a paid service. 2. More Sustainable Ways to Secure and Protect Your Luggage Let’s be realistic—if airport staff need to inspect your bag, they will. Plastic wrap won’t stop customs agents or security personnel from opening your suitcase. It might indicate that someone tampered with your bag, but is it truly necessary? Think about it—the chances of a baggage handler sneaking a large amount of drugs into a random suitcase, hoping it gets to the right destination without getting caught, then managing to retrieve the bag at the other end without detection—are pretty slim. The Bigger Issue: Plastic Waste Plastic luggage wraps contribute to a growing mountain of waste. In Australia, it’s estimated that hundreds of thousands of bags are wrapped in plastic each year. In the United States, that number jumps to a shocking 2 million bags annually. And where does all that plastic go? Straight to landfill. What Are the Alternatives? If security is your concern, opt for a reusable luggage glove with TSA locks integrated into the design. For protection from dirt or scratches, consider a washable, durable, and customisable luggage cover. Unlike plastic wrap, you can use them over and over again. Lockable luggage straps are another good choice. They keep your suitcase secure, prevent it from flying open, and eliminate plastic waste—not to mention the added expense of airport plastic wrap services. Who Has the Power to Change This? As travellers, we can take action by refusing plastic wrap and choosing reusable alternatives. If enough of us stop using it, demand will drop. But it shouldn’t always fall on the consumer. Airports need to step up. They should phase out plastic wrap services and offer sustainable alternatives instead. What Do You Think? Let me know your thoughts on luggage wraps. Should we put pressure on airports to end this unnecessary practice? Or do you believe wrapping luggage in plastic is necessary?
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Self Sufficient Living: Is Plastic Still a Problem?
In the latest episode of And Then What?, I had the pleasure of speaking with Kim Grimwade-Beisel, a retired lawyer turned sustainability advocate who has built her own off-grid home in rural British Columbia. While Kim’s lifestyle is centered around self-sufficiency—growing her own food, canning, and creating her own power—plastic still finds its way into her daily life. This raises an important question: Can we ever truly escape plastic, even when living sustainably? During our conversation, Kim shared her insights on what it takes to live off-grid and how plastic still plays a role in that lifestyle. From building materials in her newly constructed home to food packaging, plastic continues to be present in ways that aren’t always obvious. However, she also highlights ways to minimize its impact—such as growing food in a greenhouse, buying in bulk to reduce packaging waste, and using preservation methods like canning to avoid single-use plastics. One of the key takeaways from our discussion was the reality that plastic pollution affects everything—even the soil we rely on to grow food. Microplastics break down and infiltrate ecosystems, showing that even in the most self-sufficient lifestyles, plastic remains a problem. So, what can we do? As consumers, we have the power to demand change by choosing sustainable alternatives and challenging industries to move away from plastic dependency. 🎥 Watch: YouTube.com/@eorthshop 🎧 Listen: Spotify
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Connecting Plastic to Climate Change
A topic that's often overlooked when discussing climate change — plastic and its impact on our planet. The environmental impact of plastic starts long before it becomes waste. So if you care about climate change, you should care about plastic products and plastic pollution. Plastics, fossil fuels, and climate change are all interconnected — and that's why it’s more important than ever to reduce our reliance on plastic. The majority of plastic is made from fossil fuels — specifically oil and gas. In fact, about 99% of plastic comes from these non-renewable resources. So when we talk about climate change, we need to include plastic production as part of the conversation. It’s not just the visible pollution that’s the problem. Plastic pollution happens at every stage—starting with oil extraction and refining, through production, and finally when it’s discarded and considered waste. Not only that, but when we look at the recent fires in LA, one of the contributing factors in the ability for the buildings to burn so quickly, releasing harmful toxins into the air and marking it harder for fighters to combat the flames — was due to plastic. There's plastic throughout our homes and I'm not just referring to the single-used plastic that are commonly used. Electronic equipment, furniture, paint, curtains and on and on. Our homes contain hundreds of items of flammable plastics. Let’s look at a few types of plastics and their environmental impact: Biodegradable and compostable plastics are made from renewable materials like corn starch or sugarcane. Biodegradable plastics can break down naturally through bacteria or other living organisms, which means they don’t stick around in the environment for long. Compostable plastics require specific conditions to decompose. Meaning, as the name implies, they need to be composted. Should biodegradable plastics end up in the ocean or landfill, they may not breakdown as intended. Bio-based plastics are also made from natural sources, such as plants, and include plastics like PET — the same plastic used for water bottles and food containers. While it’s possible to make PET from renewable resources, most of the production today still relies on fossil fuels. So, while bio-based plastics may sound more sustainable, they often have the same environmental impact as traditional plastics. Fossil-Based and Non-Biodegradable PlasticsThese plastics are made from oil and gas. They include some of the most common plastics in the world, like polyethylene, which is used in single-use packaging, and PVC, found in things like water pipes and wire insulation. Polyethylene is the most manufactured plastic in the world, accounting for over 100 million metric tonnes each year. Yet, globally, only 9% of plastic waste is recycled. That means the majority of this plastic persists in our environment, often accumulating in oceans and waterways. And Then What? What happens to all this plastic when we're done with it? Much of it isn't recycled and instead sits in landfills for centuries, or worse, ends up in our oceans harming marine life. The reality is plastic isn't just a pollution problem, it's also a climate problem. If we want real change, we need to rethink our reliance on plastic and hold the industries driving its production accountable. Until next time, keep asking, And Then What?
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Plastic Free January
You may have heard of Plastic Free July, a monthly challenge held every July that aims to raise awareness of amount of plastic we use in our day-to-day lives. Since its inception in 2011 it has now grown into a global movement, inspiring millions of people to reduce their use of single use plastics. Another similar movement, although a lot smaller, that’s gaining traction is Plastic Free January. Plastic Free January is an extension to Plastic Free July’s message, encouraging people to start the New Year with meaningful change — focusing on a plastic-free lifestyle as part of their New Year’s Resolutions. I love the energy that comes with Plastic Free January. A new year represents new beginnings, the perfect time to pause and reflect on habits we want to change. Reducing plastic waste is one change that benefits not only ourselves but also our planet. So, how does Plastic Free January work? The good news is: there are no hard and fast rules. It’s all about raising awareness and making conscious choices to reduce plastic waste. Here are the basic principles of the challenge: If a product is wrapped in plastic, don’t buy it. And If you’re offered a free product made of or wrapped in plastic, simply say, “No, thank you.” The goal is to become more aware of how deeply plastic has become part of our lives. By opting out of plastic, even for a short time, you’ll start to see how often plastic shows up and where you can make small, impactful changes. If you want to take the challenge a step further, here are two simple activities you can try: Track Your Plastic: For the first 24 hours of the challenge, take note of everything you touch that is made of plastic. You’ll quickly see how widely plastic is used — and reflect on where it’s necessary versus where you can cut back. Go on a Plastic Scavenger Hunt: Step outside and look for garbage. It’s likely you won’t have to go far. Treat each plastic item you find as a message and ask yourself:• What is it? • How did it get here?• What can I do about it? These two exercises are powerful ways to better understand the problem and start identifying solutions. Now, let’s talk about why challenges like Plastic Free January matter. Despite decades of recycling programs, it’s estimated that only 9% of plastic produced annually is recycled globally. That’s a shockingly low number, and it’s most certainly not sustainable. To give you some perspective, here are a few eye-opening statistics: • Over 8.3 billion metric tons of plastic have been produced since the 1950s.• Approximately 40% of plastic produced every year is used for packaging and single-use items.• And a staggering 8 million pieces of plastic enter the ocean daily. Daily!And here’s the most alarming part: Recent estimates indicate that between 11 and 14 million metric tons of plastic enter our oceans annually, that’s approximately one to two dump trucks' worth every minute. Let me repeat that – one or two dump trucks of plastic waste entering our oceans every minute! Reducing single-use plastics is one of the simplest ways we can make a positive impact. It starts with small, mindful choices — like choosing plastic free packaging, bringing your own reusable items, or just saying no to unnecessary plastic products. If you’re participating in Plastic Free January, don’t forget to share your progress on social media using the hashtags #PlasticFreeJan and #EarthBeforePlastic. Before we get back to today’s topic, I want to take a moment to tell you about Eorth. That’s Eorth with an 0. It’s an online store I started with the aim of making it easier to reduce plastic in your everyday life. From plastic free household essentials to natural beauty products, everything we offer has been chosen to help you make more sustainable choices. I hope you’re inspired to give Plastic Free January a try and start this year with a positive change. If you’d like to connect, you can find us on social media:• Bluesky Social: eorth.au• Facebook and Instagram: @eorthshop And stay tuned for future episodes of And Then What, where I’ll be featuring guest speakers to share their insights on plastic pollution, sustainability, and practical solutions you can adopt. Until next time, I’m Cathy Earle, reminding you to keep asking: And Then What?
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Countdown to an Eco-friendly Christmas
The first steps to making you Christmas Plastic Free The horrors of a plastic Halloween are over — it’s now time to switch gears to Christmas. But it that doesn’t mean we have to endure another overload of plastic. Christmas can be eco-friendly and plastic free, but it does require a bit of planning. We’ve put together some tips to help you reduce your plastic consumption this Christmas. It all starts with making a list and checking it twice. GIFT WRAPPING It’s time to get that box of “Christmas stuff” out of the cupboard. Hopefully you have wrapping paper stored from last year. If not, when you’re seeking out paper this year look for FSC paper and one that’s not wrapped in plastic wrap. Out of sticky tape? Now is a great time to switch to a biodegradable tape. Or take it one step further and wrap your gift the traditional Japanese way. Furoshiki uses a single piece of cloth to wrap a gift — no tape required. Bonus: it looks pretty special. Ribbon is nice but we’re looking to avoid plastic so unless you’re opting for a cloth ribbon, hit the hardware store and pick up some twine, this creates a nice, natural eco look. Do you have Christmas cards you were gifted last year? Cut the cards to make your own unique gift tags. Fire up the dehydrator — cut up the lemons and limes (and any other fruit you have available) and get drying. A slice of dried orange is a lovely addition to your gift or as a Christmas tree decoration. Gift Wrapping Shopping List: ✅ Brown (recycled) wrapping paper or last year’s wrapping paper✅ Biodegradable sticky tape✅ Material for wrapping that extra special gift✅ Twine and dehydrated lemons and limes for a natural touch✅ DIY gift tags from recycled Christmas cards ECO CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS Christmas decorations are usually pretty special items and are used year after year. When you’re adding to your decorations this year look for something that’sa) not made of plastic andb) something you know will last for generations to come. Christmas Tree Decorations Shopping List: ✅ Plastic free✅ Will create memories✅ Will last for generations to come CHRISTMAS PARTY DECORATIONS Christmas parties is where we see a whole lot of plastic — some you cannot control and some you might not want to (aka boxes of chocolates or wrapped treats) but there are things you can do to lessen the plastic pollution impact — especially if you’re the host. If you’re hosting a party this festive season choose to refuse and choose to reuse. We’re talking about all things here but specifically disposable cups, plates and cutlery. Sure it might be easier to clean up when you use disposable items but as Christmas is all about spending time with the family and friends, so is spending time in the kitchen. Washing dishes is all part of that quality family time — you won’t get that with disposables. We know it’s common to put balloons outside the home, (or inside the office) to indicate that’s where’s the party is at — but this practice really need to stop. We’re lead to believe they're biodegradable, but balloons really are just single use plastic — especially foil balloons. Make a big paper sign, put out some lights — choose anything but balloons. When you’re selecting your decorations for home or office parties — ask yourself: once Christmas is over will this simply be headed for landfill? If the answer is yes: put it back on the shelf. Natural items look great on tables, such as a bowl of nuts or cinnamon sticks wrapped in twine. Decorating with scented candles are always popular at Christmas time — just be sure to buy candles that aren’t wrapped in plastic. Small gifts for your guests are nice, and handmade makes them even more special. Bake some cookies and place them in a glass jar, add your homemade tag — it’s the perfect way to say Merry Christmas. Now you’re all set with the gift wrapping, decorations and party preparations it’s time start shopping for eco-friendly gifts. If you’d rather get the gifts before you even think about wrapping them, then bookmark this post and check back when you’re ready to get wrapping. Looking for some plastic free gifting inspiration? Check out our blog post on Gifting without the Unnecessary Waste. Enjoy the start of this crazy Christmas season — and remember to keep calm and keep it plastic free.
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