A Bare Spotlight On Zero Waste Products: Homecare Products

There are numerous zero waste products available these days that help people transition away from using products that are packaged in plastic and/ or contain harmful chemical ingredients. 

Speaking to Founder & CEO of Bare Necessities Zero Waste India, Sahar Mansoor, this interview series looks at the reasons why the Bangalore based social business chooses to provide alternative, earth friendly options to consumers in India.

"Many laundry detergents contain approximately 35 percent to 75 percent phosphate salts. Phosphates can cause a variety of water pollution problems." (source). 

What materials are used for your homecare range? 

Coconut oil soap, baking soda, borax, washing soda for our detergents. To expand on this, baking soda is a salt that has been used to remove stains and odours from your wash. It is an ingredient that was used as long ago as in the time of the Ancient Egyptians. While washing soda is a water soluble soap that can be used as a water softener and helps to remove stains. All of the ingredients we use are perfect zero waste options to clean with.

Why do you use this type of material? 

Knowing and understanding the impacts of ingredients in cleaning products is really important. Ours are natural and do not harm the environment.

Our detergents are free of sulfates, parabens, glycols, petrochemicals, phosphates, brighteners, synthetics and all other things that are bad for people and the planet. 

It is a conscious effort to move away from harmful ingredients that are often used in mass produced FMCG items. 

Why design it in this way?

The answer to that is simple. There is no groundwater contamination. 

The water can be used after you wash your clothes in your garden. Overall, it limits adverse effects on the planet.

Where did the team gain inspiration for this product from? 

This was driven by consumer demand. Many consumers were looking for natural detergents that limited skin ailments. 

We designed a product that was natural for the planet and for your body. I learnt a number of these techniques at a soap making course that I attended in Bangalore. So many of the keys to sustainability in India are available to anyone who wants to look for them. 

We did, now we want to share it with everyone.