16 Jul 2025
Hello July! You’re all about being plastic-free… and this month’s smoltalk is packing the goods (none of them come in single-use). You’ll find: the surprising things you can do with soap scraps, the glass bottle myth we’re shattering, and a visit to some seaside cottages that are simply sparkling with a smol behind-the-scenes clean. Ready to embrace the shine, be lighter on the planet, and expand your cleaning knowledge? Let’s go.
For Plastic Free July, we’re celebrating science giving us hope, and this one’s a fungi favourite.
Researchers in Hawaii have discovered that marine fungi (yes, actual ocean mushrooms) can eat one of the world’s most common plastics: polyurethane.
It’s the type of plastic used in everything from medical gear to industrial materials… and it usually sticks around for centuries. But scientists found that more than 60% of fungi collected from the waters around Oʻahu were happily snacking on it. And the best bit? These fungi are getting faster. Some increased their plastic-digesting powers by 15% in just 3 months.
The goal? A future where these mighty microbes help us clean up beaches, seas, and those planet-sized patches of plastic waste floating in our oceans.
It’s a big job. But with science, smol switches, and a few clever mushrooms on our side, we’re feeling weirdly optimistic.
You’ve ditched the plastic bathroom bottles. You’re team bar now. Solid move.
But what about when your soap bar gets down to its last sliver and you’re left with something the size of a postage stamp? Don’t bin it! Those tiny scraps still have a job to do.
Here’s 5 smol ways to give your soap a second life:
1. stick it out.
Wet your new bar and the old sliver, then smoosh them together. A little awkward at first, but they’ll fuse like long-lost friends.
2. melt & mould.
Got a stash of scraps? Grate them into a pan with a splash of water, melt on low heat, then pour into a mould or jar. Let it set overnight and boom, you just made soap.
3. bag it.
Pop slivers into a soap saver bag (yes, that’s a real thing). Add water, rub between your hands, and you’ve got a foamy exfoliating pouch of goodness. Hang to dry after use!
4. freshen your drawers.
Dry, fragrant scraps are perfect for tucking in with your socks or jumpers. Musty smells begone.
5. shave & save.
A mug + soap scraps + hot water + shaving brush = free lather. Silky smooth without the faff (or foam can).
And to keep your bars going longer? Soap magnets are where it’s at. No soggy soap, no gunk, and loads more lather for your money. Seriously… you’ll be stuck on them.
Ever wondered what smol looks like outside your own four walls? Let’s take a trip to the windswept shores of Camber Sands and meet the team behind Beside the Sea Holidays. Here's how they’re making sustainable swaps for seaside stays…
What made you choose smol for your holiday homes?
About 5 years ago, we decided to reduce the environmental impact of our provision packs. As a family-run holiday cottage business, we were shocked by how much single-use plastic and chemical-heavy waste was generated after each stay. We knew we had to do better. That’s when we discovered smol!
And has using smol changed things for your team day-to-day?
Everything is simple to store and use. Compact packs take up far less space than traditional bulky options, which helps us stay organised. And because we know we’re offering guests something that’s better for the planet and effective, we’re confident they’ll enjoy sparkling dishes and freshly laundered clothes during their stay.
What’s your favourite smol product and why?
We’re big fans of the dishwasher tablets. They work brilliantly. Our glassware genuinely sparkles, which guests always notice! The fact they’re in plastic-free packs that are smart and compact is just the cherry on top.
And how important is sustainability to Beside the Sea Holidays?
It’s at the heart of what we do. We want guests to experience the beauty of Camber Sands while knowing their holiday is a little kinder to the planet. Alongside smol, we use recycled bin liners, eco dishcloths, and package our welcome products in reusable bags. We also provide refillable hand wash and washing-up liquid dispensers so plastic bottles are rarely thrown away.
Do you think your guests notice the way you clean?
Guests regularly comment on how fresh and clean everything feels. The more sustainable touches don’t go unnoticed, from sparkling glasses to refillable bottles and little details that show we care. We’re proud to say we’ve made the switch to smol. It’s a small change that makes a big impression.
We LOVE seeing smol in the wild and now we’re dreaming of salty air, sandy toes, and a sustainable stay by the sea. Big thanks to Beside the Sea Holidays for proving that smol switches can make a big impact (and a beautiful guest experience).
Glass feels like the obvious sustainable choice, right? It’s been storing our pickles, perfumes, and Prosecco for centuries. It’s recyclable, non-toxic, and pretty much immortal.
But when it comes to sustainability, things aren’t always so clear-cut.
At smol, we dug into the data (we love a dig), and the truth is: recycled, refillable plastic bottles actually beat glass when it comes to the environment. Here’s why:
- glass is energy-hungry. It takes huge amounts of heat (we’re talking 1500°C) to produce and recycle glass. That means a lot of energy and a lot of carbon emissions, for every bottle.
- sand isn’t infinite. Glass is made using silica sand. It’s the second most used resource on the planet after water… and we’re running out. Mining it harms ecosystems and often comes with serious ethical concerns.
- glass is heavy. And heavier bottles mean more fuel to move them around. That’s a big carbon cost compared to lightweight, recycled plastic.
- recycled plastic wins on footprint. A bottle made from 100% recycled PET (like ours) has nearly 90% lower environmental impact than one made from glass.¹ It’s also much less energy-intensive to produce, and we're using plastic that already exists, turning waste into something useful instead of making more.
So while glass might look great, it’s not always the greener choice. Refillable, recycled plastic done right? That’s where the real change lives.
We love getting comments like this! And it’s true! Our shampoo bar doesn’t just cleanse, it brings the bounce.
Not tried it yet? Here’s what we think you’ll love:
- beautiful clean hair with no need for conditioner
- plant-based ingredients that gently cleanse and nourish
- dermatologically tested with a fresh summer fruits scent
- zero plastic, zero waste (bar > bottle)
- carbon-cutting, vegan and cruelty-free
Give your hair a smol upgrade. The bounce is real.
¹ Ecochain 2024