Soap bars have gained a reputation as dirty havens for bacteria, with liquid variants gaining popularity due to this fear of germs. But a current lens of wellness is shifting perceptions. Could the humble bar of soap make a timely comeback in an age of ‘good dirt’, clean living and veganism?

From soapy shower gel suds to the toothpaste rinse, a lot of water is used in daily personal care routines. As calls to save every drop get louder – two-thirds of the world’s population may face water shortages by 2025 – is it time for people and brands to be more conscious of their water waste?

With The UK Plastics Pact seeing 42 companies pledging to curb wasteful plastic habits by 2025, brands are being forced to address the issue head on. Leading the charge is Charlotte’s Cupboard: a mobile grocery store that is helping people to avoid unnecessary packaging and food waste.

People may be increasingly aware of how single-use plastics harm the environment, but acting on this knowledge is difficult. New York’s Package Free Shop offers an easy way to join the zero-waste movement by selling a range of sustainable products and educating people how to use them.