Is Bath Salt/magnesium sulfate safe for environment?

**Dolorose** · 03-06-2011, 02:24 AM

I am planning on using soap as least as possible and possibly relying on powders and salts to melt/exfoliate the grime off myself. Biodegradable soaps are pointless because it takes soil to biodegrade them.

I have a theory that Bath Salts (epsom salt, sea salt, essential oils) may be better for the environment due to less ingredients and since they're still salt, they can still be biodegraded in water, perhaps?

Epsom salt is hydrated magnesium sulfate, so I want to know if magnesium sulfate would affect the water ecosystems negatively.

**akolb** · 03-06-2011, 05:49 AM

how about dr. bronner's liquid soap?

**Contrary Housewife** · 03-06-2011, 11:19 AM

Salt doesn't biodegrade in water. It dissolves, but it doesn't "go away". It has to be removed (processed) from your local water supply the same way that soap and other things you might send down the drain have to be removed.

**ladykemma2** · 03-06-2011, 11:33 AM

what's wrong with bar soap or dr bronners?

**Dolorose** · 03-06-2011, 11:02 PM

Originally Posted by Contrary Housewife

Salt doesn't biodegrade in water. It dissolves, but it doesn't "go away". It has to be removed (processed) from your local water supply the same way that soap and other things you might send down the drain have to be removed.

It circulates in the water ecosystem, but maybe it's better than soap? I heard that biodegradable soap is just like any other soap when it hits water, so I am not sure what to think. Soap, in order to biodegrade, needs soil. That is why camp soaps considered "biodegradeable" are still used hundred feets away from rivers.

And if our waters are filtered, why would people be so concerned about using ecofriendly bathing products?

In the meanwhile, dr bronners sounds promising. I currently use a glycerin soap but I am not sure about my shampoo.