Many of the soaps that people use on a daily basis include a compound called triclosan. “It is an antibacterial component,” People for Environmental Protection advisor Mallory Schmidt said.

Triclosan is found in many soaps, detergents, toothpastes, shampoos, and mouth washes. So it cleans stuff, what could be bad about it? When triclosan is washed down the drain it goes to the wastewater treatment plant. At the plant the water is processed with ultraviolet light, the ultraviolet light breaks down DNA and kills the bacteria. This is where the problem is: “it breaks breaks down the triclosan into dioxin,” Schmidt said.

PEP made homemade and environmentally friendly soap. “It generally lasts for about 7-8 months,” Schmidt said.

Materials that you need:Gitanjali Raman

• Olive oil
• Coconut oil
• *Immersion Blender
• Soap mold
• Water
• Sodium hydroxide
• *Essential Oils scent
• *Optional: The Immersion Blender can be replaced by manual work. Soap does not need a scent if desired

Step 1: Put 12 ounces of sodium hydroxide into a beaker or jar.

Step 2: Add 32 ounces of water to the beaker/jar, & Step 3: Stir until slightly cloudy.

Step 4: In another jar, put 24 ounces of coconut oil.

Step 5: Melt the coconut oil.

Step 6: Add 24 ounces of olive oil.

Step 7: Add the sodium hydroxide and water mixture into the coconut and olive oil mixture.

Step 8: Mix until it is thick.

Step 9: Optional add scent, use essential oils to create a scent for your soap.

Step 10: Set in mold and wait for  1 week. Remove from the mold and let it cure for 4-6 weeks.

All photos by Gitanjali Raman