Pangea Organics, presumably named after the global supercontinent that broke apart 200 million years ago to form our present-day land masses, is the largest cold-processed organic soap manufacturer in the U.S and creates “ecocentric bodycare” products that take the concept of carbon footprint reduction to lofty new heights. Joshua Onysko’s 100% wind-powered Boulder, Colorado factory is complemented with an on-site 2,500 square foot organic garden (used for employee lunches 7 months out of the year) and has earned industry-wide recognition for Pangea’s zero waste packaging efforts. The recyclable glass and #1 or #2 plastic bottles used for their facial and body care line abandon traditional petroleum-derived labels in favor of an environmentally friendly screen printing process, while their soap bar packaging is made from 100% recycled post-consumer fiberboard which springs forth amaranth cockscomb, sweet basil and (during the holidays) spruce plants when moistened and covered with soil.
Although Pangea Organics extensive line of facial and body cleansers, scrubs, toners, lotions, shower gels, soaps, oils and lip balms can be purchased on their website (http://www.pangeaorganics.com/), I found a partial selection of their goods in person at my local Cost Plus World Market (http://www.worldmarket.com/home.jsp) for an average of $1 – $2 less. What follows is my review of their Malagasy Cinnamon Cassia Clove Bar Soap, which even at the World Market discounted price of $6.99, was still a bit hard to swallow considering that a worthy eco-alternative is available via Dr. Bronner (http://www.drbronner.com/) at a more reasonable cost of $4.19. Still, with an open mind and an eco-friendly heart, I decided to give Pangea the benefit of the doubt. Truth be told, I believe that it was the bar’s deeply fragrant, slightly sweet scent, reminiscent of home-baked gingerbread, that seduced me (especially since the bar was still cradled inside of its newsprint-molded container).
100% Eco-Friendly Product
Marketed as an invigorating and warming blend, the 3.75 ounce bar was surprisingly slim and compact compared to other organic bars I’ve purchased of the same volume, but I can only guess that its cold-processing had something to do with it. Cold-processed soaps are generally cured for an extended period of time and as a result, they last a lot longer. Although I’ve used the bar daily for a little under two weeks, it appears to be the same size as it was when it was fresh out of the container! As for its appearance, the base (made with organic soybean/olive/hemp seed/coconut oils) is yellow and infused with prominent swirls of cinnamon and clove. Earthy in scent and appearance, the bar’s larger flecks of spice offer exfoliation benefits, which is particularly handy during this time of year. Although low on suds, this soap still offers effective cleansing and does not dry the skin out like so many other brands on the market.
Overall, I feel that Pangea Organics has produced a wonderfully-scented, 100% eco-friendly product that will put a skip in your step the moment you emerge from your shower.
Is it worth the investment?
Is it worth the investment? Based on the high-quality, recognizable ingredients that they use and lengths that they’ve gone to ensure that every aspect of the product, from cradle to grave, has the most positive
impact on the environment, I’d say YES. Their website boasts that the consumer will “never find any questionable ingredients…no petrochemicals…no parabens…no GMOs or other synthetic or harmful ingredients” and in my book, that’s worth paying a little extra for. Beyond that, with all bar soaps that you purchase, you will not only enjoy a sensory experience in the shower but also a nurturing experience when you plant its packaging in your garden! Even if you choose to recycle the carton, you can feel hopeful that a little basil or amaranth sprout will emerge somehow, somewhere with a little H2O……
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