Dental
Every year, the U.S. goes through over 1 billion toothbrushes. That means millions and millions of plastic toothbrushes are being thrown away each year and then last for hundreds of years. The landfill isn’t the only place waste accumulates. Toothbrushes are also ending up on beaches and other waterways. They can endanger the lives of marine life and break into micro plastics that end up in seafood. The plastic brush and the nylon bristles both contribute to climate change, since most large companies burn fossil fuels for production. Making the switch to recycled and bio-based toothbrushes is surprisingly affordable.
DIY
DIY toothpaste and mouthwash are just as simple as making your own cleaning products. You practically need the same ingredients: baking soda, water, and essential oils. With the addition of coconut oil you can fight gum disease and reduce plaque build up. Natural toothpaste works well but keep in mind the absence of fluoride can lead to cavities. Ask you dentist if you have concerns!
Repurpose
It’s recommended you get a new toothbrush every four months and I know that feels like such a waste! But there are a few ways you can repurpose your products. For toothbrushes, use them for cleaning around the house. I love to use them as a small brush for when I clean my house plants. There are some other creative ways you can reuse your toothbrush, especially bamboo ones, like using them as a plant labels in your garden.
Companies like Tom’s of Maine participate in TerraCycle which turns otherwise un-recyclable pieces into new material. You can also take old containers to refill stations and buy products, like zero-waste toothpaste, in bulk. These habits definitely cost more, but choosing non-toxic products to put in your mouth is very important and worth the extra cost.
Buy New
Natural ingredients and plastic free oral care products have to make their way into your routine considering the amount of it you go through each year. When buying new look for recyclable and compostable packaging, and all natural ingredients. Avoid artificial sweeteners and dyes that are found in big name brands.
My Picks
The Humble Co
Swedish oral care company committed to fostering sustainable dental care habits. Their Scandinavian design gives their toothbrushes a simple look and their floss and cotton swabs are made from all-natural ingredients.
sustainably grown bamboo, biodegradable, bpa-free nylon, cruelty-free, vegan, developed by dentists
Brush with Bamboo
Bamboo toothbrushes and other natural dental care products. Brush with Bamboo has a toothbrush subscription where you choose how often you want toothbrushes to be sent to you.
vegan, bpa-free, natural, non-toxic
USDA certified bio-based, Green America certified business, FDA registered business, plastic pollution coalition member
Bite
A oral care company best known for their zero-waste bits. The toothpaste and mouthwash bits, require less water than normal products. Bite down, take a sip of water, and start brushing your way to zero-waste.
all-natural, recyclable packaging, plastic-free, refillable, cruelty-free
Ecodent Gentle Floss
Gentle, eco-friendly floss that comes is neither made with plastic or packaged in plastic. Regular floss is made of plastic but Ecodent isn’t. They care about creating all-natural products for your mouth!
vegan, recyclable, plastic-free, all-natural
Tom’s of Maine
A classic company started in the 70s in you guessed it, Maine! Tom’s of Maine makes body care products and dental products from all natural ingredients.
mostly vegan, some contain beeswax, cruelty-free, all-natural
B corp, terracycle program
Avoid
excessive plastic packaging
Let’s Compare
Bite
Price: $12 for 63 bits
Main Ingredients: erythritol, xylitol, calcium carbonate, nano-hydroxyapatite, sodium carbonate, zinc citrate
Packaging: Zero Waste, glass
Tom’s of Maine
Price: $4.79 for 5.5 oz
Main Ingredients: water, sorbitol, hydrated silica, xylitol, glycerin, sodium lauryl sulfate
Packaging: TerraCycle, recycled plastic
Crest
Price: $2.79 for 8.2 oz
Main Ingredients: sodium fluoride, water, sorbitol, hydrated silica, disodium pyrophosphate, sodium lauryl sulfate
Packaging: High density polyethylene
Check it out
Humble Smile Foundation
A Swedish non-profit organization connected to Humble Co. The Humble Smile Foundation brings dental care and education to communities in need. Their mission is to prevent oral diseases and so far they have worked in 37 countries. Learn about their work in Nicaragua here.
Tom Szaky
Tom Szaky created TerraCycle. TerraCycle takes otherwise unrecyclable materials and turns them into materials that can be used for playgrounds, shipping pallets, etc. TerraCycle has recycling programs with brands like Toms of Maine.
Sources
https://www.terracycle.com/en-US/about-terracycle/how_we_solve
https://bitetoothpastebits.com/?gclid=CjwKCAjwx8iIBhBwEiwA2quaq0NYhVXYc9idwzrebAbNlxfWjeL55X_BwmZkRvHrfnXWtzs423yBthoCsx0QAvD_BwE
https://www.tomsofmaine.com/
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/story-of-plastic-toothbrushes#:~:text=The%20American%20Dental%20Association%20suggests,one%20billion%20toothbrushes%20each%20year.
https://www.onegreenplanet.org/environment/plastic-toothbrushes-waste/#:~:text=So%20why%20are%20toothbrushes%20so,and%20is%20harming%20marine%20life.
https://us.thehumble.co/pages/giving
https://humblesmile.org/