How to Reduce Plastic Waste by Brushing Your Teeth
Just because Plastic Free July is coming to an end doesn’t mean that you can’t keep trying to reduce your plastic use. Remember, every year, the average American generates about 230 pounds of plastic waste. That’s 230 pounds for every single person in the United States in one calendar year. Imagine how much of that waste could be reduced if every single person made one simple change.
A simple change like swapping out your plastic toothbrush and conventional toothpaste for a more sustainable option.
Each year, the United States throws away more than 400 million toothpaste tubes and an estimated 1 billion plastic toothbrushes—that equates to more than 50 million pounds of plastic waste. So, by swapping out your plastic toothbrush and conventional toothpaste for a more sustainable option, your small change is actually making a huge difference.
Sustainable beauty
Also, consider that switching to a more sustainable toothbrush and toothpaste might be better for your health and your teeth. Conventional toothpaste contains ingredients like SLS that could irritate your gums and even cause ulcers along with abrasive particles that break down your enamel over time. And conventional plastic toothbrushes increase the amount of microplastics you’re consuming.
And while switching to a more sustainable option is better for you and the environment, we have to admit that not all sustainable toothbrushes and toothpastes were created equally. Some tooth care companies market themselves as eco-friendly, but if you dig a little deeper, you find out that the marketing was ...well, marketing. And other toothcare companies actually are eco-friendly, but their tooth care products just don’t cut it. So, what do you do now?
Well, luckily for you, we’ve done the research and found sustainable, honest tooth care companies with products that actually work. Tried and tested by the Meadow Collective team.
Fat and the Moon Tooth Cleanse, so refreshing!
For a cleansing agent, our favorite alternative tooth “paste” is the Fat and the Moon Tooth Cleanse. It’s easy-to-use, smells amazing, and leaves your teeth squeaky clean. This product is made of simple ingredients like mild soaps, myrrh, anise, and clove. For best use, drop two to three drops of the cleansing agent on a damp toothbrush and then brush away. It’s that simple.
Top it off with Fat and the Moon Tooth Polish
We also love to pair the Fat and the Moon Tooth Cleanse with the Fat and the Moon Tooth Polish, an eco-friendly stain remover and whitener. Just like the tooth cleanse, the polish is made of safe, simple ingredients like nonabrasive activated charcoal powder, baking soda, kaolin clay, and peppermint oil. For best use, sprinkle a little of the powder on a damp toothbrush and gently brush your stains away. Use once a week after brushing with the Fat and the Moon Tooth Cleanse.
Swap out your plastic toothbrush for a more sustainable one
Also, note that since Fat and the Moon uses all-natural, sustainable ingredients, these products don’t last forever. They’re best if used within six months, and should be stored in a cool and dry place.
And, for an alternative toothbrush, we recommend the MamaP Toothbrush Kit that includes a sustainable bamboo toothbrush that comes with a cute little holder and travel pouch. The MamaP toothbrush is made out of 100% compostable and recycled materials and provides an effective yet gentle brushing experience. In addition, with every toothbrush kit purchased, MamaP donates 5% of sales to nonprofit organizations that promote ocean conservation, bee research, women’s rights, LGBTQ+ equality, mental health awareness, or criminal justice reform.
So, switch up your toothcare routine with these sustainable products, and you can help reduce the amount of plastic waste that goes into landfills each year.
