Toothpaste

One of my first zero waste switches has been toothpaste. I personally have found it simple. (Granted…it’s only been about 3 days of new toothpaste, so it’s a bit novel still) And perhaps it was simple because I am somewhat accustomed to making eco-friendly changes. In all honesty, when I made some zero waste switches years ago (i.e. using coconut oil as a facewash/make up remover and a menstrual cup), I can definitely remember thinking,

“wow, this is weird…am I weird? is this stupid?  why do I do things like this?”

And eventually,

“Julie…good for you!  What an amazing switch!  You are AWESOME for helping the environment and deserve a gold star!”

Ah….inner monologue slash internal life narration. Where would I be without you? 🙂

Anyways, I wasn’t too nervous about the switch and was prepared for it to be different than what I’m used it. I was more worried that it would be REALLY disgusting, but besides the obvious differences of not being blasted by an overpowering mint flavor that toothpaste companies include to make you crave it and the fact that this toothpaste doesn’t foam – I feel it gets my teeth just as clean. Without a disposable plastic tube and lid. I guess the real test will be if I’m able to maintain using it and how my dental check-up goes next June (I just had my 6 month check-up last week). Thankfully, in my life I have typically (knock on wood) had minimal tooth issues. I know right now my husband has expressed interest in continuing to use our regular Crest toothpaste for the time being. No pressure.

I can take no credit for the recipe – I got it from Trash is for Tossers. 

I had all the ingredients already – 2 tablespoons of coconut oil, 1 tablespoon of baking soda, and 15-20 drops of your essential oil of choice. I naturally went with peppermint. Mix it up, store it in an mini-glass jar with a lid. I plan on making some more in a baby food jar for my parent’s house since I brush my teeth at their house in the morning when I drop off my kids.

My 3 year old was very excited about it when he helped me make it and we immediately brushed our teeth afterwards. He said he liked it. Later, when I put some on his toothbrush for his before bed brushing sesh (that’s what cool kids call it), he said he didn’t like it. Kind of like how one minute he loves me and I’m a rockstar and within a second, I’m boring and he’s pushing me out of the room. So I didn’t mind. Basing off those statistics, if I get 1 out of every 2 brushing sessions, that’s still a 50% reduction in toothpaste waste. (Wow – just had the genius idea to add a Paw Patrol sticker to the jar! Marketing really is EVERYTHING…) Anyways, he still has baby teeth so if they all rot and fall out, it’s not a big deal. He has a spare set! He’s the PERFECT test subject that way. 🙂 (That’s meant to be obvious hyperbole, you guys – don’t take offense to it.)

Warning – it also has a bit of a salty taste due to the baking soda, but while I found that weird the first time I used it, what I really enjoy is how SWEET the water tastes when I rinse it out afterwards. It’s worth trying it just for that sensation. (Or am I the only one?  Now someone has to try it and report back to me…am I weird?)

Oh, and I also emailed Crest/Proctor & Gamble to find out their environmental action plan to reduce their one-use, non-recyclable products. I have yet to get a response.

Make some noise and Happy Brushing!