Zero Waste Week is next week! What does that mean? Zero Waste Week is an annual international awareness campaign for reducing the amount of trash we all contribute to landfills. While the concept of Zero Waste may seem a little overwhelming, there are lots of easy ways to reduce your trash. We’ve highlighted some in earlier posts: reusable bags, water bottles, shampoo bottles are all ways to reduce the waste you create. If you’re ready to take on a new challenge in honor of Zero Waste Week we’ve got an idea for you: Do It Yourself Toothpaste!
Anyone who follows Plaine Products knows that of the two founding sisters, I (Lindsey) am the writer and my sister (Alison) is the crafter. So believe me when I tell you that you can make your own toothpaste. I have actually done it. Even better, I’ve been using it for long enough that I’ve had a dentist appointment where the health of my teeth was complimented, so it seems to be working.
Why toothpaste? Most toothpaste tubes can’t be recycled, so straight to the landfill they go, and it’s easy! The ingredients are all stuff you probably have in your house right now: a glass jar, Coconut Oil, Baking soda and Peppermint essential oil (optional).
Zero Waste Week Idea: Toothpaste Recipe
Combine in a glass jar:
- 1/2 cup coconut oil
- 2 Tbsp baking Soda
- 15 drops Peppermint Essential Oil
That’s the entire recipe. Then you just dip your toothbrush into the jar and brush. Mine lasted quite a while and never went bad.
Now if that seems too simple I’ve found a recipe with fancier ingredients. I haven’t tried it, but I highly trust the source: Kathleen at Going Zero Waste. She worked with a dentist on the recipe. Check out her post for explanations and more information on the ingredients.
Going Zero Waste Toothpowder Recipe
- 1/4 Cup of Xylitol: It’s a natural sweetner. It prevents bacteria from sticking to the teeth and neutralizes the pH to help avoid tooth decay.
- 1/4 Cup of Baking Soda: A very mild abrasive (less abrasive than commercial toothpastes) that dislodges plaque on teeth, breaks down stain causing molecules, and neutralizes pH.
- 1/4 Cup of Bentonite Clay: Draws out toxins, contains calcium, and is often used to help remineralize teeth.
Stir together. Avoid using metal with the clay, it will deactivate. I used a wooden spoon and store it in a glass mason jar. This is will leave you with clean breath, and tastes like nothing. The sweetness in the xylitol cancels out the saltiness of the baking soda and the clay is very neutral.
Even Easier Zero Waste Week Idea: Stop buying plastic toothbrushes
If this seems like to much and your looking for an even easier Zero Waste week idea here you go. If you are still buying old school plastic toothbrushes for your or your kids I highly recommend considering bamboo toothbrushes, like the one pictured above from Brush with Bamboo. The whole thing is made from sustainable, plant-based materials so they are biodegradable. Which means they won’t be one of the 4.7 billion plastic toothbrushes that goes to a landfill this year.