Are you trying to lead an eco friendly and zero waste lifestyle? A good place to start is in the bathroom with plastic free toothpaste and bamboo toothbrushes. With the plastic crisis escalating, we need to be conscious of our waste footprint. That means slowly making the switch to plastic-free items in all areas of our life.
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Why switch to plastic free toothpaste
Toothpaste tubes are hard to recycle.
It is estimated that every year 1.5 billion plastic toothpaste tubes end up in landfills, where they will virtually never break down. Due to the multiple materials, they are made out of, not all curbside recycling bins can accept them.
Even if the plastic toothpaste tube is recyclable (plastic #4 or aluminum), the neck of the tube needs to be cut off. To do this, slice the side of the tube to open it up, and rinse off the remaining toothpaste with water and soap. But in doing so, we are still adding to the massive amount of plastic that is in circulation. A better alternative is to say no to plastic and swap to plastic free toothpaste brands.
Does toothpaste have plastic in it?
Plastic microbeads are commonly used in exfoliating products and toothpaste. These are often referred to as “Polyethylene (PE)” and “Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA)” on the ingredients list. Although there is little evidence of the effect on human health, we do know that these plastic microbeads/microplastics have a significant effect on the environment. Microplastics are finding there way into the water system, and into the ocean, where they are being consumed by marine animals.
Fortunately, some governments have banned the production and sale of personal care products with microbeads. These include the United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand, Netherlands, and more, with other countries beginning to phase out microbeads. Aside from microbeads, toothpaste generally is packaged in plastic.
What are some sustainable toothpaste packaging options
- Toothpaste in Glass jars – Glass jars not only look great, but they are recyclable and easy to upcycle (use them as your Christmas wrapping this year). Pair these with aluminum or cork lids and you’ve got a great sustainable and eco-friendly design.
- Toothpaste in an Aluminum Tube – The aluminum tubes can be recycled, but take caution if they crack (can be sharp!)
- Toothpaste in a Tin – The tins can be recycled after use, or upcycled. They are also great to take in your carry on, so you can be more eco friendly when you travel.
Here are the 5 Best Plastic Free Toothpaste Brands for your Zero Waste Bathroom
1. The Dirt Trace Mineral powdered toothpaste
The Dirt focuses on natural oral care, stocking toothpaste, toothpowder, silk floss, bamboo toothbrushes, and more. Firstly, they use natural ingredients like essential oils, bentonite clay, Myrrh, and coconut oil to create a range of dental care products. Secondly, the toothpowder comes in a reusable glass jar that can last up to 6 months!
- Vegan ✔ – Their tooth powders are vegan however their toothpaste (that are in plastic tubes) contain beeswax
- Palm Oil Free ✔ – No palm oil derivatives in their ingredients list
- Organic / Natural Ingredients ✔ – The Dirt uses 100% natural ingredients that never use fillers, artificial ingredients, soy, or anything else you wouldn’t want to eat.
- Cruelty Free ✔
- Zero Waste / Reusable Packaging ✔ – the tooth powder comes in reusable jars or metal tins.
- Ethically sourced/ made ✔ – Locally made in the USA
Super Mint Toothpowder Ingredients – Extra Fine Bentonite Clay, Natural Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate), Green Tea Extract, Wasabi Extract, Organically Extracted Hexane Free Stevia (Stevia Rebaudiana), Proprietary Blend of Mint Essential Oils.
Purchase The Dirt Toothpowder on Amazon
2. Bestowed essentials natural toothpowder
Bestowed Essentials was founded by Callee, a young and passional zero waste activist that wanted to make sustainable living easier and more accessible for all.
The products are made with all-natural ingredients, are vegan and cruelty-free, and are ethically made by hand. With minimal to no packaging, they strive for zero waste. Furthermore, they have partnered with Ocean Blue Project to remove and properly dispose of 1lb of trash from American beaches for every online order!
- Vegan ✔ – toothpowder is vegan friendly
- Palm Oil Free ✔ – No palm oil derivatives in their ingredients list
- Organic / Natural Ingredients ✔ – All natural ingredients
- Cruelty Free ✔ – None of their ingredient suppliers ever test on animals
- Zero Waste / Reusable Packaging ✔ – comes in a recyclable/reusable glass jar and compostable cork topper
- Ethically sourced/ made ✔ – Ethically made by hand in small batches
Charcoal and Mint Tooth Powder Ingredients: bentonite clay, baking soda, calcium carbonate, activated charcoal, spearmint essential oil, peppermint essential oil
Purchase Bestowed Essentials tooth powder on Earth Hero
3. Bite Toothtabs
The Bite was founded by Lindsay McCormick who believed that a brighter smile didn’t need to come at the expense of our bodies or the environment. Their “toothpaste” is in the form of freshly-pressed tablets contained in a reusable/recyclable glass jar. Furthermore, they are 100% gluten-free, vegan, and cruelty-free — without any harsh chemicals.
- Vegan ✔ – Their tooth tabs are vegan
- Palm Oil Free ✘ – Their ingredients list contains Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate which may be derived from palm oil
- Organic / Natural Ingredients ✔ – No harsh chemicals added and plant-derived organic ingredients
- Cruelty Free ✔ – They do not test on animals and are working with Cruelty Free International to end it.
- Zero Waste / Reusable Packaging ✔ – reusable/recyclable glass bottles and aluminum lids. Shipped in recyclable cardboard boxes/kraft envelopes. Options for refills in home compostable pouches.
- Ethically sourced/ made ✔ – The products are made in cruelty-free certified lab in California, USA, and follow all FDA guidelines.
Naturally Whitening Fresh Mint Ingredients: (Mint) Xylitol · Erythritol · Dicalcium phosphate · Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate · Kaolin · Sodium Bicarbonate · Organic Mint Flavor · Magnesium Stearate (Vegan) · Silicon Dioxide
Purchase The Bite toothpaste tabs on The Bite
4. Butter Me Up
Butter Me Up Organics have a range of natural self-care products, from body care, to face care, hair products, and more. Their mantra is “Don’t put anything on your body that you wouldn’t put in it”. Their products are packaged in glass, tin, or paper, and their toothpaste comes in a glass jar.
- Vegan ✔ – Their toothpaste is vegan.
- Palm Oil Free ✔ – No palm oil derivatives in their ingredients list
- Organic / Natural Ingredients ✔ – Organic and Natural ingredients
- Cruelty Free ✔ – products are cruelty free
- Zero Waste / Reusable Packaging ✔ – This plastic free toothpaste comes in a recyclable/reusable glass jar with recycled paper labels
- Ethically sourced/ made ✔ – Locally made by hand in USA
All Natural Organic Whitening Toothpaste Ingredients: baking soda, sea salt, calcium, essential oils, and coconut oil
Purchase Butter me up toothpaste on Butter Me Up
5. Georganics Plastic Free Toothpaste
Georganics have a range of natural oral care products, with toothpaste, tooth tabs, toothpowder, floss, brushes, and more. Moreover, their packaging is plastic-free, recyclable, and compostable. They have also created a Zero To Landfill (ZTL) scheme to send back any products and components that cannot be recycled at home (e.g. Sonic Toothbrush Heads). Additionally, they support The Ocean Cleanup.
- Vegan ✔ – Vegan friendly
- Palm Oil Free ✔ – The Toothpaste is Palm Oil Free (The Toothsoap contains Sodium Palm Kernelate which is palm oil)
- Organic / Natural Ingredients ✔ – they only use pure, natural, and organic ingredients for their oral care products.
- Cruelty Free ✔ – PETA Cruelty Free Caprylic
- Zero Waste / Reusable Packaging ✔ – The plastic free toothpaste comes in a recyclable glass jar, aluminum lid, and compostable box
- Ethically sourced/ made ✔ – Their natural oral care products and made by hand in the UK
English Peppermint Natural Toothpaste Ingredients: Calcium Carbonate^, Caprylic & Capric Triglyceride*^, Kaolin^, Cocos Nucifera Oil*^, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter*^, Diatomaceous Earth*^, Sodium Bicarbonate^, Mentha Piperita Oil*^, Tocopherol^, Limonene*^
* = Organic ^ = Food Grade
Purchase Georganics Toothpaste on Amazon
Where to buy plastic free toothpaste
You can buy plastic free toothpaste online:
- Eco Stores
- The Toothpaste Brands own website
- Amazon (packaging may not be zero waste)
Alternatively, we have found many health food stores to stock zero waste toothpaste (even in Guatemala). Here is how you can find a zero waste store near you.
Is a plastic free bathroom environment possible
In conclusion, a plastic free bathroom is possible, but it may take a little more time and money in the short-term. By choosing sustainability over convenience, it will be better for the environment and yourself. The Bathroom is a great place to start, consider swapping to these plastic free products as your usual supply runs out:
- Who gives a crap Toilet paper
- Bamboo Toothbrush
- Ethical silk floss
- Safety Razor
- Wooden Hairbrush
- Shampoo Bar
- Menstrual cup
- Natural Deodorant in a glass jar, tin or cardboard
- Natural beauty products
These can be great eco-friendly gifts for your family or friends, or you can check out our Eco Store for more zero waste swaps!
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