DIY Toothpaste
At multiple beach cleanups with my @SurfriderLA family, I have picked up plastic tubes of toothpaste and several toothbrushes. Since plastic can take 450+ years to decompose in a landfill, that means that every toothbrush to have EVER been made, STILL exists. An easy solution to combat this plastic pollution in your daily dental hygiene ritual, is to make your own toothpaste and start to use a compostable bamboo toothbrush.
Making your own toothpaste is SO easy, and costs next to nothing. All you need is:
6 tbsp Baking Soda
It’s alkalinity helps balance pH in the mouth. It is also a mild abrasive. Some people even brush with baking soda and water alone.
Some argue that baking soda is too abrasive in your mouth, but BEa Johnson from Zero Waste Home says, “xxx.”
6 tbsp Coconut Oil (melted)
Coconut Oil naturally fights the fungal bacteria in your mouth that cause cavities and boost the microbiome in your gut.
15-20 drops of peppermint essential oil
Small glass jar/tin to keep your toothpaste in.
The steps are easy:
Melt the coconut oil. You can do this using a double-boiler, or put it in the microwave.
Stir in the baking soda, stirring away all of the clumps. You might need to add a little more baking soda, depending on the consistency you prefer.
Add the peppermint oil, and stir.
Put the mixed toothpaste into the small glass jar, and let cool at room temperature.
Pair this with a compostable bamboo toothbrush (I use Brush with Bamboo and Mable) and you’ve got yourself one sustainable brushing habit. Give it a shot and let me know what you think!!