Do Your Part For The Planet: Reduce Your Oral Hygiene Waste

Here at Coral, we're big lovers of the environment and take special measures to ensure we're being conscientious of how we're affecting our planet. We do this by never testing on animals, using only the EcoSafe coral as one of our natural ingredients, and using renewable toothbrushes that include zero-waste packaging, eco-friendly BPA-free bristles. Did you know there are a few simple steps you can take to reduce your own dental hygiene waste? We're here to lay out ways you can help save our planet, and maybe save on your water or electric bill while you're at it. 

We know that living an eco-conscious life isn't always easy but it is definitely one of the best and most rewarding decisions that you can make for yourself, your home, and your environment. What's awesome about going reen is there are countless ways to do so without putting yourself through drastic changes and you have a lot of support from products and companies that have also strived to go green. 

If you're considering embarking on a zero-waste journey, your personal hygiene and bathroom routine are a great place to start! You may not realize how minor, every day habits can cause so much waste! Thankfully these are things that we have almost full control and can alter easily. 

Did you know that one person can throw away up to three or more toothbrushes a year and can waste up to 24 litres of water a day from brushing? Imagine the amount of waste if we're all creating the same amount of it. Now imagine how much of an impact will be made if we all do small acts to change this. We've put together a few helpful, waste-eliminating habits that can improve both your lifestyle and the way you treat and look at the earth around you. 

1. Buy In Bulk 

Buying your sustainable dental and hygiene products in bulk doesn't only save you money but also time and a lot of natural resources used to go into things such as plastic bags, receipt paper, packaging, and so much more. You can also lessen the amount of packaging waste by choosing refillable floss or toothpaste, or by putting them in smaller containers instead of getting separate travel-size products. Opting for a subscription that automatically sends you your toothpaste or mouthwash, that allows you to adjust the amount you need when you need it is another way to be more conservative with your dental hygiene purchases. We live by the phrase, bundle it, baby! 

2. Say NO To Disposable Toothbrushes 

Although these little, plastic brushes may seem appealing or convenient for travel or guests, try bringing your own instead or suggesting it to your house guests. Not only will you be sure that the bristles are safe and gentle for your gums, but you'll also lessen single-use plastic trash which can end up in our neighborhoods, nature, or oceans. 

3. Be Mindful Of Your Water Consumption 

This is a biggie. People often don't realize how much water they could be wasting while they're brushing their teeth and not rinsing, meanwhile tons of water is gushing, wasted down the drain and into the sewer. This not only unnecessarily hikes up your water costs but also misallocates a precious resource that could have been utilized somewhere else. Simple actions like turning off the tap while you brush and using a cup instead of your hands for rinsing can save so much water. There’s no harm in going the extra mile by lowering your water pressure or getting regular plumbing checks.

4. Swap Out Plastic Toothbrushes For Bamboo 

Unlike plastic toothbrushes, a bamboo brush is biodegradable while remaining incredibly strong and durable. In fact, bamboo brushes are stronger and harder than wood, and often each toothbrush has been designed to last up to 3 months. Most of these are even 100% compostable because they use all-natural materials from the handle down to the bristles. Bamboo is an amazing renewable source for sustainable dental products because it grows so fast without any need for chemicals or pesticides. 

5. Opt For Reusable Packaging 

It feels great to go the extra mile and incorporate true, zero-waste dental products into your lifestyle. Ideally, you can find products that are either completely zero-waste or come in reusable containers or recycled paper packaging. For traveling, it's smart to invest in a sturdy bamboo case or a portable sanitizer to keep it safe and clean. 

Do you have any green lifestyle hacks to make the transition to zero-waste living easier? Shoot us a message, we'd love to hear from you!