Where can I buy eco-friendly dental products

I’m trying to reduce my plastic consumption and I’m starting with my bathroom. I’m looking for good quality, eco-friendly dental products, specifically toothpaste, toothbrushes, and floss. I’ve seen a few things online, but I’m wondering if there are any stores in my area (I’m in downtown Portland, Oregon) that carry these kinds of products? Or maybe even online retailers that are particularly good in terms of sustainability practices – you know, minimal packaging, carbon-neutral shipping, that sort of thing.

Ideally, I’d love to find a toothpaste that comes in a glass jar or metal tube rather than a plastic one. Bamboo toothbrushes are great, but I’m also curious about recycled plastic options that are made to be recycled again. And for floss, I’m looking for something that’s biodegradable, like silk or a plant-based alternative, and not just the usual plastic stuff.

Price is also a factor, but I’m willing to pay a bit more for something that’s truly sustainable and effective. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated!

Answer

Eco-friendly dental products are becoming increasingly available as awareness of environmental issues grows. You can find them through a variety of retailers and online platforms. Here’s a detailed breakdown of where to look:

1. Online Retailers Specializing in Eco-Friendly Products:

• Package Free Shop: This online store is dedicated to zero-waste and sustainable living. They offer a comprehensive selection of eco-friendly dental products including bamboo toothbrushes, toothpaste tablets, floss made from silk or plant-based materials, and mouthwash concentrates. They often prioritize plastic-free packaging and ethical sourcing.

• Zero Waste Store: Similar to Package Free Shop, this online store focuses on providing alternatives to single-use plastics and unsustainable products. They carry a range of eco-friendly dental care items, emphasizing reusable and compostable options.

• EarthHero: This online marketplace curates a wide variety of sustainable products across different categories, including dental care. They thoroughly vet the companies they partner with to ensure their commitment to environmental and social responsibility. They offer detailed product descriptions highlighting the sustainable aspects.

• Grove Collaborative: Grove Collaborative focuses on natural and sustainable home and personal care products, often offering subscription services. Their dental care section includes options like bamboo toothbrushes, refillable toothpaste, and plastic-free floss.

• Amazon: While not exclusively eco-friendly, Amazon carries a growing selection of sustainable dental products. Search for terms like "bamboo toothbrush," "zero waste toothpaste," "plastic-free floss," and "eco-friendly mouthwash." Be sure to carefully check product descriptions and reviews to verify the sustainability claims of individual sellers. Look for certifications or verifications by credible third party certifiers.

2. Online Retailers with a Focus on Natural and Organic Products:

• Thrive Market: This membership-based online retailer offers a curated selection of organic and natural products, including dental care. They prioritize brands with sustainable practices and offer competitive prices.

• iHerb: iHerb is a large online retailer offering a wide range of natural health and wellness products, including dental care. They carry a diverse selection of eco-friendly toothbrushes, toothpaste, and other oral hygiene products.

3. Brick-and-Mortar Stores:

• Natural Food Stores: Stores like Whole Foods Market, Sprouts Farmers Market, and Trader Joe’s often carry a selection of natural and organic personal care products, including some eco-friendly dental options. Check the oral hygiene aisle for bamboo toothbrushes, natural toothpaste, and other sustainable alternatives.

• Co-ops: Local cooperative grocery stores frequently prioritize sustainable and ethically sourced products. Their selection may vary, but it’s worth checking for eco-friendly dental care options.

• Pharmacies and Drugstores: Some mainstream pharmacies and drugstores like CVS, Walgreens, and Target are starting to carry a limited selection of eco-friendly dental products, often as part of their "natural" or "sustainable" product lines. The selection is usually smaller than what you’d find at specialized retailers, but it’s becoming more common.

• Bulk Food Stores: Some stores that specialize in bulk foods also sell dental products. These are typically the sustainable type.

4. Specific Brands to Look For:

Here are some specific brands known for their eco-friendly dental products:

• Bambaw: Bambaw specializes in bamboo-based products, including toothbrushes, floss, and interdental brushes.

• Brush with Bamboo: As the name suggests, this brand focuses on bamboo toothbrushes made from sustainably sourced bamboo.

• Georganics: Georganics offers a range of natural and organic dental care products, including toothpaste tablets, mouthwash tablets, and floss made from silk or cornstarch.

• Bite: Bite offers toothpaste bits which are small solid toothpaste tablets.

• Hello: Hello offers a wide range of sustainable dental products like bamboo toothbrushes, and fluoride free toothpastes.

• Dr. Bronner’s: This brand is well-known for its multi-purpose castile soap, but it also offers toothpaste in recyclable packaging.

• Wellow: Wellow offers toothpaste refills in sustainable packaging.

• Davids: Davids toothpaste is made with naturally sourced ingredients. The tube is recyclable.

5. Considerations When Choosing Eco-Friendly Dental Products:

• Materials: Look for products made from sustainable materials like bamboo, recycled plastic, silk, or plant-based materials.
• Packaging: Prioritize products with minimal or plastic-free packaging. Options like cardboard boxes, glass jars, and compostable wrappers are preferable.
• Ingredients: Choose products with natural and non-toxic ingredients. Avoid products containing artificial colors, flavors, and sweeteners.
• Certifications: Look for certifications like B Corp, Leaping Bunny (cruelty-free), and USDA Organic to verify the sustainability and ethical claims of the product.
• Recyclability/Compostability: Check if the product and its packaging are recyclable or compostable in your local area.
• Cruelty-Free: Ensure that the product is not tested on animals.
• Reviews: Read reviews from other customers to get an idea of the product’s effectiveness and overall quality.

By using these resources and considering these factors, you can find eco-friendly dental products that meet your needs and help you reduce your environmental impact.