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Zero Waste Toothpaste Recipe

So I ran out of toothpaste and I thought, “When would be a better time to try out a Zero Waste alternative toothpaste?”

If you’re hygienic like me, you probably brush your teeth at least twice a day…with a plastic toothbrush…and with toothpaste out of a plastic tube. Even though this waste seems minuscule, it adds up. So why not at least try an alternative that leaves less of an impact on our planet?

There are plenty of alternative routes you can take to a clean mouth. Some people simply use baking soda and water while others, like myself, stick to the familiar paste format. 



I did some research into different recipes and found one that seems to work for me. This recipe follows an easy 2to1 ratio of coconut oil to baking soda with any essential oil you prefer. I found a cheap coconut oil in a recyclable jar and I bought baking soda in bulk with a reusable cloth bag at my local grocery store.

In an airtight candle jar, I mixed 6 tablespoons of coconut oil and 3 tablespoons of baking soda until it was creamy and resembled traditional toothpaste. Then, I added 20 drops of peppermint essential oil for fresh breath. Some recipes suggest adding stevia to make it sweeter to counteract the saltiness of the baking soda. After I was finished, I added some to an old face scrub jar for a to-go sized option. 



I tried it out and, honestly, it’s going to take some getting used to for me. The coconut oil becomes liquid at body temperature, which feels very weird in your mouth and the saltiness is not pleasant. But on the positive side, my mouth and lips are left feeling very hydrated!

Obviously, what works for me might not work for you, so I encourage you to experiment and find what you like and what is compatible with your body.

© 2017 Caleb Powers All Rights Reserved

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