Thursday, April 9, 2015

Eco-Challenge Step 2 Toothpaste

Welcome back to the eco-challenge. If you missed step one, it's here.

What did you realize as you were mindful about using plastic? Our library has started to sell tea as a fundraiser... I love to support that cause and I love a hot cup of tea while reading... but the lids are plastic. Perhaps I'll have to carry a travel mug to refill.


Anyway...


Toothpaste.jpgToday's challenge is the first of a few "Go to Zero" challenges that will be scattered through the steps. It's about toothpaste.

Did you know that some toothpastes contain plastic? 

Whether this is safe and healthy for individual toothbrushers is a matter of dispute and worth considering, but not the focus of this blog.

However, the plastic microbeads, often used for color, are making their way into our rivers and oceans. They are eaten by fish and other marine animals. making their way into the food chain and contributing to declining health in ecosystems. So, I don't want to use them.

Fortunately, it's pretty easy to go to zero on this one. Many toothpastes do not contain polyethylene or polypropylene. Organic and natural toothpastes don't of course, but many of the "regular" brands either never had it or have removed it. The message begins to get across I guess. Plus, people worry about health effects. So, just read labels or call the company for a list of inactive ingredients.
 
For more information:

ABC News Denvers report

Crest to Remove Harmful Microbeads from Toothpaste
What's in Toothpaste?
Plastic Beads being removed from toothpaste: What you need to know.



So will you "go to zero" on microbeads in toothpaste? 


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 This is my eighth post for the April 2015 Ultimate Blog Challenge. 

At the Christian Youth Conference at Ocean Park one of our Statements of Purpose is
"We cultivate an active enjoyment and stewardship of God’s creation and a respect for the beauty of God’s world." Please consider this quality discipleship training program and experience of Christan community designed for high school students. August 2-15. 2015 on the beautiful southern coast of Maine. Scholarships available.


6 comments:

  1. Thanks for the info. Our toothpaste is good :).

    ~Urailak

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    1. You're welcome... and I am glad to hear it!

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  2. Blech! I use a clove toothpaste that only has natural ingredients so I'm gratified to easily be able to miss out on this additional plastic in my life. Ugh.

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    Replies
    1. Sounds good to me, I like to go all natural, too.

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  3. We use Tom's of Maine cinnamint toothpaste. All natural and no chemicals or artificial ingrediants; in particular no fluoride.

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