And It Still Shines

I started this sustainable, zero-waste lifestyle when I was serving in a small village in the Comoros Islands. Due to a lack of waste disposal and financial constraints, I needed to come up with other solutions to some products I used in my daily life.

The first things I changed was my toothpaste. Obviously, I didn’t want to sacrifice cleaning my teeth, but do the cost and creation of trash toothpaste produces, I decided to look for an alternative solution.

After some internet research I came up with a natural recipe that did the trick. It involved using baking soda, coconut oil, tea tree oil, and peppermint oil. While I have since converted to using the product ‘Bite’, chewable toothpaste tablets, the use of natural ingredients does an amazing job! One of the biggest things I was shocked by was how simple everyday ingredients could be used. Not only are they common products, but this recipe doesn’t involve many ingredients make it a practical solution for anyone beginning their journey towards a zero-waste lifestyle.

Below is the recipe I began using! Of course you can adjust it how you see fit. And just some tips.

Use more baking soda in hotter climates, and more coconut oil in colder ones. This prevents the toothpaste from being too runny or hard.

Baking soda is not the most flavorful ingredient, and baking soda toothpaste will still have that salty taste. I have found that the flavor grow on you though.

4 tablespoons coconut oil

2-4 tablespoons baking soda

10 drops tea tree oil

20 drops peppermint oil

A glass jar

1. Liquify coconut oil. This can be done through placing it in hot water or in a double boiler.

2. Place all ingredients into a small bowl and blend together.

3. Store product in a glass jar.