Did you know that you can’t put toothpaste tubes in your recycling bin?
If not, then you are not alone.
Unfortunately, standard recycling plants are not able to treat this type of plastic because of the high cost associated with the collection and sorting.
The materials used in the typical toothpaste tube usually include plastic, aluminium, steel and nylon. To be able to recycle a toothpaste tube, each of these components must be processed separately. This is why recycling becomes a very complicated process, on top of the CO2 pollution involved of the production of each individual tube.
The result? 1.5 billion toothpaste tubes end up in the landfill worldwide every year.
And it's not just the packaging that is a problem. Standard toothpaste is made with chemical ingredients, parabens and triclosan that end will eventually go down the drain and into natural water systems to create havoc with animal hormones and the environment.
This is why we have instantly looked for a sustainable alternative and found it in the form of Toothpaste tablets, which, in our opinion, are far more practical and hygienic than glass jars of toothpaste paste or powder.
After testing several brands and finding that most of them either tasted horrible or didn’t leave our teeth clean, we settle for Change Toothpaste tablets for their superior taste and cleaning power (the Bubblegum flavor has definitely played a huge part here!).
If you are curious about trying these tablets but still have some questions, we have compiled here below some common answers for you!
Want to shop them already? Click here!
WHAT MAKES TOOTHPASTE TABLETS BETTER THAN TOOTHPASTE?
Well…first and foremost they remove the need for a plastic tube altogether! Packaged in compostable paper bags, they reduce your environmental footprint and give you a clean, fresh brush — without any harsh chemicals.
The size of the tablet is consistent with dentist recommendations to the amount of toothpaste that should be used,
And will leave no gobs of paste left in the sink (wink).
HOW DO I USE A TOOTHPASTE TABLET?
Pop a tablet in your mouth, bite down a couple times, and brush with a wet toothbrush. Enjoy!
HOW DO I STORE THE TOOTHPASTE TABLETS?
The tablets are shipped in a resealable pouch. You can open or close that pouch or use a holder of your choice. Whatever you use, make sure you keep them sealed to prevent moisture from getting into the tablets. Trust us, you do not want to get them wet.
DO THE TOOTHPASTE TABLETS HAVE FLUORIDE?
Yes we do have the Fluoride option.
ARE THE TOOTHPASTE TABLETS SAFE FOR PEOPLE WITH ALLERGIES?
Change tablets are formulated to be soy, nut, and dairy free. They are also gluten free and vegan!
ARE THE TABLETS CRUELTY FREE?
Yes! Change has never and will never test on animals.
ARE THE TABLETS SAFE FOR CHILDREN?
Change has consulted with dentists and physicians to ensure all ingredients are safe for children. Even better, the tablets will ensure your child will use the right amount of toothpaste as using too much of it can damage developing teeth and cause what's called dental fluorosis.
ARE TOOTHPASTE TABLETS OK FOR USE WITH DENTURES?
We suggest you consult your prosthodontist.
DO THE TABLETS HAVE WHITENING INGREDIENTS?
At this time the toothpaste tablets do not include any active ingredients to aid in whitening. Change might be adding them as a formulation in the future.
HOW MANY TABLETS COME IN A PACKAGE?
65 tablets come in a 1-month pouch.
195 tablets come in a 3-month pouch.
Enough to brush twice a day and extra to allow for unexpected breakage or the extra brush for date night.
ARE YOUR TABLETS EASY TO TRAVEL WITH?
Change Toothpaste tablets travel very well, they have no liquid and can pass through TSA security with no problems.
We do recommend transferring them to a hard container, as the compostable pouch does not offer much protection.
ARE THE PACKAGES COMPOSTABLE?
Yes, the toothpaste tablet packages are certified compostable and manufactured under the EN 13432 standard. The pouch is Oxo-degradable based on the ASTM D6400 standard. Ensure the pouch goes into the compost when finished.
WHAT IS THE EXPIRATION OF THE TABLETS?
The tablets that are sealed in an air and watertight container will have a shelf life of 12 months. The tablets absorb moisture, please do not expose them to humidity for long periods of time.
WHERE ARE YOUR TOOTHPASTE TABLETS MADE?
Change toothpaste tablets are manufactured in Edmonton, AB, Canada.
And what to do of the toothpaste tubes you still have lingering around in your bathroom? The only way to get them recycled is to check out the Terracycle oral care recycling program to find out the closest collection point.
Once you've signed up to the program (for free), you have the opportunity to become a Community Collection Hub and collect on behalf of your community to divert even more waste from landfill.
