It's no secret to regular EcoFam customers that we strongly believe in sustainable oral care. But what does that mean? Defining sustainable oral care matters in a world in which so many companies claim a sustainable business model without being very sustainable at all. Unfortunately, coming up with a hard-and-fast definition isn't as easy as it sounds.
A better way to explain sustainable oral care is to describe the six guiding principles that companies like EcoFam promote. Note that 'guiding' doesn't mean 'ironclad'. Guiding principles do exactly as the term suggests: they guide companies through the decision-making process.
1. Reduce Waste
The #1 guiding principle for sustainability in any industry is reducing waste. It certainly applies to sustainable oral care. Here at EcoFam, we want to contribute to global sustainability efforts by minimizing the waste our business generates. As such:
● We opt for recyclable and reusable packaging.
● We promote toothpaste tablets over toothpaste in a tube.
● We promote tablets and concentrates to reduce shipping and storage demands.
Everything we do in terms of format and packaging minimizes waste. If 100% zero-waste oral care were possible, we would go for it. It's not, so we do the best we possibly can with the resources we have at our disposal.
2. Conserve Resources
Speaking of using the resources we have, the second guiding principle is preserving those resources as much as possible. Both our toothpaste and mouthwash tablets are dry products. We preserve water by taking it out of the equation. As for our mouthwash concentrate, it offers reduced water content.
3. Eco-Friendly Manufacturing Decisions
Sustainability is about more than reducing waste and preserving resources. It is also about protecting the planet by making eco-friendly manufacturing decisions. Here are just a few examples:
● Natural Ingredients – Sustainable oral care products are made with natural ingredients rather than synthetics and harsh chemicals. Focusing on natural, plant-based alternatives keeps those other ingredients out of the waste stream.
● Sustainable Materials – Our compostable toothbrushes are made with sustainable materials that naturally return to the earth after use.
● Fluoride Alternatives – Although we have been using fluoride for generations, questions about its continued use are becoming more common. EcoFam avoids any potential harm by dispensing with fluoride in favor of hydroxyapatite.
These things work together to create a more environmentally friendly manufacturing process. Our customers benefit as well.
4. Consumer Education
Sustainable oral care relies on customer participation. Therefore, yet another guiding principle is consumer education. We consider it a big part of our mission to educate consumers about sustainable oral care and what it means on a daily basis. The more consumers know, the more likely they are to align themselves with more sustainable practices.
5. Holistic Oral Health
At a maximum level of sustainability, humans don't need as much intervention to maintain good health. It is with that in mind that sustainable oral health has a holistic component. It dictates that people give as much attention to dietary choices and supplemental herbal products as they do toothpaste tablets and compostable toothbrushes.
6. Sustainable Dental Practices
Finally, sustainable oral care continues outside the home. Sustainability-minded consumers can seek out dental practices that adhere to sustainable initiatives. A sustainable dental practice is more likely to promote sustainable oral care at home.
EcoFam takes sustainable oral care seriously. We hope you do too. Assuming that's the case, we invite you to check out all our products. From toothpaste and mouthwash tablets to compostable toothbrushes and liquid mouthwash concentrate, we have the products you need to practice sustainable oral care at home.
