Want to Green Your Dental Routine?

Want to Green Your Dental Routine?

Today (April 22) is Earth Day, an international event celebrated around the world to pledge support for environmental protection. The year 2021 marks the 51st anniversary of the annual celebrations. This year’s theme for Earth Day is ‘Restore Our Earth’.

We each have a part to play in making the Earth a better, greener place for ourselves and the generations to come.  Even if you aren’t out marching in the streets (which we couldn’t do anyways this year – COVID), there are still small things with great impact you can do…

WE INVITE OUR PATIENTS TO BE A PART OF OUR EASY NEW RECYCLING PROGRAM! 

To do our part and help our patients do theirs, we’ve just purchased the Terracycle Zero Waste Box for Oral Care Waste and Packaging!  This Zero Waste Box will recycle any brand of oral care waste – including toothpaste tubes and caps, toothbrushes, toothbrush and toothpaste tube outer packaging, and floss containers.  We encourage and urge you to bring your used oral care recycling down to us rather than putting it into the regular garbage which would go into landfill.

Check out their other Zero Waste Boxes online (here) to see if any would work for you at home or for your workplace.  Be sure to also look at the growing list of Free Recycling Programs for a variety of waste streams where you can earn points for recycling your waste, then, redeem your points for charitable donations – AMAZING!  https://www.terracycle.com/en-CA/brigades

DON’T LEAVE THE WATER RUNNING

Only turn on the faucet to rinse your mouth and your toothbrush.  Did you know that the average person wastes 5 gallons of water every time they brush their teeth?

BUY A BIODEGRADABLE TOOTHBRUSH

There are some biodegradable toothbrushes available, typically made of corn starch.  Due to being biodegradable, they won’t clog landfills and could even help with the compost in your garden!

CUT DOWN ON TOOTHPASTE

When you use too much toothpaste it requires more water to wash it off your toothbrush and adds pollutants into the water.  A pea-sized amount is all that you need.  Focus on your brushing techniques and let your toothpaste go a long way!

RECYCLE YOUR TOOTHBRUSH

Be a part of our new recycling program above or choose a toothbrush that is made of recycled or renewable materials.  That way, every 3 months when it’s time to get a new one, you can recycle it!

GET LITERALLY GREEN, PLANT A TREE

If you have space in the yard, plant a tree, bush, shrub, flowers or garden.  If you have a patio or space inside, do some planting in pots!  Not only will they look amazing, they will also improve air quality and it’s something that can be done as family.   Here are a couple great links to get you inspired.

HAPPY EARTH DAY!