4 Best Non-Toxic, Eco - Friendly Floss For A Healthy Smile

In today's world, where sustainability and eco-conscious choices are becoming increasingly important, even our daily dental routines can make a significant impact. One such sustainable change is switching to non-toxic and zero-waste dental floss options. In this article, we'll explore the 4 best floss products that not only promote a healthy smile but also contribute to a healthier lifestyle.

Why Is Conventional Floss Bad For Our Health And Environment

Conventional dental floss can pose problems for both personal health and the environment due to its materials and potential chemical content. Here's a breakdown:   

Environmental Concerns:

• Plastic Waste: Most traditional floss is made from nylon or other plastics, which are not biodegradable. This means they can persist in the environment for hundreds of years.  
• Floss contributes to plastic pollution, ending up in landfills and potentially waterways, where it can harm wildlife. Even the packaging often involves non-recyclable plastics.  
• Microplastics: As plastic floss breaks down, it releases microplastics, which can enter the food chain and pose health risks.

Health Concerns:

• PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances): Some flosses, especially those with a Teflon coating (PTFE), contain PFAS, also known as "forever chemicals."   
  These chemicals have been linked to various health problems, including hormone disruption, immune system weakening, and increased cancer risk. 
• Other coatings and additives: Many flosses are coated with waxes, including petroleum-based waxes, and artificial flavorings that may also present health concerns over extended periods.   

In response to these issues, many eco-friendly alternatives are now available, such as:

• Silk floss: Biodegradable and compostable.  
• Bamboo floss: Often made with biodegradable components.  
• PLA floss: Made from plant-based materials.  

By making informed choices, individuals can reduce their environmental impact and potentially minimize exposure to harmful chemicals. Today, we're exploring the 4 best floss options on the market that promote a sustainable lifestyle.

1. Ecoroots - Zero-Waste Floss with Refillable Glass Container

Ecoroots is leading the way in offering an eco-friendly floss option that checks all the boxes for sustainability. Their vegan dental floss is made from bamboo fiber infused with activated charcoal, ensuring an effective clean for your teeth. It's my favorite floss; I love its thicker texture and how easy it is to grip while flossing. iWhat truly sets Ecoroots apart is its commitment to a zero-waste approach.

The packaging consists of a reusable glass container with a metal lid. This means that once you've used up your floss you can minimize waste by refilling the glass container with fresh bamboo floss. I love that the glass container is small too, it drops easily into my purse for on the go times! If you already own a glass container, purchasing their 4-pack will provide a long-lasting supply.

Furthermore, Ecoroots ensures that all of its packaging materials are non-plastic and either recyclable or compostable.  The packaging makes it eco-friendly from start to finish and aligns perfectly with a zero-waste lifestyle.

2. Georganics - Spearmint Dental Floss

Georganics is on a mission to create affordable oral care products that prioritize sustainability. Their Spearmint Dental Floss stands out as an eco-friendly choice for your dental hygiene routine. Ideal for those who avoid charcoal, this floss is made from 100% food-grade ingredients (mostly compostable Corn-PLA), ensuring its biodegradability and compostability.

To enhance the eco-friendly aspect, Georganics packages their dental floss in plastic-free packaging. It's available in both 50m dispenser and 100m refill options, providing flexibility to consumers while reducing plastic waste.

The product is approved by Vegan & Cruelty-free International, emphasizing its ethical and sustainable credentials. In the end, they are a Living Wage Employer, which means that the company voluntarily pays all employees a wage high enough to cover basic necessities like food, housing, and healthcare, exceeding the government minimum wage.

3. Mother Earth - Bamboo, Charcoal Floss

For those avoiding glass in the bathroom,  Mother Earth-floss presents excellent alternatives with its refillable dispensers made from durable bamboo or metal. These materials provide a sturdy and long-lasting housing for the floss, eliminating the risk of glass breakage.

Emphasizing sustainability, the product is Leaping Bunny Certified and features compostable bamboo. The refillable nature of the bamboo or metal dispensers further reduces waste, as users only need to purchase floss refills, minimizing the production and disposal of new containers, making it a highly eco-friendly option.

4. Etee - Natural Dental Floss

Etee is dedicated to using materials that are 100% biodegradable and sustainable, and their Natural Dental Floss is no exception. This floss is made from 100% pure mulberry silk, making it entirely biodegradable and plastic-free.

Each spool contains 30 metres of our 100% pure mulberry silk, candelilla wax and natural peppermint oil floss. Mulberry silk, also known as Ahimsa Silk (or Peace Silk), is made from the cocoon of the mulberry silkworm. The harvesting process is cruelty free as the silkworm is able to turn into a moth and fly away before the cocoon is finally harvested!

Making the switch to eco-friendly dental floss is a positive step towards both a healthier smile and a more sustainable planet. The featured products in this article demonstrate various ways in which dental floss can be made eco-friendly, from utilizing biodegradable materials for the floss itself to adopting sustainable packaging practices.

Sustainable Choices: From Eco-Friendly Dental Floss to Mindful Living

Whether you prefer dental floss made from natural silk, bamboo or corn fiber, or other sustainable materials, these options provide an environmentally conscious alternative to traditional plastic floss. Additionally, refillable containers and compostable packaging reduce unnecessary waste, further promoting eco-friendliness. By choosing eco-friendly dental floss, you not only maintain your oral health but also contribute to the global effort to reduce plastic waste and minimize environmental impact. It's a small change that can make a significant difference for both your well-being and the planet's health.

Explore mindful living with us at Everyday Essentialist, where we share insights on sustainable practices, slow living, and mindful choices. Join our community committed to making a positive impact on the environment and embracing a conscious lifestyle. Visit Minutia today and elevate your eco-conscious style.