Eco-Friendly Habits for Oral and Vision Health
Posted on April 15, 2025 in Just for Kicks
Earth Day—April 22—is a great time to reflect on our habits and how they affect the planet. Did you know that many products used daily, like toothbrushes, floss, and contact lenses, have eco-friendly alternatives that support health and the planet, too? Explore these simple ways to do your part while maintaining good oral and vision health.
Rethink your toothbrush
A plastic toothbrush can take up to 500 years or longer to decompose in landfills, according to the World Wide Fund for Nature. Plastic toothbrushes are made from polypropylene and nylon, which aren’t biodegradable materials and take centuries to disintegrate. To help Mother Earth, consider swapping out a plastic brush for a bamboo-handled toothbrush or, better yet, a rechargeable electric toothbrush. These options reduce plastic waste while keeping your smile bright.
Choose Eco-Conscious Floss
Have you ever looked at the label on your dental floss? Traditional floss can be made from materials like nylon coated in synthetic wax, which takes about 80 years to disintegrate in a landfill. If you’d like to protect the planet while still meeting the American Dental Association’s flossing recommendations, consider some of these eco-friendly alternatives:
- Use floss made of a biodegradable material like silk or cornfiber
- Purchase floss to store in a refillable glass container instead of plastic
- Use a water flosser or use a dental pick as an alternative
Save Gallons When Brushing
Here’s a planet-friendly habit: be mindful of water usage while brushing your teeth. Turning off the faucet while brushing your teeth can save eight gallons of water a day—that’s 2,920 gallons a year, according to the EPA.
Recycle Contact Lens Materials
It can be easy to overlook the environmental effects of tiny items you use each day, like contact lenses and their packaging. Nonetheless, those little containers and lenses add up to extra garbage in the landfill. Some manufacturers now offer recycling programs specifically for contact lenses and packaging. Ask your eye care professional for local programs that can assist with recycling these small but impactful items.
Donate Old Eyewear
If you wear glasses, consider investing in high-quality frames made from recycled materials. Some local organizations can recycle old glasses or distribute them to charitable organizations. Here are some organizations that accept gently used eyeglass donations:
Celebrate Earth Day Every Day!
The best part of going green with your dental and vision health is that you don’t have to sacrifice effectiveness or comfort. This Earth Day, consider how small swaps to your daily routines can support your health and the health of our planet.