Getting to the end of a toothpaste tube sucks. You have to start bending the top end back and forth, then twisting and turning it, finally giving a big push up the middle with your thumb to make sure you’re getting every last ounce of precious paste before tossing it away.
But yesterday, I discovered a great way to solve this problem — Adam, over at Life Goggles, has recently published a free e-book listing 100 ways to save the planet, and he was kind enough to forward me a copy, which included this handy tip: Cut off the end of the tube so you can scoop out the remaining toothpaste with the tip of your brush.
It may only conserve a tiny amount each time, but it all adds up eventually — and if you’ve been reading this blog for a while now, you know I’ll do just about anything to be a little greener, whether it’s getting rid of my car or pathetically scraping out the last of my Tom’s of Maine.
Photo courtesy of muddymoles on Flickr
Better solution: make your own toothpaste. I’ve been doing that for a couple months now, and it’s MAGICAL!! Baking soda + water + a few drops of essential oil. Costs next to nothing, does a great job on the teeth. No waste.
and I’M saving your toothpaste by only using my Crest extra whitening instead.
I’m too lazy, um, no efficient, to actually cut the top off. I just use the back end of my tweezers to scoop out a bit of toothpaste to put on my brush. Made the tube last an extra week doing that last time. Now, though, I’m brushing every other time with a dry mix of baking soda/salt/peppermint essential oil, so the toothpaste will last even longer.
And, did you know that you can get by with NO toothpaste of any sort? Just wet your brush and brush your teeth for a full five minutes. You will get those pearly whites just as clean as using toothpaste. For less money. Consider the time spent a Zen exercise.
Using an exacto blade to cut up toothpastes tubes could land you in ER with lots of wasteful bandages!!!
Yes, well, obviously I’m going to use scissors, not an exacto knife! I don’t think I even own an exacto knife… but chile’s idea is good, too…
How come they don’t put toothpaste in tubs, like margarine, so it’s easier to access?
They used to ‘in the old days’! As kids we ran our brushes across the surface of a hard paste in a little flat tin. I guess it got a little messy and, since the whole family shared, it was not as hygienic.
But we all survived.
Oh hey Vanessa, I just discovered a toothpaste much like Tom’s, but manufactured in Hawkesbury Ontario and it has a great name, Green Beaver. Check it out.
And I love your Mom’s posts almost as much as I love yours. Go Pat go!
Adding my voice to the dry baking soda crowd. I added some wintergreen oil to mine just because I love the smell. Once you get used to baking soda, toothpaste just doesn’t feel like it cleans as well.
empot September 30, 2009 sorry now ko lng nbasaa. pero grabe 7 months na pala. hay… hindi ko tuloy lam if maaagaw ko pa sya sau.pero hindi pa rin ako susuko. hahaha! seriously super happy ako for both of you.
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How funny, I just did this the other night with my Kiss My Face toothpaste. Only I cut the bottom off and fished my brush around the edges. I’ve also resorted to making my own paste a few times when i kept forgetting to buy more at the store. I agree with Chile, it works really well! But there’s no way I could get my husband on board with it.
it’s not pathetic, it’s wise and ethical. and me, i find wise and ethical sexy! cheer up sweetness! your efforts are marvelous and i enjoy reading them every morning. you can get through this!
i second all the baking soda. my teeth do feel much cleaner after using baking soda instead of regular toothpaste. plus i go to a chef’s food supply store (cash n carry) and buy a 10lb bag for $5.50ish.
OK, those of us from the UK with bad teeth know what happens when you dont have fluoride!!
Be veeerrrryy careful with that homemade stuff– you could end up with a mouth like mine (full of nasty black fillings)
PS thanks Sarah!
Why didn’t I think of this myself?