"27,000 trees are cut down every single day in order to provide toilet paper for the world, and around 50% of these trees come from virgin forests and old growth specimens that are hundreds of years old or even older. Many of the trees that are used come from primary forests that are sorely needed to help prevent further global warming and increased carbon in the atmosphere. Logging is occurring in forests that are incredibly diverse, and many of these areas contain protected or even endangered species. Toilet paper is filling up landfills in the USA and around the globe at an alarming rate." We're literally killing of the habitat of countless species... to wipe our butt, PEOPLE. (Source: bidet.org)

​This is ludicrous, and I am outraged. First and foremost, switch to a bidet, then for all else for the love of god switch to tree-free toilet paper!

So far, I haven't found one that's both 100% tree-free and better (soft, durable) than Ology toilet paper.  Does anyone have particular bidet or TP recommendations? Comment below!

Nothing works as well as the now-infamous Poo-Pourri. Once you try it, you can't go without. Fear no more those noxious aerosol cans and artificial smells, lighting matches, burning incense. Poo-Pourri is completely natural and doesn't invade your breathing space with odors. It comes in various scents and sizes, including pocket size. Like I said, can't live without it.

Has anyone tried to make something like this from scratch? Let me know if you have a better alternative in the comments!

One of our most controversial self-care products, this is a tricky one to get right. The plastic (permanent) waste that toothbrushes create is a major problem for the environment. From everything I've seen you're stuck with either the 100% biodegradable option or the 100% plant-based option. Only pig-hair bristles are truly biodegradable, but they come from China's meat industry. If supporting this is something you'd rather avoid, Brush with Bamboo seems to be the most ecologically-sound option available. Everything about this brush and packaging is plant-based. The bristles are not compostable, but they are working to improve this with their suppliers.  Or, you could try a traditional neem chew stick. Some really swear by it.

BEST HOMEMADE
Forget that Dirt stuff that's been circling the Facebook ads. I've tried it and immediately regretted the decision. Not only does it make you look like a neanderthal while you're using it, grinning with brown teeth back at yourself, but it's messy and very difficult to use. It's gritty and it scratched my teeth. Your toothbrush bristles are enough of an exfoliant, you don't need to make your toothpaste into sandpaper to get the job done. If you want something that feels and tastes like heaven and leaves your mouth feeling amazing, use this instead:

Remineralizing Toothpaste Ingredients

• 5 parts Calcium powder
• 2 parts Baking Soda
• 3 parts Xylitol Powder– This ingredient is not completely necessary, but just keeps it from tasting bitter.
• coconut oil to desired texture
• Optional ingredients: Essential oils for flavor (mint, cinnamon, and orange are all good), Myrrh and Trace Minerals

Remineralizing Toothpaste Instructions

1. Mix all powdered ingredients (calcium, Baking Soda, Xylitol) well in a bowl.
2. Add Coconut Oil one part at a time until you get desired consistency.
3. Add any optional ingredients, including Essential Oils for flavor (my favorite is Peppermint Orange)
4. Store in small container like ½ pint glass jar. To use, either dip clean toothbrush into it, or use Popsicle stick or spoon to put on toothbrush. 

​The only con to this recipe is that it leaves your hands and toothbrush a bit oily, and it will be rock solid in cold temperatures. Still worth it to me, considering the incredible result and that you can just wash your hands with soap, especially when I imagine all of the packaging waste I'm saving!

BEST STORE BOUGHT
I have tried all the toothpastes, and none do the trick as well as Jason. My favorite is the Vanilla Powermint. The cheapest you'll ever see it is on Luckyvitamin.com. I still prefer the homemade one to this one! 

 I used to try to get by with just essential oils and water, but I didn't trust that they were getting the job done. While you can get the original natural Listerine (which is just water, alcohol, and essential oils), I prefer Doctor Tichenor's concentrate instead to use less plastic. You can conveniently get it at the drug store. It says to dilute it with just water, but you know I'm going to add some drops of essential oils - clove, melaleuca (tea trea), and OnGuard. Clove oil is particularly good for gum and oral health!

You can use plain (virgin coldpressed) coconut oil or sesame oil. I always prefer to add a drop of essential oil to mine, usually peppermint or clove, for added antibacterial support.

I have tried many natural home brands, and Seventh Generation always takes the cake for their detergents. This is my favorite. It's about 33 cents per load.