Congratulations on making an effort to choose an eco-friendly toothpaste.
But are you confused about which is better – Biodegradable or Sustainable toothpaste?
Let’s help you to make the smartest choice!
What is Biodegradable Toothpaste?
It means both the toothpaste container and ingredients are environmentally safe. These kinds of toothpaste naturally break down through microorganisms without causing harm or pollution.
It primarily focuses on [1] –
- Using natural extracts: Aloe vera, Neem, Clove, Charcoal etc.
- Avoiding harsh chemicals: SLS, triclosan and artificial sweeteners.
Dant Jeevan, Tom’s of Maine – companies produce biodegradable yet less sustainable toothpaste.
What is Sustainable Toothpaste?
Sustainable toothpaste is one step further than biodegradable one. It means from the starting of making toothpaste to its packaging, the whole process is safe and green for the environment as well as for the future.
In short, it [2]) –
- Leaves no carbon footprint
- Uses renewable energy sources
- Saves water and energy consumption
- Creates zero waste.
Companies such as Mamaearth (Recyclable packaging, plant trees for every order [3]), Georganics (Uses glass jars as container) produce both biodegradable and sustainable toothpaste.
A simple example to make you understand the difference between them clearly.
Key Differences between Biodegradable and Sustainable Toothpaste
“Company A” making biodegradable toothpaste but the process to make it causing pollution. For example:
- Transport vehicles run on fuel like gasoline/petrol, diesel etc.
- The factory runs on electricity sourced from non-renewable sources.
- Uses diesel generators, boilers, heating systems, plastic packaging produces air pollution like CO₂, NOx, SO₂, Volatile organic compounds.
- Consume large amount of water which creates high BOD and COD (Biochemical and Chemical Oxygen Demand) in waste water. If this waste water is untreated and thrown to nearby water bodies directly, causes death to fishes.
In contrast, “Company B” making biodegradable toothpaste and the process is causing zero to no pollution. Because:
- Transport vehicles run on EV or hydrogen fuel.
- The factory electricity sourced from renewable sources like solar panel, wind, hydro etc.
- Uses energy efficient and state-of-the-art designed machinery, air purification system at the outlet.
- Waste water is recycled and then thrown to the water bodies. Doing so, causes no negative effects on marine life.
- Uses biodegradable or recyclable plastic in the packaging.
Therefore, we can say Company B produces Sustainable toothpaste.
Conclusion: Which one should you choose?
- Biodegradable toothpaste is green – breaks down in nature safely. Eco-friendly at the finish only.
- Sustainable toothpaste is the greenest – whole process is safe. Eco-friendly from start to finish.
If you want to be truly green, choose Sustainable Toothpaste.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is both the biodegradable and sustainable toothpaste safe for our teeth?
Ans: Yes, absolutely! Both types use natural extracts like aloe vera, neem, charcoal etc. They are safe for your teeth and healthier for the environment.
2. Are these toothpastes expensive?
Ans: Yes, generally they are slightly more expensive than regular one. But here you should know that any new approach or method takes time to get affordable. As the time passes, more companies will produce these kinds of toothpaste. Eventually, rising competition will lower the price.
3. Can I compost these biodegradable toothpaste?
Ans: Yes, but check the label at first. If the packaging says it’s composable or biodegradable, then yes – you can. Some toothpaste packaging may need industrial composting.
4. What is the main difference between Biodegradable and sustainable toothpaste?
Ans: Biodegradable toothpaste is green at the finish line (Disposal). While, Sustainable toothpaste is green at every line (Production, Transport and Disposal).
5. How can I recognize a toothpaste as Sustainable toothpaste?
Ans: By seeing the labeling on them. Mostly they include [4]:
- USDA Organic
- Certified Biodegradable
- Cruelty-Free Packaging
- Plastic-Free Packaging
6. Does the Sustainable toothpaste clean teeth same as Regular toothpaste?
Ans: Yes, it effectively cleans just as the regular one without any harsh chemicals.
7. Why many companies are making Biodegradable toothpaste but still not Sustainable?
Ans: The term “Biodegradable” only implies it degrades to the nature completely. However, if a company still wastes energy and water in production, uses fossil fuels, causes pollution; it isn’t sustainable.
