Day 1

Ok. Chapter one begins with The Eco-Friendly home. Apparently my house has been contructed using a variety of synthetic, unsustainable materials, which are harmful to my planet and my health. Uh-huh. I rent, so nothing for me here. If your interested, carpet is bad. Seagrass is good. Cork is good. Moving on ...

I'm low on toothpase, so I think I will begin here. To begin, I have perfect teeth. I brush my teeth two or three times a day and I have never had a cavity. I go to the dentist once a year for check ups and cleanings. This is my current toothpaste. Colgate flouride toothpaste with MaxFresh Mouthwash Beads. I bought it because it was on sale (this is usually how I choose my toothpaste). I think it cost me around $2.50 at Safeway. I remember getting it home, useing it the first morning and thinking, "what the hell are these little white things in my paste?".

According to my book most brands of toothpaste contain sodium lauryl sulphate, a foaming agen that can lead to mouth ulcers. It can also contain triclosan, a chemical used for its anti-bacterial properties. The chemical could become carcinogenic when it comes into contact with water. I'm not sure what they mean by "could" but whatever. My Colgate contains sodium lauryl sulphate but does not contain triclosan. Whew! That "could" have been a close call.

Now, my book does not include a recipe for toothpaste. Shampoo and toilet cleaners yes, toothpaste no. The book does recommend natural toothpastes by Jason Natural Products, Green People, Kingfisher and Lavera.

Fortunately the post-apocalypse isn't here yet so I can still go online for a recipe. Stupid book. From http://www.pioneerthinking.com/teeth1.html.

Ingredients:
6 teaspoons baking soda
1/3 teaspoon salt
4 teaspoons glycerin
15 drops peppermint or wintergreen extract
Directions: Mix thoroughly. Should be a tooth paste consistency. Store in a container.

Too bad I don't need mouthwash ....

Ingredients:
3/4 cup vodka
20 drops lemon essential oil
1 1/4 cup distilled water
30 drops bergamot essential oil
Directions: Combine the vodka with the essential oils in a bottle, shake well then allow to sit for 1 week. Shake once a day. When ready to use it , dilute the mix with 3 parts water/ 1 part mixture. Use it as a gargle or mouth rinse. Do Not Drink.

From: http://www.greenfootsteps.com/how-to-make-toothpaste.html

Here's a recipe for baking soda toothpaste:
4 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
a few drops of flavouring (peppermint extract)
Mix well and keep the mixture in an air-tight container

I will try both recipes and let you know which one tasts less like ass.