Why oral care should be part of your sustainability journey

Sustainability doesn't have to just about big ticket swaps — it’s about transforming everyday routines. Everyday oral care (toothpaste, mouthwash, brushes) often generates significant waste. Here’s why your brushing routine matters and how a thoughtful approach, starting with products like NUEOS, can make a powerful environmental difference.

Everyday Habits Fuel Impact

Sustainability isn’t only about visible lifestyle changes like recycling or replacing plastic bottles — it’s also rooted in the quiet, habitual choices we make daily. Brushing your teeth, twice a day, every day, is one of those routines that may seem small but adds up remarkably over time.

Why Traditional Oral Care Has a Big Environmental Footprint

• Toothpaste tubes: Globally, 1.5 billion toothpaste tubes are discarded annually. In the UK alone, roughly 300 million tubes end up in landfill each year. [source]
• These tubes are often made of mixed plastics and foils that cannot be recycled efficiently, and one can take up to 500 years to decompose. [source]
• In terms of waste generation, each person generates about 85g of plastic waste per year from oral care alone, including toothpaste tubes and toothbrushes. [source]
• Mouthwash bottles, electric toothbrush heads, and plastic floss containers all add to this burden, making oral care a significant component of our daily waste.

Microplastics & Harmful Ingredients, Beyond Packaging

Beyond the tube, many oral care products contribute to microplastic pollution and chemical exposure. Compounds like triclosan, SLS, and artificial dyes can have environmental and health implications. While microbeads have been phased out in many places, microplastics can still come from packaging degradation and rinse-off ingredients. Not all components receive equal regulatory attention, especially when oral hygiene straddles cosmetic and healthcare categories. This can vary by brand and importantly your region of the planet.

A Sustainable Oral Care Routine in Five Practical Steps

Here’s how sustainability and oral care can align with your everyday:

1. Choose waterless formats, like toothpaste and mouthwash tablets — no plastic tube, no heavy bottles, no heavy transportation.
2. Select refillable or biodegradable tools, such as biodegradable floss, bamboo toothbrushes, or compostable scrubbers. Or choose to have items that can be used for a sustained period of time.
3. Prioritise simple, effective ingredients, avoiding unnecessary synthetics or unproven additives.
4. Use only what you need — small, pre-portioned products prevent overuse and therefore waste.
5. Support brands with full lifecycle transparency - from material sourcing, reusable through to disposal.

NUEOS: Oral Care Built With Sustainability At Its Core

At NUEOS, sustainability isn’t an add‑on — it’s foundational:

• Tablets — waterless and pre-measured, eliminating overuse and single-use plastic tubes.
• Packaging — designed to be either refillable, compostable, or fully recyclable.
• Minimalistic ethos — clear ingredients, zero unnecessary plastic, and a long-lasting LED Light Bath to reduce daily prep products.

Start Small, Make Big Change

Switching your oral care routine isn’t about perfection overnight; it’s about intentional steps that accumulate over time. Replace one product, reduce waste, set an example at home, and ripple positive change through your choices.

Final thought

Oral care is a daily touchpoint for sustainability. Brushing, rinsing, smiling. By shifting to products that deliver both performance and eco integrity, your routine can drive real environmental impact. At NUEOS, we’re here to help you make that essential daily habit part of your sustainability journey. LetTheLightin