Lindsay McCormick and Asher Hunt, co-founders of Bite Toothpaste Bits, want to rid the environment of plastic toothpaste tubes. Great strides have been made in removing the danger of plastic straws. States, individual cities, hotel chains, McDonald’s and Starbucks are part of the movement to implement policies against the straws. My gosh, Queen Elizabeth has banned plastic straws from all of her castles!
More than a billion toothpaste tubes are dumped into landfills and the oceans every year. And it’s not only the plastic—harmful chemicals remain in those tubes, things like sodium lauryl sulfate, triclosan, artificial dyes and preservatives.
Lindsay traveled often while working as a producer for the Travel Channel and reality shows such as House Hunters and Hollywood Hillbillies. She became aware of how many travel-size toothpaste tubes she threw away, then how many toothpaste tubes of all sizes were being thrown away all over the world. There had to be an alternative to the plastic tubes, and she would find it.
She signed up for chemistry classes, talked with dentists and learned about the questionable ingredients in toothpaste. So she came up with a toothpaste without harsh chemicals, sulfates, parabens and preservatives. Bite is all natural, vegan and made with organic ingredients:
- Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate from coconut oil foams up and cleans the teeth.
- Xylitol and Erythritol from fruits and vegetables repel cavity-causing bacteria.
- Calcium Carbonate, a mineral, is a mild abrasive.
- Activated Charcoal cleans surface stains.
- Sodium Bicarbonate (baking soda) balances pH levels in the mouth.
Bite comes in Naturally Whitening Fresh Mint, Fresh Mint with Activated Charcoal, and Berry Twist for the kids.
Once Lindsay had her formula, she bought a tableting machine and made Bite into a “pill,” no plastic tube needed and, since it is not a gel or a liquid, TSA-friendly for travelers. Simply pop a “Bite Bit” into your mouth and bite. Brush with a wet toothbrush. Bite will foam up just like conventional toothpaste, cleaning your teeth and freshening your mouth. The bit also reduces toothpaste waste, because it is the correct amount needed to clean your teeth.
Not only is Bite a healthier, more sustainable toothpaste, it is produced in a Leaping Bunny-certified lab according to FDA guidelines and sold in glass bottles that are recyclable and refillable for those who choose the subscription plan. All packaging is 100% recyclable or compostable. Envelopes are made from newspapers, boxes from cardboard sealed with paper tape, Kraft fill provides the cushioning.
In line with their mission, Lindsay and Asher do not want to adversely affect the environment with shipping procedures. No 2-day shipping for them. They send Bite via the United States Postal Service. Nearly everyone has a mail carrier coming by the house six days a week—whether or not you receive mail. Bite rides along, cutting down on its carbon footprint.
Bite Toothpaste Bits has been recognized by the PAC Global Leadership Awards for their innovative packaging.
