If there is one things we’ve learned about living a natural lifestyle, it’s that folks seem to pick their battles. It’s impossible to have impeccable behavior in living sustainably, locally, waste-free, toxin-free and nutrition-rich. But we try, don’t we? And it matters! We’re not sure this DIY toothpaste qualifies as a green necessity – after all there are decent natural toothpaste brands doing all the hard work for you already. But, for those who want to really go there with oral care – or who want an amazing home experiment to teach kids about natural health – this old-fashioned, homemade toothpaste certainly fits the bill! It’s easy, simple and – for mint lovers – can get as minty you like.

Commercial toothpaste is a lot like lip balm: full of super strange ingredients that don’t need to be there that contribute to the problems it’s promising to solve! Skip the fake-colored, sweetened chemical stuff and make this low-cost, effective alternative from Adina, founder of Brookyln’s S.W. Basics instead. If you have sensitive gums leave the sea salt out of the equation, but it’s a nice abrasive that is full of minerals for everyone else. Coconut oil kills bacteria and peppermint oil will freshen your breath a trillion times longer than un-naturally fragranced toothpaste. Happy brushing…