Radiant and healthy skin starts with a thoughtful routine, and incorporating serums will be a complete game-changer on your day and nighttime routines. Our new natural serums cater to various skin types and concerns. Explore each of our five serums - Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin C, Bakuchiol, Anti-Aging with Q10 and Algae, and Anti-Acne with Blue Tansy and Black Cumin - and find the ideal match for your skin’s necessities.
Skin Type All skin types, especially dry or dehydrated skin.
Benefits Hyaluronic Acid is a moisture magnet. It helps to retain and replenish skin moisture, leaving it plump, hydrated, and youthful-looking. It is great for combating dryness and fine lines.
Skin Type Dull, uneven, or mature skin.
Benefits Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that brightens skin, reduces the appearance of age spots, and promotes collagen production. It is perfect for those looking to achieve a radiant complexion and reduce the signs of aging.
Skin Type Sensitive skin, or those who want a natural alternative to retinol.
Benefits Bakuchiol is a plant-based retinol alternative. It helps improve skin texture, reduce fine lines, and enhance overall skin tone. It is perfect for those who wish to start preventing early signs of aging. Gentle and suitable for those with sensitive skin.
Skin Type Mature or aging skin.
Benefits This serum is a combination of the power of Coenzyme Q10 and Algae extracts to firm, rejuvenate, and nourish the skin. It is a superb choice for addressing advanced signs of aging and maintaining youthful-looking skin.
Skin Type Acne-prone or oily skin.
Benefits Together, Blue Tansy and Black Cumin work to soothe inflammation, control oil production, and reduce the occurrence of acne breakouts. This serum is your go-to solution for clearer, blemish-free skin.
Choosing the right serum for your skin type and concerns is a crucial step in achieving your skincare goals. Whether you are battling acne, seeking anti-aging solutions, or simply aiming to maintain a healthy glow, there is a Bam&Boo serum that is perfect for you. Remember to patch test and introduce new products gradually into your routine to ensure the best results. Your journey to radiant, healthy skin starts now!
Take it a step further with this simple three-step routine: Glowrious Kit (Face Cleansing Bar, Natural Serum, Face Hydrating Cream).
Think Big and Take Care.
]]>Bam&Boo has landed on the Azores. Whilst we are working on bringing the best of Natural Care directly into your daily routines, we want you to learn more about our little piece of paradise in the middle of the Atlantic. Discover the nine distinct islands of the Azores, each with its own charm and character, offering a plethora of experiences for travelers seeking adventure, relaxation, and natural beauty.
The largest island S. Miguel is often referred to as the "Green Island" due to its lush landscapes, including rolling hills, crater lakes, and hot springs. The island also boasts unique attractions such as the Furnas Valley, where geothermal activity creates bubbling hot springs and traditional slow-cooked dishes. An enamoring sight that you must not miss is the twin lakes of Sete Cidades and the backdrop for a magical tale of two lovers.
Terceira stands out for its vibrant festivals and historic charm. The island's capital, Angra do Heroísmo, is a UNESCO World Heritage site with cobbled streets, colorful buildings, and impressive churches. The Sanjoaninas festival is a highlight, featuring lively parades, concerts, and traditional bull-running events.
Pico is dominated by its namesake peak, Mount Pico is the highest point in Portugal. The island is also known for its unique vineyards, grown in black volcanic soil, which produce the famous Verdelho wine. Additionally, Pico has a strong whaling history, showcased in the Whaling Museum, providing insights into the relationship between the islanders and the sea.
Characterized by its lunar-like landscape due to the volcanic activity of the island and in particular the Capelinhos Volcano eruption in 1957. Faial is a must-visit for sailing enthusiasts. The marina at Horta is a stopping point for sailors crossing the Atlantic, leaving behind colorful murals that adorn the harbor walls. The Island is also commonly referred to as the "Blue Island" due to its abundance of hydrangea flowers.
São Jorge is renowned for its cheese, produced for centuries using traditional methods, and is defined by its steep cliffs and lush valleys. The Fajãs, flat coastal areas formed by volcanic activity, provide unique landscapes great for a lovely hike or swim.
Santa Maria is the sunniest Azorean island, known for its golden sandy beaches and clear waters. It is also a treasure trove for paleontologists, with fossils dating back millions of years. The Bay of Praia Formosa is a popular spot for relaxation and water sports.
Flores is characterized by its lush vegetation, pristine lakes, and impressive waterfalls. The island is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve due to its unique ecosystems. Its natural beauty Flores is showcased in places like Rocha dos Bordões, a rock formation resembling a massive organ.
Corvo is the smallest and most remote island, offering a tranquil wilderness experience. Due to its isolation, it has managed to preserve its unique fauna and flora and the island's traditional way of life. Its main attraction is Caldeirão, a massive caldera, surrounded by green hills.
Graciosa is known for its unique landscapes, including vineyards inside volcanic craters. Furna do Enxofre is a notable highlight—a volcanic vent turned into an underground cavern. The island's charming villages and windmills add to its allure.
Now that you have read a glimpse of this captivating destination, it is time to lay back schedule some holidays, and start planning the perfect route for you. From lush landscapes and geothermal wonders to festivals and historical charm, the Azores offer something for every type of person. Explore more of these unique islands and uncover a world of natural and cultural treasures.
Think Big and Take Care.
]]>In today’s fast-paced world, more and more consumers are looking to insert natural and sustainable alternatives into their daily routines. Naturally, the beauty industry could not be an exception. The demand for products made with natural ingredients, environmentally friendly, and highly effective is only increasing.
Our latest launch at Bam&Boo is a range of natural serums that harness the power of nature to enhance your skincare routine. Giving you beautiful and radiant skin. Read ahead to find out more about our new natural serums collection and learn how they can revolutionize your skincare routines.
Our five new serums were formulated with a focus on natural ingredients that were carefully selected for bringing exceptional benefits to your skin. Based on this we created three serums that focus on a specific active ingredient (hyaluronic acid, vitamin c, and bakuchiol) and two that target a skincare need such as aging skin or irritation-prone skin. With our fast-absorbing oil-based formulas we aim to provide effective skincare solutions for an optimized daily routine.
Each one of our five available serums is formulated with a unique blend of natural ingredients that work synergistically to promote healthy skin. Whether you are looking to plump your skin up, clear imperfections, even out your tone, or re-energize your skin all our ingredients were chosen for their potent properties, derived from plants, fruits, and herbs. Additionally, the ingredients selected have soothing and healing properties suitable for sensitive skin types. There are also no added fragrances to our formulas. Find out a little more about each one.
In addition to our natural formulas, we always strive to reduce the ecological impact of our products. Our serums are packed in small glass containers that are ideal to be reused or properly recycled when the product is done, allowing us to reduce plastic waste wherever we can. Additionally, our commitment to a world of clean beauty extends to our shipping materials, made from recycled and biodegradable cardboard.
At Bam&Boo we strongly believe in creating products that are cruelty-free and free from harmful chemicals. To ensure ethical practices throughout the entire production process, our products are vegan and never tested on animals. Moreover, one of our primary goals is to have full transparency with our community about the ingredients we use. This allows us to show our genuine commitment to the well-being of each individual and our planet.
We did not want to create a collection of serums whose sole purpose was to achieve healthy skincare but rather create an experience that uplifts the senses. Our oil-based formulas are lightweight and easily absorbable making them suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. They are the perfect complement to insert into your daytime or nighttime routines.
With our new serums collection, we combine the power of nature, sustainable practices, and effective formulas that truly deliver a unique experience and set a new standard for clean beauty. By incorporating our natural serums into your skincare, you can nurture your skin while making a positive impact on the environment. Explore all five and discover the beauty of nature to unlock the secret to healthier, more radiant skin.
Think Big and Take Care.
]]>Most people still know little, if anything, about this far-flung Portuguese archipelago in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. It is a pure nature paradise and a world of blue lakes ringed by forests of laurel and cedar, and green pastures patterning the slopes of calderas, sustainably protected.
Combine mineral-laden soil with a subtropical climate surrounded by Gulf Stream-warmed waters, and the result is a crucible for life.
The Azores offer a diverse choice of nutrient-rich, replenishing, and rejuvenating ingredients that we are thrilled to incorporate into our eco-friendly personal care products. To this, we add our unwavering commitment to sustainability, as we are working closely with the local community to promote ethical and eco-friendly practices and a healthier planet.
These are the 5 key reasons Bam&Boo decided to move to the Azores:
The Azores offer an abundance of unique botanicals, nutrient-rich algae, and rejuvenating volcanic waters that are full of benefits for your body, hair, and face.
Bam&Boo is committed to sustainability, and our move to the Azores is a step towards promoting ethical, eco-friendly practices and a healthier planet. Working closely with the local community, we aim to create a more sustainable future.
The breathtaking landscapes and unique biodiversity of the Azores are a big inspiration for us, not only in our communication but in creating products that are in harmony with nature.
By incorporating unique natural ingredients from the Azores, we can enhance the quality and effectiveness of our formulas, giving us the ability to deliver to our community the best natural skincare that meets their needs.
By sourcing ingredients from the Azorean community, we support local farmers and contribute to the local economy.
At Bam&Boo, we believe clean beauty and care are more than just what you put on your skin. It’s about caring for the planet and its inhabitants. Our move to the Azores is a step towards this vision, as we work to promote a healthier planet and a healthier you.
We invite you to join us on this journey. Become empowered to decide your path and outline a long-lasting sustainable journey.
Think Big and Take Care.
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Many of us have used liquid shampoo packed in plastic bottles throughout our lives. The mere notion that shampoo can exist in a solid state can sound ridiculous or generate perplexity. However, solid shampoos have existed since the beginning of time—people used soap (which is solid) to wash their hair before bottled shampoo was invented at the end of the 20th century. In recent decades, the popularity of solid shampoo has resurfaced, and today it is no longer simply a fashion but a phenomenon inspired by various concerns such as health, sustainability, or even financial reasons.
So let’s take a look at our top 10 reasons to prefer solid shampoo over its liquid counterpart!
1. They last up to 3 times as long as a liquid shampoo bottle.
Have you ever tried to use up every last drop of shampoo in a bottle, only to find that it lasts a month or two at best? After that, they disappear in the blink of an eye.
One of the main differences between shampoo bars and liquid shampoo is their durability. Shampoo bars last up to three times longer than bottles of liquid shampoo!
The reason is that it is a more concentrated formula than a conventional shampoo bottle, the latter being significantly diluted in water. If you read the label of any liquid shampoo, you'll see the first ingredient listed on it - water! That's why we must squeeze so much shampoo out of bottles to get a proper wash.
With shampoo bars, you never have to worry about using too much—one or two passes over wet hair creates lots of lather. This means you're only using a tiny bit of the bar in each wash, which is good for your pocketbook and the environment. Of course, all this applies only if you take good care of your shampoo bar by keeping it dry so that it lasts longer.
2. It’s cheaper than liquid shampoo!
The second reason is basically a consequence of the first. If a solid shampoo lasts 3 times longer than a liquid, you save money every time you buy one! But let's see why!
Most shampoo bottles contain about 70 to 80 per cent water, and some can include even more. This means many of us are paying good money for a bottle full of water and only a small quantity of other ingredients!
As solid shampoo has a lot of water in it and produces a lot of lather, it can provide 60 to 80 washes. So if you wash your hair every day, it will last on average 2-3 months, and if you wash less frequently, it can last much longer!
And have you noticed how you have to squeeze the shampoo bottle to get something out of it and end up with too much on your hand or hair? A shampoo bar eliminates that risk because you can easily control the amount you use.
Although it may seem like a shampoo bar will cost you more than a bottle of shampoo, it’s actually a good deal because it will last you longer! It will definitely save you some cash and trips to the shop!
3. A more environmentally friendly solution that helps to reduce the excessive use of plastic
This is our third reason, but it's one of the most important. Given the threat disposable plastic poses to the environment, and especially to the preservation of oceans and marine life, shampoo bars are a clever solution that you can adopt into your everyday life with little effort and a high impact in the long term!
The shampoo bar obviously does not require traditional plastic packaging, as it is a concentrated shampoo and can be recycled or sold in bulk. In the case of our shampoos, they are all packed in recycled paper boxes.
4. When you reach into your gym bag or travel bag and feel a strange wetness, you may realise with panic that a shampoo bottle wasn’t properly closed and spilt some shampoo onto your clothes and belongings. Is that experience familiar to you?
Or perhaps the worst-case scenario is being held at a security checkpoint because your shampoo bottle is too large, and you’re not allowed to take it with you. Unfortunately, you didn’t realise this immediately because of confusing restrictions on the transportation of liquids and which quantities are permitted, which always vary from place to place.
Suppose you have ever experienced any of the situations I mentioned above. Then, you will understand why it is so difficult to find decent shampoo while travelling, whether to the gym or on holidays.
Thankfully, shampoo bars are the perfect alternative for travelling. With their compact size and concentrated formula, these elegant bars can be taken with you anywhere in a box. And we have just the ideal solution to carry them—our Cork Case!
What’s more, you get to avoid those small plastic bottles of shampoo or soap they offer in hotels—saving you money and contributing to a cleaner environment.
5. You can use up every bit of it!
If you’ve used liquid shampoo before, you know the frustration of wanting to squeeze that last bit of liquid inside the bottle—or having to dilute it in water to enjoy every last drop! But, instead of wasting hours trying to figure out how you will want these leftover shampoos with a Houdini technique, you have another solution.
Solid shampoo solves this problem by allowing you to use every last tiny bit of it. Then, even when it becomes challenging to pick it up because it’s already small and slippery, you can simply glue it to a new bar and fuse them together without waste.
6. You can use it as a shampoo or soap, depending on your needs.
Solid shampoos are formulated for hair care, with a pH that is adequate for the scalp. They're also versatile, however. When you're on a trip and only have a solid shampoo with you, you can use it as soap for your body and face too. It makes lots of lather, washes effectively without drying out your skin, and has no harmful effect on it. It's super convenient!
Speaking of travelling, you don't even have to worry about carrying so many cosmetics in your bag for a short trip because, with a solid shampoo bar, you can just throw it in your bag and go!
7. In addition to saving money, you'll also save space!
Sometimes when packing for a trip, it's hard to close your cosmetics bag because of all the oddly shaped bottles that take up too much space.
Thanks to the ergonomic and geometric shape of the shampoo bars, carrying your shampoo around has never been easier! Now you can take your concentrated shampoo anywhere. It fits perfectly in a little box and in your bag without taking up too much space!
If you prefer the minimalist look, your bathroom will appear tidier and cleaner when you take all those bottles out and opt for a solid shampoo bar instead.
8. A great little bar of soap that makes lots of lather
If you were worried that a shampoo bar wouldn’t create enough lather, you needn’t worry. A shampoo bar can make ample amounts of soft foam thanks to a perfect combination of surfactants, oils, and butters. You’ll never wish your shampoo made more lather, and you’ll look forward to that moment of your day when you wash your hair. It’s a relaxing experience!
9. Say goodbye to preservatives and hello to organic oils and butters that take care of your hair!
The fact is, our Shampoo Bars contain no water—and we like that. But, you see, many diluted shampoos include water, which you must pay for in a highly diluted shampoo bottle.
Because solid shampoo contains no water, we don't need to add preservatives to your formula.
The fact that the shampoo is solid allows us to combine organic butter and oils in the formula, which nourish, moisturise and care for your scalp and hair.
10. The best part is that they are all cruelty-free and vegan!
Although this is not an exclusive advantage of solid shampoos, we want to mention that our elegant shampoo bars are 100% cruelty-free. They have never been tested on animals, and they do not contain any animal ingredients. This is something we're proud of!
Solid shampoos are a great way to reduce plastic waste, save money, and reduce your exposure to harmful chemicals.
Solid shampoo is also an effective way to increase your self-care and mindfulness habits—even if you aren't trying!
Is solid shampoo more expensive than traditional liquid shampoo?
Solid shampoo is different from liquid shampoo because it is made of a solid state instead of a liquid. Its texture makes it easy to transport and use, but its unique properties also make it better for the environment.
Solid shampoo bars are biodegradable and can be used without any wastewater or chemicals being produced during the washing process.
They are also good for your wallet: not only do you save money over time with fewer bottles to buy, but they're less expensive than liquid shampoos as well!
Mostly, yes.
High-quality bar shampoos and other solid hair products can be just as effective as liquid products, if not better. The added advantage of being ecologically sustainable makes them even more attractive.
What makes our solid shampoos effective?
The absence of chemical additives, SLES, sulfates, and parabens makes them a better alternative to most liquid shampoos as well.
There is, however, a learning curve with shampoo bars. Some users say there is a transitional period when hair feels waxy and heavy, but these effects are usually temporary.
Curly and long-haired consumers may notice more frizz and tangles created by the action of rubbing hair with the bar. This, however, can be addressed by making a lather with your hands and massaging the hair gently.
Another reason bar shampoo may not appeal to you is that it does not lather as well as liquid shampoos. The natural ingredients in bar shampoos may be great for hair, but the lack of surfactants makes the washing process less easy. Our solid shampoo bars produce an acceptable level of foam to ensure a good user experience.
All-natural solid shampoo is better for the environment in a number of ways.
First, solid shampoo does not come packaged in plastic bottles, which are often not recycled and can take hundreds of years to break down.
Second, because all-natural shampoos are made from plant oils and other ingredients that can be recycled, they can be more easily composted than commercial shampoos that may contain harmful chemicals like sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS).
By unit yes. By use no.
Each bar of solid shampoo lasts about the same as 2-3 bottles of regular liquid shampoo.
This is because a shampoo bar is a very concentrated and dehydrated product. In a package of regular liquid shampoo, up to 80% of its composition is water.
It is important to compare the cost per use: Solid Shampoo vs. Liquid Shampoo.
On average one bar of solid shampoo lasts for 70 uses. For a unit price of 10.90€, the cost per use is 0.16€. Or 0.12€ if you choose the subscription option. In comparison, the average price of regular liquid shampoo is 3.99€ (250ml package) and will last approximately 25 uses. Therefore the cost per use is 0.16€.
So the price per use of a shampoo bar is equal to or less than that of liquid shampoo.
Solid shampoo is a different experience, but it cleans your hair just as well. You may need to get used to it. If you are worried about how your hair looks after using solid shampoo, try a small batch first and see if it works for you. If so, then go for the full size!
We run a transparent "Satisfied or Refunded" policy. If somehow you don't like the experience we will refund your money on the purchase of the solid shampoo.
Conclusion
In conclusion, solid shampoo is a great way to take care of yourself and your environment. It’s cheaper than traditional shampoo, it lasts longer, and it doesn’t contain harsh chemicals like sulfates or parabens that can dry out your hair and scalp.
If you are looking for an alternative way to wash your hair then I would definitely recommend using our natural solid shampoo bars!
Finally, the best way to live more sustainably begins with you.
Think big and take care!
Fernando :)
Bam&Boo co-founder
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Dare to take a step forward without doubting yourself. Become who you've always wanted to be, go where you've always imagined going. Not afraid to define the future, take charge and set your own rules. With our Gift Set Game Changer, start your journey to a better you, for a better planet. Be the hero in your own life.
1 Natural Deodorant
1 Shampoo Bar
1 Soap Bar
1 Bamboo Toothbrush
1 Natural Toothpaste
1 Cotonet (100un)
It is when we love ourselves that we feel at our best. And this way, taking care of everything around us is much simpler. Whether it's the people we meet or the places we pass through. The Pure Beauty Gift Set is designed for the person in your life who you know is waiting to show their inner glow.
1 Facial Cleansing Bar
1 Facial Moisturizing Cream
1 Facial Mask Powder
10 Reusable Cleansing Pads
1 Floral Cleansing Water
Because life's most memorable moments are shared with those we love. Through ups and downs, endless conversations or shared silences, laughter creates the greatest impact on our memories. Why not make the most of these moments, and together share the love we have for our planet, our home. Buy our Double Care Gift Set for yourself, or for someone else, and start spreading bright smiles, giant laughs.
2 Bamboo Toothbrushes
2 Natural Toothpastes
1 Floss
1 Metal Key
Immerse yourself in a true spa experience with natural, durable and completely plastic-free ingredients. A true moment of luxury that still allows you to take care of the planet. Great Shower the perfect Gift Set to start your day or relax your night. After this experience, you will never be the same again.
1 Natural Deodorant
1 Shampoo Bar
1 Solid Conditioner
1 Soap Bar
1 Body Moisturizing Cream
For the children of the planet, the ones who can't stand still and are constantly looking for their next challenge. Nomads, free and spontaneous, who are always one step ahead planning their next landing. Celebrate them and make sure they have the best care right next to them. Gift Set Earth Keeper, this one is for you.
1 Natural Deodorant
1 Shampoo Bar
1 Soap Bar
1 Bamboo Toothbrush
1 Toothpaste
1 Tote Bag
Because we all love small tokens of Caring.
Whether you're looking for a small gift or all the essentials for your daily routine, our Kits are perfect for you! All your favorite combinations of Bam&Boo's best-selling products. Designed for everyone, including our planet. The time is now.
Save with and for Nature.
With this trio set you’ll get our best-seller for the best value. Whether you’re looking for a good savings deal or the perfect gift, choose your favorite scents we’ll take charge of the rest.
3 Natural Deodorants
Irresistible all around. With the Kit Bodilicious you get all the essentials for your everyday. the best natural care, for you or for someone you cherish. Make sure you don’t miss out.
1 Deodorant Natural
1 Body Moisturizing Cream
Hydration is the key sensation, and we give you the best combo for it. Dive into all the benefits of Mango Butter mixed with the best hydrating oils for your skin. Feel instantly renewed, like never before. Are you ready?
1 Facial Moisturizing Cream
1 Body Moisturizing Cream
Give your skin the best treatment with the Tropication Kit. Our star duo that will leave your skin feeling smooth and renewed. The most amazing part is our amazing signature mango scent. Say hello to your tropical hydration.
1 Body Moisturizing Cream
1 Body Scrub
Glow from the inside out with the two favorite essentials for your daily beauty routine. Choose your Cleansing Bar based on your skin type and your Hydrating Cream on your favorite scent.
1 Facial Moisturizing Cream
1 Facial Cleansing Bar
Best natural combo for your hair. Our magic duo helps your strands become rich, soft, and luminous. With carefully selected raw ingredients specific to each hair type. A true shower experience you will not want to miss.
1 Shampoo Bar
1 Solid Conditioner
Make your daily routine a party and embrace our Foamnomenal Kit. Provide all the benefits of our selected raw materials not only to your hair, and skin but also to our planet. A three-in-one experience of zero-waste.
1 Shampoo Bar
1 Soap Bar
So that you no longer feel that you must pick just one scent. Get the ultimate premium soap experience with our Soapreme kit. Perfect to indulge your home with the most luxurious scents or surprise someone with a wonderful gift.
3 Soaps
Bring out your inner luminosity with this kick-ass product duo. Our Luminous Kit is perfect to use in the steps of your routine as a toner, makeup remover, or just a fresh citrusy spritz.
1 Floral Cleaning Water
10 Reusable Cleaning Discs + Bag
Take a deep breath and sink into the power of our essential oils. Three of the best scents, each with key benefits, so that you can make anywhere you go feel like your comfort zone.
3 Essential Oils
Lavender
Rosemary
Pine
Last but not least, the best Secret Santa gift idea!
For those who deserve a world full of color:
For those sharp-tongued friends ;)
There is no shortage of Christmas gift ideas. Christmas gifts that are environmentally friendly, more sustainable, more conscious, more natural and more useful. Save with nature. Save for nature.
Think big and take care!
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One of the best things about summer are the long days and the endless hours we spend under the sun. But we all know how damaging this can be to our skin. So, remember to always apply your SPF, spend the hottest hours in the shade and drink a lot of water.
While the hours we spend outside sunbathing or enjoying the amazing summer weather will give us a gorgeous tan, it is important to remember, the care we have afterwards makes a world of a difference not only on the health of our skin but in making your luminous tan last long after the summer is gone.
Hydration is one of the key elements for the health of your skin from the inside to the outside. Secondly exfoliating will decongest and help your skin keep its glow. By keeping your skin healthy and hydrated you’re avoiding your skin shedding and allowing your tan to shine through. Take a look at the seven products that will help you keep your summer glow.
With sweet almond oil and sunflower oil our Dry Body Oil will make your skin luminous and enhance your tan. As an oil, it is super hydrating, which is perfect if you’ve just spent the whole day swimming in the ocean or the pool or sunbathing. Putting our skin through these conditions can be very dehydrating leaving your skin appearing dry and dull. When applying our oil, your skin will soak up for maximum hydration and a smooth goddess like end look.
Tip:
Apply it after an evening shower while your skin is still wet or damp. The sweet mango scent is a wonderful plus!
Looking for a scrub that has a zero-waste approach? Then let yourself get emersed by our wonderful body scrub. Made with ground Olive pits and vegetable glycerin it’s perfect for the summer as it’s a soft scrub that prevents skin dehydration and irritation, whilst effectively removing dead skin cells, allowing your skin to glow.
Tip:
Make sure you don’t overdo this step, as it can easily have the reverse effect on your skin leaving it dull and dehydrated. Stick to once a week.
You must’ve realized by now that hydration is the key to promote healthy looking skin, making your tan last and releasing its natural glow. With our Body Cream you’re getting top notch hydration. This cream is perfect if you like a lightweight effective moisturizer. A power combo of coconut oil and mango butter, it prevents skin aging and promotes cellular health and tissue repair.
If exfoliating in the shower is not a thing for you, dry brushing is a great alternative. A practice that has had an increasing popularity over the last few years but may still be unfamiliar to some. The list of benefits includes detoxifying the skin, stimulating the nervous system, emphasizing skins radiant glow and gentle scrub.
Tip:
How to use it? The best time is to do it in the morning or right before you shower. Start on your feet and gently brush up in short swifts until you’ve done your whole body.
With every step of your routine make sure you get the best care, so why not start right from the moment you shower. Antioxidant-rich rosemary revitalizes the skin, while cocoa assists skin healing, boosts blood flow and provides deep hydration.
Although you should always be way more precautious with the exposure of your face to the sun, never miss out on your daily moisturizer. Our Face Hydrating Cream offers 24hrs hydration and has soothing and regenerative properties. Additionally, as it is made from Mango Butter it also offers a Natural UV protection, nonetheless you should never use this as a replacement for SPF. Combine the two and get young looking skin with envious glow, all year around.
Last but not least, we couldn’t forget to mention the best product to help you get rid of all the impurities in your skin. Deep cleanse your skin with our Powder Face Mask Purifying, unclog your pores and leave your skin ready for full hydration.
After going through all of this, we’re sure you’ve realized, the better you care for your skin, the higher the chances of your tan lasting twice as long.
Let us know which of these make it into your permanent routine ;)
Think Big and Take Care.
Bam&Boo
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The simple reason is your body needs to sweat! Traditional deodorants tend to clog your pores and not allow your body to sweat the way it needs to. Natural deodorants don’t disrupt the natural flora of your skin and allow for natural perspiration to occur. Allowing your body to sweat the way it needs to may reduce the amount of perspiration and bad odor.
Deodorant is a key product in our daily personal hygiene routines. We sweat and need to sweat either in the gym or working in the office. However, many deodorants bought in the usual shops, such as supermarkets, contain chemicals that are known to cause skin irritation or even potentially pose health risks. The best solution in our opinion is to use a natural deodorant. Take a look at what may be the main benefits and consider trying a healthier alternative.
The main reason to use a natural deodorant is so that you can sweat. We need to sweat. Sweating helps regulate body temperature and release toxins Did you know that traditional deodorants, often with chemical or unnatural ingredients tend to clog pores and make it harder for your body to sweat the way it needs to? Many of these deodorants are actually antiperspirants that work well at eliminating odour but don't let your body sweat. This is not natural. An organic and natural deodorant can also help prevent odour and at the same time allow your body to sweat as it is natural.
When it comes to natural versus regular deodorant, natural ingredients are in our opinion definitely the best. When the aluminium or other chemicals in your traditional antiperspirant build up on the skin, they break the normal, natural cycle of the sweating action and negatively impact body odour and balance.
Our suggestion is to detox your regular deodorant (or antiperspirant) for a few days. Let your body breathe and sweat. To get it back to normal. After a few days, you can start using natural deodorant! You should take into account to wash and exfoliate your armpits weekly Not all deodorants work for all people. If you can consider the normal trial-and-error process to find what works for you. Sticking to natural fabrics such as cotton or linen can help you stay odour free while making the switch!
It is important to keep in mind that our metabolism is different from person to person. What works for you may not be what works for someone else. At Bam&Boo we listen to our community as much as possible and on an ongoing basis. Our formulas are adjusted based on feedback from our customers. If in doubt ask us about what might be the best option for you! :)
Try switching to a natural deodorant today!
THINK BIG AND TAKE CARE
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But first things first, let’s answer the most important question:
A very big misconception, although a product can be both deodorant and antiperspirant, they are two different things.
The major difference is a deodorant usually includes alcohol, and blocks odor by altering the pH of your skin. An antiperspirant temporarily blocks sweat pores with aluminum-based compounds.
As much of an unpleasant truth as it may be, the simple reason is your body needs to sweat!
Sweating is important to help regulate body temperature and release toxins. Traditional deodorants and antiperspirants may contain aluminum and other chemicals that tend to clog your pores and not allow your body to sweat the way it needs to. Additionally, the buildup of these ingredients on your skin, mixed with the bacteria that causes sweat can actually make your body odor worse.
Natural deodorants still help to prevent body odor by not allowing the natural bacteria to mix with the water and sweat on your skin. They don’t disrupt the natural flora of your skin and allow for natural perspiration to happen.
Finally, by allowing your body to sweat the way it needs to, you may be able to reduce the amount of perspiration that occurs and the intensity of your body odor.
Yes! Word on the street is natural deo’s should agree with everyone. But what makes ours the best natural deodorant is that its free of aluminum, alcohol and baking soda.
Remember, you’re switching from a chemical-laden deodorant to an aluminum free deodorant. You must give your body some time to adjust to these changes and understand what the process will be like.
Remember if this is a new product, we always recommend that you do an allergy test on your wrist before using it just in case you have an unknown sensitivity to any ingredient.
The reality is, it can take up to 30 days for your body to adjust to natural deodorant, although for some this adjustment period may be shorter.
During this time, it is totally normal that you notice a spike in your body odor. This just means your body is getting rid of all the aluminum clogging your pores and regulating the natural flora of the skin.
The good news is this spike should only last about two weeks, and there are always tips and tricks for it. You should notice a stronger odor during the second week, then it should move to mild until you finally reach the stage of no odor.
From the moment you make the switch your body will go through a process of deo detox. This is totally normal and unavoidable.
In the previous question we explained the expected length of your detox. Now we’ll give you some tricks that can help you reduce underarm smell during this time:
During this time, you may feel that you need to apply deodorant more frequently. That is also normal. However, we recommend that before re-applying deodorant you always clean and dry your underarms.
Our Natural Deodorant was developed with our whole community in mind. For this reason, we decided to create a formula of natural deo without baking soda. Excluding this ingredient, reduces the probability of dryness or irritation on sensitive skin.
Nonetheless, remember we always recommend that you test a new product on your wrist before use.
Friendly reminder!
If you know what ingredients you may be allergic or sensitive to, it is important you always check our ingredients list.
We hope our answers have been helpful. Check out our natural stick deo’s here. But if you still have any further questions about our Seven Wonders of Nature, just send us an email, and we’ll be here to help you.
Think Big and Take Care.
Bam&Boo
]]>The dishwashing bar is the best environmentally conscious option in home care. It is about as close to zero waste as you get. Still it is legitimate to have second thoughts regarding cleaning efficiency, ingredients, use and storage. Here we are to help you make the right choice for you and the planet.
Long-lasting
One Dishwashing bar lasts up to 6 months, replacing 2-3 bottles of liquid dish soap. But be aware of conservation and storage.
Sustainable
10 times less of an environmental impact than liquid dishwashing soap or regular bar soap thanks to recyclable packaging and zero chemicals and sulfates. It is also cost-effective because it lasts longer.
Reduced plastic waste
Dishwashing bars are minimally packaged with recycled paper, allowing you to reduce waste. Plus, it is compostable. Be aware that for those liquid soaps that come in recycled plastic bottles, the bottom line is quite simple: Plastic doesn’t biodegrade!
Natural ingredients
Plant-based ingredients like lemon and lemongrass are effective cleansing agents, working as antibacterial and antiseptic. Thyme, lavanda, coconut oil or castor oil give the dishwashing bar a fluffy lather, solid consistency and silky feel.
Stain remover
Multi-purpose and versatile. You can easily use your dishwashing bar to remove grease stains on your clothes or other persistent stains in carpets, sofas, upholstered chairs… And that icky-sticky label glue on jars you want to reuse comes off in a few scrubs.
Conservation
Due to constant contact with water, the Dishwashing bar gets easily soft or melts, just like any other soap bar, really. The solution is to let it dry completely between uses. You need to store it in a perforated soap dish like the ones you have in the bathroom.
Price tag
Dishwashing bars are more expensive, because natural ingredients are indeed more expensive than synthetic ones. But in the end it will be cost-effective because it lasts longer too. Remember: 1 dishwashing bar = 2 bottles of dishwashing liquid soap.
Less practical
In particular with delicate glassware and porcelain, it’s not suitable to rub the Dishwashing bar. Breaking down grease build-up overtime in pots and pans with a Dishwashing bar might be a challenge to handle with a brush.
Lather formation
It can be a little hard to get foam immediately from a Dishwashing bar. Whereas a drop of dishwashing liquid can produce a lot of lather instantly and minimize wastage.
Finally, learn here how to use your Dishwashing bar in 5 simple steps.
1. Wet your sponge, scrub, or brush
To make it easier for the soap to adhere, just wet your sponge, scrub, or brush before using it, just like you would do before applying your dishwashing liquid soap.
2. Thoroughly wet your dishwashing soap bar
And just like your average soap bar, wet it thoroughly before using it to lather.
3. Rub the dishwashing soap bar directly on your sponge
Gently scrape your wet dishwashing soap bar on your sponge or brush, to transfer some soap onto it.
4. Wash, wash, wash!
Just wash your dishes, pots, pans and cutlery normally. Make it a mindful moment.
5. Store it in a soap dish
To make the soap last the longest, keep it dry by using a soap dish or a rack to store.
Feel free to leave your comments below. We would love to hear your experience, ideas and tips. Join our community!
Bam&Boo
(Images Source: Freepik and Unsplash)
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To all women and men out there: we believe that it’s easier to switch to a shampoo bar than to change your hairstyle :) And you should never have to choose between beautiful hair and sustainable beauty, right?
We are upfront and authentic about the transition to a shampoo bar: it takes up to 2-4 weeks for your scalp to adjust and rebalance its natural oil production. So patience is a crucial ingredient not listed in the packaging.
Based on our community feedback and team’s personal experience, shampoo bar’s effectiveness, fair price and sustainability are top priorities. Obviously we are strong advocates of refusing plastic in the bathroom and bringing more natural and true products to our everyday care, thus minimizing their environmental impact.
One-size-fits-all shampoo bar - False
You need to choose your shampoo bar the same way as you pick a liquid shampoo according to your hair type: oily, dry or normal. Learn more here.
Solid bar is less practical than liquid shampoo - True
Likewise body soap and shower gel, right? Soap is naturally more slippery. But it’s all about getting into the natural routine of grabbing the shampoo bar mindfully with your hands. Yes, it’s less practical, but be reminded that it’s travel friendly. Check here 5 steps to easy optimal use of a shampoo bar.
It is not possible to change the genetics of hair - True
Curly, straight, wavy, coiled, thick, thin, you name it. It comes with genes. And this definitely influences your hair care. The environment can also have a big impact on hair, especially the texture. So come to terms with your hair reality and don’t fully blame it on the shampoo bar.
Liquid shampoo lasts longer than solid shampoo bar - False
Actually one shampoo bar equals two bottles of liquid shampoo. The same goes for the conditioner bar. It’s undeniable the duration which helps reinforcing the fair price of this sustainable option.
Conservation of shampoo bar is challenging - True
Indeed, especially towards the end of use. Always keep it in a container or find a simple saucer. The best tip to optimize the last bit of the bar is to glue it on top of the new shampoo bar. This way the old and new shampoo bars merge as one. And celebrate your 100% plastic-free shampoo!
Liquid shampoos have better scent - False
Not really. Rest assured that there are yummy-smelling scents in a wide variety of natural ingredients, not harmful to your body nor to the planet. Avocado (hummm!), Olive Oil and Rosemary (our juicy cocktail for hydration and protection), Aloe Vera, Citrus Lavender, Coconut Milk, Tea-tree Oil, Peppermint, Lemon and Orange Extracts, Mango Butter (stop it!). You better not be hungry, because you’ll have the urge to eat some of these bars :) Get in the habit of checking the ingredients list - no tricky words, natural is easy to pin down - experiment with different brands and choose for yourself.
Less packaging - True
Refusing plastic and reducing packaging is the best choice for the environment. But we also want to make it all very simple for you. So one shampoo bar equals 2 bottles of liquid shampoo. Likewise one conditioner bar equals 2 regular bottles of liquid conditioner. And packaging is completely recyclable.
1. Wet your hair
The wetter your hair is, the easier it will be to apply the shampoo bar.
2. Get your shampoo bar slightly wet
It is helpful to lather up the shampoo bar slightly before use, under the shower. Rub it around in your hands. Do this for about 10 to 30 seconds.
3. Rub the shampoo bar directly onto your scalp
Or you may also just use the lather produced around your hands. Be aware that some shampoo bars don’t produce lather. The amount of shampoo you need, it will depend on your particular hair type. So rub with gentle pressure the shampoo bar back and forth across the top of your head until your hair and scalp are very soapy.
If you have very thick or long hair, you may need to part your hair down the middle and/or ear-to-ear so you can reach all areas of your scalp. This step can take longer depending on the length of your hair. But don’t get discouraged!
4. Massage evenly all of your soapy hair
Once your scalp is well covered in soapy bubbles, focus on massaging the product with your fingertips (never your nails!) across all of your hair. This is your pampering moment, in silence, with no running water from the shower head for a sustainable conscious option.
5. Rinse your hair completely
Once you feel satisfied, place your head under the stream of water, and rinse your hair until all of the shampoo is removed. This may take a few minutes depending on how thick and long your hair is.
If you need and/or like conditioner, for a softer and brighter look, this will be the next step. Just follow the same guidelines as for the shampoo bar, bearing in mind the longer it stays covering all of your hair, before rinsing, the softer the effect.
Men have shorter hair, thus making it easier to make the switch from liquid shampoo to shampoo bar. However, they also have hair issues. Check here a short list of our male community highlights on shampoo bars:
The best
The worst
Feel free to leave your comments below. We would love to hear your experience, ideas and tips. Join our community!
Bam&Boo
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An adult should take 10,000 steps per day to keep fit and healthy, right? So taking 6 steps to an effective personal care routine can be so easy and simple for you and the Planet. Once you wake up for a new day, you have a brand new opportunity to celebrate life and Mother Earth.
Conscious decisions happen early in the morning and set the tone for the day. Your self-care routine is unique and individual as you are, woman or man. We just want to make it simple, easier and eco-friendly all the way. So, be mindful of our environmental alerts and green tips to make your difference!
Water is crucial to keep your body working correctly. There is water in every cell of the body, from the brain to the teeth. So, basic care starts with keeping your largest organ hydrated: your skin, which needs 70-75% of water to work properly.
First things first: drink a glass of water as soon as you jump out of bed. And throughout the day, make sure you take enough fluids according to your age, sex, weight, physical activity, health, and climate where you live. Use a water reminder to keep a daily tracker. And after that first glass of water, you can wash your face.
During the night and throughout the day, dead skin cells form on the surface of your skin. Dirt, oils, and impurities collect there, too. So it is important to cleanse your skin, daily.
Our Floral Cleansing Water is the perfect multi-purpose 3-in-1: toner, make-up remover, and eau-de toilette. Its finest organic and natural ingredients are key to lift impurities, gently cleanse your skin and remove makeup without any addition of oil or alcohol. And you’ll feel a fresh, sweet, and natural scent that will set the best mood for your day or lead you to a good night's rest.
Cleansing ritual works best if you pair it with Reusable Cleaning Pads.
Cotton pads don’t fully decompose so they end up flowing into the ocean, thus harming sea life. Whereas, reusable cotton pads are far more eco-friendly.
Planet benefits
Beware that not showering daily is not a public health menace. Your bathing routine can change during winter and summer. It all depends on your health condition and level of physical activity.
Truth be told that showering everyday helps people to meet social standards of cleanliness and personal appearance. But a normal, healthy skin keeps a balance of good bacteria and other microorganisms which create protective antibodies to environmental exposures. And most importantly it helps save a lot of water.
When you need to wash your hair you can add three extra minutes to the shower. Also, switch to The Bam&Boo soap bars and shampoo and conditioner bars to reduce plastic, protect your skin and the environment. To wrap up this ritual, the one-and-only Hydrating Body Cream with a whipped texture that leaves a delicious tropical scent all around you. It feels like Summer all year long.
Planet benefits
Once you have cleansed your skin, it’s time to seal in all those amazing ingredients with the perfect Hydrating Facial Cream. Its natural origin formula sinks right into any skin type delivering up to 24h of hydration. It’s rich but not greasy. And it offers a refreshing sensation.
Sunscreen is non-negotiable. You need to protect your skin from the day ahead. Never ditch this step in your everyday personal care, Summer or Winter. Why? Simple: Sunscreen works like an armour for your skin cells against the outside world, namely harmful UV rays.
Knowing that the Sun is responsible for 80% of premature aging, won’t you apply SPF everyday to prevent and protect your face and all body skin? Check this 100% vegan, natural and ocean-friendly sunscreen here.
Oral care is part of your everyday personal care. This is one routine you mustn’t skip: floss and brush your teeth. In this order. And at least twice a day, in the morning and before going to bed. Likewise showering can save water and it’s not harmful for your oral health. Learn more in our quick guide to an eco-friendly oral care routine here.
Our best-seller Bamboo Toothbrush in 100% organic and natural bamboo comes in lovely colours and teams up with the World’s First Natural and Vegan Toothpaste to ensure Total Action effect, preventing caries and plaque as well as leaving a fresh minty breath.
Your daily self-care routine is only complete with your shining smile. And we also recommend taking a few moments in a quiet and cozy place to write down 5 things (a handful) you are grateful for as you rise & shine or in the evening before going to bed. Be sure to include your love for Mother Earth 💚
Feel free to leave your comments below. We would love to hear your experience, ideas and tips. Join our community!
Bam&Boo
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Dear Oceans
Here we are in 2030. The rate of change is unprecedented. We’ve made enormous progress! You are still the heartbeat of our planet. And you are at the core of our blue economy. Hurrah!
Blue economy encourages the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods and jobs while preserving the health of ocean ecosystem.
The UN had a vision for the Ocean Decade (2021-2030). An opportunity of a lifetime for nations to work together to generate the global ocean science needed to support the sustainable development of our shared ocean.
Restoring ocean abundance was indeed a successful goal to grow and accelerate a blue economy. We have learnt that the ocean provides a great deal more than fish, fossil fuels and free trade. Our legacy to future generations must include protecting and restoring robust, functioning marine ecosystems.
The Oceans 2050 collective headed by Alexandra Cousteau led this path to a new narrative for the ocean tackling the following five blue issues:
Like trees, the ocean’s large seaweeds are excellent vessels for storing carbon, taking up the carbon dioxide dissolved in seawater. Kelp forests create a unique habitat for a diversity of marine life, stabilize local seawater chemistry to reduce the negative effects of ocean acidification, and absorb nutrients that can cause harm to ecosystems if they become overabundant.
Overfishing is avoided by settling responsible catch limits which help to rebuild biodiversity in the ocean, provide healthier options and greater trust for consumers as well as reduce poverty in coastal communities. So, this provides a huge shift in marine business.
Advancing the deployment of leading edge technologies such as 3D printing, sensors and others helps to regenerate corals under serious threat.
Seaweed farms require no fresh water, no deforestation and no fertiliser, which as we all know are significant downsides to land based farming. Ocean farms are more sustainable than even the most environmentally sensitive traditional farms. Thus enabling millions of profitable businesses while providing raw material commoditisation for inputs to plastics, food, fuel and cosmetics.
The ocean offers some of the most effective—and largely overlooked—methods for carbon sequestration and storage. Sustainable energy solutions are aided by marine algae–derived biofuel, while new medicines to treat modern diseases can be derived from sea creatures with novel chemical structures.
Oceans are much more than a platform for tourism and recreation.
They have given humanity an ocean for solutions in our lifetimes.
The world in 2030 in a nutshell
Christiana Figueres and Tom Rivett-Carnac, founders of Global Optimism and authors of The Future We Choose, were absolutely right to be stubborn optimists. We are definitely inspired and empowered by them to play our small but significant role.
Target of 50% of global greenhouse gas emissions cut thus reducing global average temperature to 1,5ºC - a major challenge looking back at the 10 years. This was only possible because humanity, collectively and individually, took the call and rose to the next level to save our ocean planet and turn the tide on climate change.
Cities & Nature
Individual contribution matters!
At the Bam&Boo we are playing our part:
To celebrate World Oceans Day’21 we have also launched a very special limited edition of our bestseller The Bam&Boo Toothbrush. As the ocean has always been a true priority to The Bam&Boo we have designed a bamboo toothbrush thinking of the beautiful blue heart of our Planet, the Ocean. For every bamboo toothbrush sold, 1€ goes to the ocean.
Although reaching net zero by 2050 is undeniably the greatest challenge in human history, we are optimistic and we get up every morning saying “yes, we can do this, together!”
Honestly it doesn’t matter how you feel at the end of the day. What matters the most is that you keep going! Because small actions can make a difference.
If you are an ocean lover, please share this letter with a friend or join our movement for a happier ocean here and help spread the word to have more fish, sea turtles, dolphins, whales and sharks in our lifetimes.
Bam&Boo
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Your tongue matters seriously in your oral health. Learn here in 5 steps how to use a tongue cleaner and its benefits. Believe it or not, in the end the food you eat will even taste better!
Have you got a white or yellowish coloured coating on top of your tongue? Are you embarrassed by your breath? You are a non-smoker, still you battle with your breath? Do you have digestive problems? If you’ve answered yes at least to one of these questions, be aware that your tongue matters considerably both in your oral and overall health. In this article we’ll explain exactly how to use a tongue cleaner in 5 simple steps.
Literally it is a device to clean your tongue. It is also called tongue scraper or tongue brush depending on the design. So you are thinking in relief: I already brush my tongue with my toothbrush. You do well, but our recommendation is: don’t choose between brushing or scraping your tongue. Do both and get double cleanliness and it’s 10 times more effective :)
Typically there’s a white or yellowish coating on the top layer of the tongue. Our tongues harbour a large niche of microorganisms in the oral cavity, as result of food debris, saliva and dead cells. In other words, it’s like leaving leftovers in a car on a hot day. So, it is important to thoroughly collect the residue and clean the surface of the tongue, daily.
You may be surprised to know that tongue cleaners in various materials have been used for centuries in oral hygiene from Asia to Europe and Africa. So get your tongue out in front of a mirror and let’s learn how to use your new oral care friend.
It might not be sexy, but it can be a confidence booster. Make it fun!
Very Important Tip
*NEVER* push the cleaner from the tip of your tongue back.
The motion is always back to front.
How long does it take you to clean the tongue?
Less than 2 minutes. For beginners, it might take a little longer, but you’ll get the hang of it, And be reminded that consistency is the key!
Step #5 - Take care of your tongue cleaner and complete oral care routine
How often should you clean your tongue?
To prevent built-up bacteria and achieve better smelling breath, you should integrate tongue cleaning into your morning and evening oral care, together with brushing and flossing.
Et voilà! You’ve nailed it.
There are 3 major side effects of using a tongue cleaner. It can make you vomit, gag reflex or damage of taste buds. Good news is that you can avoid/prevent these by using the tongue cleaner correctly. Check here:
1. Don’t use the tongue cleaner after eating - No vomit!
The best time for daily tongue cleaning is in the morning on an empty stomach. This will avoid vomiting or gagging in case you’re more sensitive
2. Don’t place the tongue cleaner too far back on your tongue - No gag reflex!
The best procedure is to place the tongue cleaner in the middle of your tongue and start scraping from there to the tip.
3. Don’t press too hard when scraping - No harm of taste buds!
The best pressure when moving the tongue cleaner on the surface of your tongue is always soft and gentle, still firm. You’ll avoid breaking the skin and damaging your taste buds. Once you get used to your eco-friendly The Bam&Boo tongue cleaner you’ll increase the pressure.
Choosing your tongue cleaner is a unique experience likewise choosing the right toothbrush for you. Obviously we root for tongue cleaners made of sustainable materials like copper or stainless steel, ultra hygienic, easy to clean and long lasting.
But we want you to be informed of the different materials and shapes, so that you can make the most eco-friendly choice that best suits your comfort and sustainable lifestyle.
Materials
Basically there are 3 options for this oral care tool: plastic, copper and stainless steel. Selection is a lot easier now than in ancient times when tongue cleaners were made of ivory, flexible wood, mother-of-pearl, whalebone, gold, silver, brass or tortoiseshell. Incredible, right?
1. Plastic
A plastic tongue cleaner can be gentler on your tongue. It might offer a more comfortable and easier grip. It is affordable. There are coloured versions which can be practical in a family. But it isn’t an eco-friendly option. Plus, you have to replace them more frequently (3/4 months).
2. Copper
A copper tongue cleaner is naturally antimicrobial and antibacterial. Copper is considered the best metal to fight bad bacteria. Its antiseptic properties also make it a good pick. It will last a lifetime if you care for it properly (occasionally swab with lime juice to remove tarnish).
3. Stainless steel
The stainless steel tongue cleaner is resistant to bacteria and ultra-hygienic, very easy to bend and disinfect. Like copper, it is a metal and it’s heavier than plastic. Plus, the feeling of stainless steel on the surface of the tongue is a totally different experience from plastic. The stainless steel tongue cleaner is long lasting, if you take proper care for it. It is not naturally susceptible to rust or mold. It is BPA free, therefore an eco-friendly option.
Shapes
A tongue cleaner is certainly a quirky tool. There are several designs: U or V shaped, others feature a small scraper at the end of the handle like a toothbrush. Some have wide based handles, others offer long slender handles. Smooth and comfortable edges. They are all ergonomically designed and one doesn’t work better than the other. This is a very personal choice regarding comfort and sustainability.
Benefits of using a tongue cleaner
According to Chinese Medicine, the tongue is like a map of all your body’s organs. So using a tongue cleaner will have an impact on your overall health.
Welcome The Bam&Boo tongue cleaner, your new oral care family member. On a final note, save the right order of your oral care routine: clean your tongue, floss & brush your teeth and mouthwash. Keep smiling!
Feel free to leave your comments below. We would love to hear your experience, ideas and tips. Join our community!
Bam&Boo
]]>We all know trees are extremely important for the survival of the human species and the planet as a whole. Still it is quite an overwhelming topic. Why are trees vital, after all? We’ll give you 5 major benefits.
By absorbing a third of global emissions every year, the world’s forests help clean the air we breathe. They absorb harmful pollutant gases (like carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxides) by storing them on the leaves and bark while releasing the much-needed oxygen for us to breathe.
Trees pull water from the ground and release it into the atmosphere as vapor through pores in their leaves in a process called transpiration, which can drive temperatures and rainfall. This process prevents harmful waterslide erosion and reduces the risk of over-saturation and flooding.
Trees provide habitat, food and protection to plants and animals, increasing urban biodiversity. A single tree can be home to hundreds of species of insect, fungi, moss, mammals, and plants. Impressive and lovely, right?
Spending time near trees improves physical and mental health by boosting mood and immune system, while decreasing blood pressure, stress and anxiety. Trees really do have amazing healing powers.
As they grow, trees are the ultimate carbon capture and storage machines. As the biggest plants on the planet, they give us oxygen, store carbon dioxide (one of the main drivers for global heating), stabilise the soil and give life to the world's wildlife.
You see, trees provide so many benefits to us, every day. So how can you have an impact? Short and simple: Plant a Tree! This easy goal will cause a huge and positive impact on our lives and on Planet Earth.
One tree a day keeps climate change away ;)
And be reminded that nowadays there are many organisations that can help you. We gladly share some projects that we follow and support:
SeaTrees by Sustainable Surf - one of the most incredible initiatives we came across. With SeaTrees you are not only planting a tree, you are planting a Mangrove.
For every mangrove you plant here’s the outcome:
One Tree Planted - dedicated to making it easier for individuals and businesses to give back to the environment, create a healthier climate, protect biodiversity and help reforestation efforts around the world. All-in-one by planting trees!
Plantar Uma Árvore - a volunteer program dedicated to the promotion and conservation of the Portuguese native forest and indigenous species. So it is not just about planting trees. It aims for biodiversity, conservation, and adaptation to climate change.
Planting a tree has never been easier. We sincerely hope you bring this topic into your family and friends conversations and spread the love for trees.
With so many advocates against fluoride, we decided to clear up our 5 reasons to have a fluoride toothpaste and toothpaste tablets.
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With so many advocates against fluoride, we decided to clear up our 5 reasons to have a fluoride toothpaste and toothpaste tablets.
Fluoride, used in dentistry for over 80 years, has been surrounded by a lot of controversy in the last years. The biggest victim of the fluoride controversy is fluoride toothpaste. Many brands have come up with fluoride-free toothpaste recipes, and many people have been sold into the idea that fluoride is bad for you.
Well, we beg to differ. When it comes to teeth, fluoride is your friend! We use fluoride in our The Bam&Boo Natural Toothpaste as well as in our The Bam&Boo Toothpaste Tabs, and we are dying to tell you the five reasons why.
But first, let’s clear up some confusion:
What is fluoride?
Let’s start with sodium fluoride. This is the compound that is normally present in kinds of toothpaste, mouthwash and even in public water systems. Sodium fluoride is composed of the ion fluoride (F-) and the ion sodium (Na+). Technically, sodium fluoride is classified as a salt.
The ion fluoride is never alone in nature – rather, it prefers to combine with other lonely ions, like sodium. Many fluoride salts are naturally occurring in nature. Volcanic activity is a big source of fluoride. However, it can occur in smaller quantities in the soil, in plants, and water streams.
Why are some people against the use of fluoride?
The anti-fluoride camp seemingly growing every day. This controversy arises from political, moral, ethical, and health considerations. But why some people are against its use?
The most common arguments, beliefs or barriers are:
Here are our 5 reasons to have a fluoride toothpaste, backed by science!
Over the decades, a lot of research has been made around the subject of fluoride and caries, or cavities. Be it studies done in the ‘90s or more recent ones, the vast majority seems to be in consensus: fluoride toothpaste does help prevent cavities in adults of all ages. Even the World Health Organisation (WHO) has reached the same conclusion.
Without getting into technical detail, fluoride has been proven to help prevent tooth decay by strengthening the tooth enamel (the white outer layer of your teeth), and also revert early tooth decay by remineralisation. It has also been shown that fluoride toothpaste is effective in preventing various forms of tooth decay in children and teenagers.
Gingivitis is a common gum disease characterised by swelling of the gum around the teeth, bleeding, irritation, redness and sometimes associated pain. It is mainly caused by the accumulation of plaque that turns into tartar. Well, it has been shown that fluoride has helped reduce gingivitis and also prevent it.
If you suffer from dentine hypersensitivity, also called dentine sensitivity, then you know this seemingly “small” problem causes discomfort and can have severe negative impacts in quality of life. Although more research needs to be done, the results seem promising: fluoride toothpaste can help in the treatment of dentine hypersensitivity and act as a desensitising agent.
Yes, fluoride is toxic to humans, in high amounts. It is estimated that a possibly lethal dose of fluoride is of about 32 mg per kg of body weight in adults, which translates to around 1900mg for an adult that weighs 60 kg. However, a much lower dose of 10 mg of fluoride a day is estimated to be the upper limit of fluoride ingestion for which there are no adverse effects on health in otherwise healthy adults.
Scary, right? But do you have any idea of how much fluoride toothpaste would it take to reach these amounts? Don’t worry, we’ll do the math for you.
The average fluoride toothpaste contains between 1000 and 1500 ppm of fluoride. Let’s assume a toothpaste with 1500 ppm fluoride: this means that in every gramme of toothpaste there is 1,5 mg of fluoride. Assuming the average person brushes their teeth thrice a day, with a pea-sized amount of toothpaste (about 0,4 grammes), this means that a regular person is “ingesting” a bit under 2mg of fluoride a day from fluoride toothpaste. And this is considering that the average person ingests the toothpaste, rather than spitting it out.
Are you using too much toothpaste? Spoiler alert: you probably are. And even so, eating your toothpaste and all, this would still be below the adequate daily intake of fluoride of 0,05mg of fluoride per kg of body weight per day recommended by the U.S National Academy of Sciences Institute of Medicine - 0,05mg/kg/day for a 60kg adult translates to around 3mg.
What about the lethal dose? Well, to reach the 1900mg of fluoride in one day, a 60kg adult would have to ingest about 17 tubes of fluoride toothpaste. So, does our math make sense?
But, just so you don’t think we are biased: fluoride has proven to be so effective in protecting the teeth that it is even added to the public system waters of most countries in the world, in trace amounts. This has been done since the ‘40s, and seems to be one of the most cost-effective ways of preventing tooth decay, by ensuring that all the populations have access to low concentrations of fluoride, regardless of their social-economic status.
What is your stance? Are you going to give it a try? Let us know!
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Spoiler alert: you probably are using too much toothpaste. Learn here the truth and the myth about the amount of toothpaste to use.
All the commercials and adverts about toothpaste show a perfectly wave-shaped piece of toothpaste that covers the entirety of the bristles in the toothbrush. Does it look good? Well, it does. But is this how we should use toothpaste? Not really.
This perfectly long and wavy piece of toothpaste serves only marketing purposes, In addition it’s very difficult to achieve that perfect wave and it is also way too much toothpaste.
We assure you the amount of toothpaste recommended by both manufacturers and dentists is less than one-quarter of the amount you see used in commercials. Every time you brush your teeth, you should use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste, and that’s it.
A pea-sized dab of toothpaste is perfectly effective in cleaning your teeth and the amount of fluoride in it should be more than enough to keep your teeth protected. As such, anything more than a “pea” is just waste.
Would you waste three quarters of your favourite shampoo, shower gel, or body lotion? Probably not. But this is what often happens with toothpaste: three-quarters of every tube of toothpaste go literally down the drain.
Waste is not the main problem. Too much toothpaste affects health, namely children’s which are still under development. Watch out for too much exposure to fluoride, because it can have harmful effects on their bones and teeth.
Why does my toothpaste have fluoride? Check here 5 reasons why our toothpaste has fluoride!
And even if dentists and manufacturers discourage the over-use of toothpaste, some popular myths try to justify using up to four times more toothpaste than needed.
If this were the case, then all dental problems could be solved by using a full tube of toothpaste every time, right? But this is not true. Just like using more soap won’t make your hands cleaner. Most kinds of toothpaste are specifically made to be effective in cleaning the whole mouth with just a pea-sized amount.
This one might be true, but only for a very short period – this temporary freshness lasts for some seconds or minutes. Saliva is naturally responsible for keeping bad breath away, provided one has correct dental hygiene and does not suffer from any condition like halitosis. In fact, that is why we normally wake up with “morning breath”. When we sleep, the production of saliva decreases and that can cause a slightly dry mouth, which in turn will cause unpleasant breath. Brushing two times a day after meals, drinking plenty of water, and not smoking should be enough to keep bad breath away.
Using too much toothpaste is a waste and can even affect health, especially in children. Firstly, wasting toothpaste will hurt your wallet, as you’re washing away 75% of the money you spend on toothpaste, for no reason. Secondly, wasting anything is not eco-friendly, as more resources will be consumed – and at this point, the old wasteful days are in the past. And lastly, using too much toothpaste can cause an over-exposure to fluoride (although the amounts used are generally not harmful to healthy adults). The normal concentration of fluoride in toothpaste is around 1000 to 1500 ppm (parts per million).
This overexposure can cause dental and gastric problems. Children are more susceptible to this because not only are they smaller and their bodies are still developing, but they also tend to swallow toothpaste.
And how do you ensure you use just the right amount of toothpaste, then? Have you heard of toothpaste tabs? Well, if not, keep reading because the tabs are here to stay.
The new The Bam&Boo Toothpaste Tabs are small solid tablets made of toothpaste, that you can chew on to break and create a foam.
Sounds complicated? It is not. You just need to bite into the toothpaste tablet like it was a sweet, chew on it once or twice and start brushing your teeth with a wet toothbrush. The water in the toothbrush, as well as your saliva, will soften the toothpaste tablet and turn it into a paste.
But what are the benefits of using toothpaste tabs instead of a regular tube toothpaste? Well, the first one is obvious: no more toothpaste waste! The Bam&Boo Toothpaste Tabs are perfectly sized, with the amount of toothpaste recommended for complete dental hygiene, so you won’t need to worry about using too much or too little toothpaste.
The Bam&Boo Toothpaste Tabs are also zero-waste, since they come inside a handy tin that can be reused, and they are completely plastic-free and vegan! But that’s not all: these tabs are convenient and practical, don’t accidentally squeeze out in your backpack, are lightweight and since they are solid, toothpaste tabs do not count as a liquid in airports – perfect for travelling!
And if you’re giving the Toothpaste Tabs a go, complement it with The Bam&Boo Toothbrush – it is vegan, CF, and Carbon Neutral!
Feel free to leave your comments below. We would love to hear your ideas and tips. Join our community!
Bam&Boo
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2020 was a year that many want to forget, so 2021 needs to be the one to remember – and for good reasons! Check out 7 tips for a sustainable life in 2021.
This past year has been very atypical. Many changes happened, many sad news. Many have been in lockdown, and many had to get new hobbies to get their minds busy during quarantine. During this time, global carbon emissions were reduced, due to, for example, there being much fewer cars on the roads, and the Earth Overshoot Day 2020 happened the 22nd of August – it hadn’t been this late in 15 years!
Unfortunately, and very quickly, disposable masks and gloves started washing ashore in several beaches around the world, the use of disposable plastics exploded, and as soon as some restrictions relaxed, carbon emissions went up again. The sustainable life the beginning of the year started to show, quickly started fading away – as a necessary evil, given the pandemic context.
With a new year, 2021, comes a new hope for mankind and, who knows, a new hope for the environment? Let’s make of 2021 the year of conscious choices, of green options and of sustainable lives.
A sustainable life can never be separated from organic products, be it food, hygiene products, cleaning products, detergents or clothes, among others. An organic product is made of materials obtained from organic agriculture, and organic agriculture includes not using artificial or toxic fertilisers, insecticides and pesticides, and using eco-friendly tools and machinery in the harvests. Choosing organic is not only the path to a sustainable life environment-wise but also health-wise. Choose wisely!
Fair trade is when producers in developing countries are paid a fair price for their work and products by companies in developing countries. This includes food but also other products like clothing. It helps prevent both slave work and child labour, and ensures workers and producers are paid enough to afford life’s essentials, like food, health care, shelter and education. Fair trade is a way to a sustainable life, both yours and those who provide essential goods for you.
Many airlines have already introduced a carbon offsetting fee to their passengers, either voluntary or mandatory, that helps fund projects that compensate CO2 emissions. Similarly, many brands are investing in climate-neutral products, whose sales help fund for different offsetting projects. At The Bam&Boo, our sustainable toothbrush helps the Forest Protection in Santa Maria, Brazil, and our natural toothpaste supports Clean Oceans.
Have you calculated your ecological footprint lately? Maybe you should. Small but meaningful changes in your day can lead you to a much more sustainable life, like eating less meat and animal-derived foods, carpooling more, taking the bus, train, or metro instead of the car, cycling to work, riding an electric scooter, buying efficient appliances, among many others.
Many objects and products in your day-to-day do not seem as harmful to the environment as they really are, but greener, eco-friendlier alternatives exist. For example, cotton buds, usually made of plastic sticks with cotton tips, are a nightmare when it comes to recycling them – swap the traditional ones for bamboo & organic cotton buds, 100% biodegradable! Or what about plastic straws? There are much better alternatives to the old disposable plastic straws, like paper, metal or reusable plastic – but have you heard of washable, reusable, biodegradable bamboo straws? Or biodegradable and natural bamboo dental floss? Don’t miss out on a sustainable life in 2021, start the green swaps today!
How can second-hand lead to a more sustainable life? Well, by donating clothes you don’t use anymore and are still in good shape, instead of throwing them, and by buying second-hand clothes and items instead of brand new you are: keeping clothes away from landfills; donating to institutions or charities who will make them available to someone else; helping people who would maybe not be able to buy quality clothing; helping to avoid the production of new clothing and the use of more natural resources; decreasing pollution; promoting circular economy. Again, a very small gesture can set you on the right path towards a sustainable life.
Have you heard of zero-waste? You probably have, but we’ll restate: zero-waste is a movement based on a set of principles focused on preventing waste and encouraging the redesign of products to both extend their lifetimes and allow reuse. The goal of zero-waste is for no trash to be sent to landfills, incinerators or to end up in the ocean. Examples of zero waste products are The Bam&Boo’s toothpaste tabs that come in a handy reusable tin, The Bam&Boo’s natural toothpaste with a 100% recyclable aluminium tube, The Bam&Boo’s bamboo toothbrush whose handle can be composted and the bristles recycled, a handy cotton tote bag to say goodbye forever to any disposable plastic bag, and many more. A sustainable life works in sustainable ways!
Check out how to dispose of a bamboo toothbrush in three easy steps!
Feel free to leave your comments below. We would love to hear your ideas and tips. Join our community!
Bam&Boo
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The topic of oral care during pregnancy is surrounded by a myriad of myths that often make pregnant women and their partners concerned or worried about their health and the babies. Ever heard that the baby steals calcium from the mother? Or that an expecting mother should not pay a visit to the dentist? We (and science) brush these off as fiction and superstition, but there are indeed some things you need to know about oral care during pregnancy.
Being pregnant does not necessarily mean dental problems. However, there is an increased risk of some issues and there some other concerns related to oral care during pregnancy that must be taken into consideration.
Being pregnant can make you more prone to gum disease or gum issues, like bleeding. This is not an uncommon scenario, as it has a hormonal cause. Some hormonal changes during pregnancy can make your gums more susceptible to the build-up of plaque, which leads to inflammation and bleeding – often called pregnancy gingivitis. A daily salt rinse, of about one teaspoon dissolved in a cup of warm water, might help with gum inflammation and bleeding: just swirl it around in your mouth for a few seconds before spitting.
Despite what old wives’ tales say, do go to the dentist if you need to. In fact, it is advised to have a check-up at the dentist at the beginning of pregnancy. Dentists are doctors and they know what is safe and what is not for your baby and you. Most dental X-rays today are perfectly safe for pregnant mothers, as they don’t affect the abdomen or pelvic area. And remember, an untreated infection in your mouth can affect the baby’s health adversely. Oral care during pregnancy is caring for two.
Brushing your teeth is always necessary, oral care during pregnancy should not be neglected at all. So, keep brushing normally, with a toothpaste with fluoride, and flossing once a day to avoid the build-up of plaque. Avoid, however, mouthwash with alcohol, especially if you have sensitive gums or pregnancy gingivitis. Many women experience cravings during pregnancy, of either salty or sweet food. If you cannot avoid it in between meals, make sure you brush your teeth to avoid getting cavities or at least rinse your mouth thoroughly with water – it is not as efficient as brushing, but it’s better than nothing.
Morning sickness can be quite bad in some women, and it can lead to a lot of vomiting for the first couple of months of pregnancy. Also common with morning sickness is acid reflux. Normally the morning sickness clears up from week 16 to week 20, but until then, it can be hard to manage. Vomiting and reflux expose the teeth to the stomach acids which can cause dental erosion and increase the risk of tooth decay by dissolving tooth enamel. As such, it is important to not brush the teeth for 30 minutes to an hour after vomiting or reflux. This is because the tooth enamel is still softened. Instead, it is advised to rinse the mouth thoroughly with water, to rinse away the acid.
And since health is your concern here, why not start using a natural toothpaste? Traditional toothpaste is known to contain microplastics and many other unsafe or even toxic ingredients, that one does not want in their bodies generally, let alone during pregnancy. Get to know The Bam & Boo Natural Toothpaste: vegan, made of natural ingredients, and it is triclosan - and paraben-free, and has 0% artificial colours or preservatives.
Do you want to know more about The Bam&Boo products? Our products are completely safe for your oral care during pregnancy, as well as for before and after. Check out The Bam&Boo Toothbrushes and Dental Floss – they’re eco-friendly, vegan and plastic-free, among others.
Feel free to leave your comments below. We would love to hear your ideas and tips. Join our community!
Bam&Boo
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Is fluoride toothpaste recommended for children or adults only? Know why the medical community is divided in this matter.
Some of you will remember being given fluoride supplements at school just to see the use of fluoride, especially in children’s health, being the target of extensive criticism and controversy. Some of you might never have used fluoride supplements and have grown up without a strong opinion on fluoride toothpaste.
Since oral care is very important for us, we’d like to clear the water on this topic. Come along, and know more about fluoride toothpaste – it’s benefits, the potential dangers, and why it is so controversial when it comes to children.
Fluoride toothpaste is highly popular, and there is a reason for that. Fluoride appears to prevent caries or commonly called cavities. In general, fluoride prevents and helps with tooth decay, which has made it so popular in toothpaste. Extensive studies have been produced, and a great majority has shown that fluoride prevents mineral loss in tooth enamel and replaces lost minerals.
In other words, fluoride protects the outer layer of our teeth, which is the first layer that comes into contact with food, saliva and digestion acids.
The normal concentration of fluoride in toothpaste is around 1000 to 1500 ppm (parts per million). This means that there is 0,1 to 0,15% of fluoride in your toothpaste. Now, although fluoride is highly toxic to human life, these concentrations are not.
The FFFF defines the adequate daily intake of fluorides in human adults as 4mg for males and 3mg for females. Since a whole tube of fluoride toothpaste contains about 100 mg of fluoride in it, one would need to consistently ingest toothpaste during the normal oral care routine to feel adverse effects.
As such, fluoride is considered safe, if the necessary precautions are followed – such as not ingesting toothpaste and applying an appropriate amount. But remember, it is completely normal to ingest a little bit of fluoride toothpaste every time we brush our teeth. This is predicted by health systems around the world and has for the most part been deemed safe in adults.
When it comes to children, the use of fluoride toothpaste has had some controversy. Children have a lower tolerance for fluoride than adults. For reference, according to the FFFFF, the daily adequate intake of fluoride by children is 0,01 mg from birth to 6 months old; 0,5 mg between 7 and 12 months; 0,7 mg from 12 months to 3 years; 1 mg from 4 to 8 years of age; 2 mg between 8 and 13 years; and 3 mg in teenagers between 14 and 18 years of age.
The biggest concern with children and fluoride toothpaste is that – to put it simply – kids will be kids and will often swallow toothpaste. This is why it is so important to have parental supervision during the time children brush their teeth, both to make sure the adequate amounts of toothpaste are used (ranging from the size of half to one pea), and that no child will eat a whole toothpaste tube, for example.
Additionally, there are other sources of fluorine, such as water, and some foods. This raises concern to how much fluoride children are exposed to, daily. Strangely enough, the fluoridation of the public supply water and the addition of small doses of fluoride to certain foods were measures taken into action with the help of preventing tooth decay.
Although the recommendations vary slightly from country to country, most European countries recommend the use of fluoride toothpaste in children as soon as the first teeth come out. Note that the amount of fluoride toothpaste used in this case should be the same size as a grain of rice.
So, what is the verdict? While fluoride toothpaste has proven to be beneficial both for children’s and adults’ oral care, some factors that might play a role in this, such as the additional sources of fluoride. As such, this choice is a very personal one, that parents should make with the help of a paediatrician.
Check the new The Bam&Boo Natural Toothpaste: vegan, eco-friendly, made from all-natural ingredients, free of parabens and triclosan. Don’t miss other products such as The Bam&Boo Toothbrush and Charcoal Dental Floss.
Feel free to leave your comments below. We would love to hear your ideas and tips. Join our community!
Bam&Boo
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2022 Christmas will be more environmentally and socially conscious than ever. We’ll make it as human and healthy as we urgently need.
Spending patterns at Christmas have changed prior to the pandemic cutting out cost and waste. But this is more true today. Take note of three stellar reasons for a sustainable festive season:
1. Minimize health risks - it will be the most digital Xmas holiday for shopping. For your own safety, the in-store experience must be reduced or consciously balanced. Shopping online is key to environmental-friendly, savvy and safe gift buying. You’ll avoid last-minute logistical nightmares which normally drive up costs. And most important: protect yourself and others.
2. Value for money - The harsh economic setback caused by COVID-19 worldwide will certainly impact on consumers’ choices globally. Focus on necessities rather than nice-to-haves will be even more important this Christmas. And we strongly believe that it can be magical.
3. Have yourself an eco-friendly Xmas - A green Christmas typically heightens our awareness for sustainability. Plastic-free, reusable, recyclable, vegan or charity-based products are indeed the ultimate way to feel good this holiday season.
Our sweet Boo girl loves Christmas as every child and looks forward to welcoming Santa’s sleigh packed with gifts. However, our wise Bam panda has already explained to her that this year even old Santa has to protect himself and elves can’t be working so close together. But there will be surprises and most of all love will prevail. Let’s make it happen!
You could just show up or celebrate this holiday season with no present, because it’s the thought and feelings that count, right? By all means. Still, we can give in ethical and conscious ways. Take time to select your favourite well-meaning and sustainable gifts.
Get ready for boarding in a safe online journey worldwide. How amazing is this? Make sure you check-in early to guaranteed delivery times of your favourite picks. And enjoy this stress-free shopping experience, combining our love for the Planet, Nature and the Ocean.
“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”
Awesome tip from Benjamin Franklin back in the 1700s. So real in this day and age. Spending a small amount of time and effort early on is a good investment. It can save you more trouble and protects your health in the end.
Why do corals matter? Corals are the lungs of the ocean. Wherever we are on the planet, half of the oxygen we breathe comes from the oceans. No reef. No ocean. No air. Simple as this. So, you can adopt a coral, name it and Coral Gardeners will take care of sending your one-of-a-kind gift to a loved one.
Why do trees matter? Trees are the best technology to absorb carbon and regulate climate. They help clean the air we breathe, filter the water we drink and provide habitat to over 80% of the world’s terrestrial biodiversity. Trees improve our health!
Choose an inspiring quote about trees and send a personalized Tree quote card as a gift to someone special. Each card plants one tree.
Why do oceans matter? Oceans provide countless benefits to our planet and all the creatures that live here. Covering 72% of the Earth and supplying half of its oxygen, the ocean is our planet’s life support system.
The Clean Ocean movement directly funds the removal of trash from the ocean, rivers and coastlines. It looks easy but it implies a global cleanup crew and operation. You can make a difference by selecting the amount of pounds you want to pull to remove trash from the ocean. This Christmas is the right time to start to end the plastic ocean crisis.
You have the power to choose and support local businesses, fair trade, small scale, natural materials, certification, conscious packaging, reusable and recyclable, zero waste. And you’ll be making an impact.
This is the time to convert to online subscriptions or just offer a one-shot experience. And it can be a surprising and greener way to:
The most basic things in life deserve to be rethought to be more functional and eco-friendly, right? Go green on your daily oral care routine and offer the World’s 1st Climate Neutral Toothpaste & Toothbrush, natural and vegan. Make someone smile with this useful kit. And we’ll also plant one tree per each toothbrush order to compensate for the carbon generated from our delivery service.
Billions of disposable razors are sent to landfill each year. A bamboo razor is focused on lowering the environmental impact and it looks beautiful on any sustainable bathroom.
For coffee lovers, this direct-to-consumer company roasts and curates single-origin coffee beans cutting down on waste and distribution emissions. Plus, uses 100% composting and waste-free packaging.
For tea lovers, the sustainable choice is always loose leafs ethically sourced and in plastic-free, compostable and recyclable boxes.
Non-toxic, all-natural fragrant and de-stress candles will light a smile on a loved one for sure.
Lastly, here’s the ultimate and personal tip from our amazing characters:
Boo: My all-time favorite gift is a postcard handwritten and sent by standard email with a nice stamp in the old fashioned way. Make sure you post soon to arrive on time!
Bam: Xmas is all about cooking & eating too. So I will bake my favourite cinnamon and ginger cookies and ask Boo to give me a hand in wrapping them. I can see you are already mouthwatering ;)
Find more ideas to celebrate Xmas at home safe & smiling here. And remember we need more joy than ever! Happy Holiday Season!
Feel free to leave your comments below. We would love to hear your ideas and tips. Join our community!
Bam&Boo
]]>Traditional oral care products no longer have a place in an advanced society. It’s time we uncover the ugly behind the scenes of obsolete oral care.
]]>Traditional oral care products no longer have a place in an advanced society. It’s time we uncover the ugly behind the scenes of obsolete oral care.
We are thankful for everything the traditional oral care products have done for humans in the past when there were few or no alternatives. However, in 2020, there are much healthier, eco-friendlier, safer, and more conscious options, and there is no excuse to keep being stuck in the past. This is the ugly truth behind traditional oral care products.
Most of the traditional oral care products are tested on animals. Many animals are subjected to painful tests and experimentations, by being forced to ingest or inhale various substances, or by having cosmetic or medical ingredients rubbed onto their eyes, ears, or skin to look for allergic reactions. The bigger the concern about the ingredient in question, the harsher and longer is the testing.
Traditional oral care relies heavily on some kind of animal product, be it toothbrushes, toothpaste, mouthwash, dental floss, and others. Some of the animal-derived ingredients commonly used in traditional oral care products are glycerine and glycerol – although it’s possible to extract glycerine and glycerol from vegetal sources, it is immensely cheaper to extract it from animal bone marrow –, calcium phosphate/E542 (from animal bones), lanoline (from oil glands of sheep, commonly used in oral care and hair products), propolis (resin made from honeybee saliva and beeswax, mainly used for cosmetic products, like lip balm or lotions, and toothpaste), boar or horse hair (for toothbrush bristles).
There are hundreds of known dangerous chemicals being used in traditional oral care products, and this is after many having been banned already. For example, mouthwash contains at least four ingredients that are dangerous for human health: chlorhexidine gluconate, ethanol (ethyl alcohol), hydrogen peroxide and, methyl salicylate. If we look at toothpaste, there are suspected carcinogens, substances that disrupt endocrine function, substances that weaken the immune system, or ulcer-inducing chemicals, in a great deal of the products in the market. Look out for triclosan, aspartame, and saccharin, carrageenan, diethanolamine, parabens, propylene glycol, sodium lauryl sulphate, tetrasodium (tetra potassium) pyrophosphate, or titanium dioxide – they are not your friends.
As for dental floss, these are normally made of plastic and other petroleum derivatives and contain per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These PFAS are man-made, very persistent in the environment and the human body, and tend to accumulate over time. There’s enough evidence that prolonged exposure to PFAS can be related to cancer, thyroid hormonal disruption, and weakened immune system.
Last, but not least, toothbrushes – and we don’t even know where to start. Traditional oral care products such as toothbrushes are just a nightmare when it comes to toxic and dangerous chemicals. A normal, regular toothbrush is made of a combination of a dozen plastics, at least, from handle to bristles. N, N-Dimethyl acetamide, 1,1,2,2-Tetrachlorethane, 3,5,5-Trimethyl-1-hexanol, Carvone, 2-Methyl-benzene sulphonamide, 344-Methyl-benzene sulphonamide, Benzyl-butyl-phthalate, 2-Butoxy-ethanol, 1-Butoxy-2-propanol, Naphthalene, 2-Butoxyethyl acetate, 1-Methyl-2-pyrrolidinone and Nickel are just some of the most harmful substances found in various toothbrushes by a 2004 study by the Danish Technological Institute. But there are others.
Microplastics are not only very difficult to detect as they are nearly impossible to get rid of. As such, they end up polluting our planet, mainly seas, and oceans, and one of the main fears is that microplastics will end up being integrated into organisms, and ultimately into human bodies and that in the long run, it can be very problematic for animal and human health. Traditional oral care products, especially conventional toothpaste, are filled with microplastics – namely plastic microbeads – which act as abrasives, and that are marketed as “pearls” that will make your teeth whiter. In fact, there is little to no evidence that the microbeads in toothpaste and other traditional oral care products actually help your teeth become cleaner, whiter or healthier, so it’s quite probable most brands use them for marketing purposes. Check here How to Avoid Microplastics in Your Toothpaste.
As a rule of thumbs, beware of ingredients whose name starts with “poly”, such as polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene Glycol (PEG), polylactic acid (PLA), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), and nylon.
Your average toothbrush is very hard to recycle. Toothbrushes as well as some packaging of traditional oral care products are made from many plastic components, some derived from petroleum, some from rubber, and some that are a complicated mix of various other plastics. They are also extremely sturdy, making it impossible to biodegrade in a human lifetime – it might take up to 400 years! –, difficult to recycle due to the difficulty in separating the components, and very unusable for energy recovery via combustion. Wouldn’t it be nice if you could have a toothbrush that is easily recycled or even composted? Well, we might have a surprise for you.
Every buying decision you make has the power to change the world. That’s why conscious consumption is so important nowadays, for your health, our economy, our ecosystems, and our Planet.
We invite you to start looking deeper into your product labels and make more conscious decisions about what you buy and use in your body. Research before you buy some product, buy local, talk to business owners, see what is “behind the scenes”.
Take a look at The Bam&Boo Natural Toothpaste as well as the Bamboo Toothbrush and the Charcoal Dental Floss! They’re vegan, CF, natural, eco-friendly, and completely free from microplastics and harmful chemicals – once you try them, you won’t want to go back to traditional oral care products, we promise! Also, make sure to read our list of ingredients: 100% transparency, 100% natural.
Feel free to leave your comments below. We would love to hear your ideas and tips. Join our community!
Bam&Boo
]]>Do you want to keep a healthy oral care routine making conscious choices to minimize negative human impact on the planet? Find here a quick & stress-free guide to an eco-friendly oral care routine, step by step.
REDUCE WASTE IN ORAL CARE PRODUCTS
CHOOSE CO2 COMPENSATED BRANDS & PRODUCTS
First things first: what is eco-friendly? It means not harmful to the environment. And by protecting the environment we are also ensuring ourselves and future generations a better quality of life and overall health. And yes, you can be eco-friendly in your oral care routine, saving water while brushing, choosing a biodegradable toothbrush, making less waste and a few other things listed here.
Relax, there’s no need for radical changes in products and habits, like swapping every plastic in your bathroom. We propose you to look into your oral care routine following this checklist below and just commit to one single step for a given period to get consistent results and a genuine sense of change for the better.
Our checklist is just a kick-off in random order. Choose whatever step is easier for you, in order not to feel the pressure, because embracing a more eco-friendly oral care is not happening overnight. Maybe you prefer to start by changing a product, or maybe you rather try a new habit. Set the tone for the day!
Why?
Because it is a valuable resource. Don’t leave the tap running for no reason. This seems pretty obvious, but it is still a bad habit we all have in our oral care routine. Whoever is without sin, cast the first stone. In the western world we take water for granted, we urgently need to protect it and this means being more eco-friendly.
Don’t neglect all that water going down the drain while you are brushing and possibly looking in the mirror or whatever. It’s obvious that you are wasting water when you could easily turn off the tap and save 12 litres of water every time. Incredible, isn’t it? Imagine applying it when you are shaving or taking a shower?...
Don’t rinse your mouth immediately after brushing. The problem with rinsing after brushing is that it'll wash away all the benefits concentrated in the toothpaste, reducing its preventive effects. So simply spit the excess toothpaste and don’t rinse your mouth. This will help not only save more water as well as toothpaste. And be aware that it doesn’t compromise your oral health!
Keeping these tips means you’’ll be brushing the eco-friendly way and you are still looking after your oral health. Admit it: Not so hard, so far, right?
Why?
Because clearly it will help the environment.
How?
Avoiding single-use plastic and less packaging is a must-do in sustainable dental hygiene. Check what you can do with the main oral care products to go more eco-friendly one step at a time.
The pros to swap to a bamboo toothbrush
But there are also some cons of a bamboo toothbrush
We won’t lie: although bamboo is a better option than plastic, there are a few cons regarding this eco-friendly material:
The good news! There’s no such thing as the perfect environmentalist. As zero-waste chef Anne Marie Bonneau claimed “we don’t need a handful of people doing zero waste perfectly, we need millions of people doing it imperfectly.” So doing what you can is enough.
Choosing an eco-friendly toothbrush is indeed a wonderful step in your oral care routine. Keep smiling!
Extra eco-friendly tip: Where do you store your oral care kit? Probably in a plastic cup or holder. Here’s another easy thing to change and improve towards a more eco-friendly oral routine. Reduce plastic in your storage habits. We suggest a pebble or a lovely bamboo holder for the bamboo toothbrush and a nice mug or natural mini tote bag for the toothpaste and dental floss.
In your journey to embracing a more eco-friendly oral care routine you’ll be more aware of brands, products and services that are also committed to contributing to climate protection.
Why?
We all have a carbon footprint. Because every purchase we make, every move we make has an impact on the environment. If you are curious calculate your carbon footprint here.
How?
So we believe these are all small steps in your oral care routine for a greater purpose: reinforce your eco-friendly actions.
Last but not the least, this is a major single step: Don’t give up! Don’t become discouraged or frustrated! We all know that it takes effort and commitment. Do whatever you can and after a while it will become a habit.
Yes, it is an individual journey. Someone has to lead the way. So you may invite and empower family and friends to walk along with you. But mainly focus on your small daily changes that will make a big positive impact in your everyday life and on the planet.
Feel free to leave your comments below. We would love to hear your ideas and tips. Join our community!
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]]>So many classifications, benefits, functions and flavours… but what is the best toothpaste? That depends on what you are looking for. Check out some tips.
There are many, many, many toothpastes around and all of them seem to promise something magical. But why do you have to choose between strong teeth, white teeth, cavity-free teeth, fresh breath, natural ingredients, and so on? Maybe you don’t have to choose only one of them – maybe you just need to know what to look for in a toothpaste, and what to stay away from. Read on to know which is the best toothpaste for your teeth, body, and planet!
When choosing a toothpaste, you obviously try to pick the best toothpaste for yourself. But with so many brands, types, colours and prices, it can become rather confusing. We’ll give you some pointers (and food for thought) on what to be on the lookout when searching for the best toothpaste for your needs.
The package in which your toothpaste comes has an influence on the product itself, as well as on your health and on the environment. Many toothpastes have plastic packaging, and although some specific brands have been able to create recyclable toothpaste tubes, the vast majority is not totally recyclable. The choices of packaging a determined brand offers also reflects the brand’s views – and supporting brands who care for the environment is also a way to make the world better. When choosing, think about 100 recyclable packaging, such as paper or aluminium. The best toothpaste for you should not be harmful for the planet, for its animals, plants or for its people.
Many toothpastes have potentially toxic chemicals in its list of ingredients that often go unnoticed, as people are often not aware they are toxic or dangerous. Some of the chemicals used in commercial toothpastes can cause skin irritations, act as poisons, weaken your immune system, cause endocrine disruption or be toxic for aquatic life, among others. When looking for the best toothpaste try to stay away from the following ingredients:
The majority of toothpastes have microplastics in it, under the form of microbeads that act as an abrasive agent. Check here How to Avoid Microplastics in Your Toothpaste.
These microplastics are normally smaller than 5mm and are virtually impossible to remove from the water – since they are so small and hardly visible in the naked eye, they will pollute our water courses and seas, and end up being consumed by fish and other animals. Apart from the environmental aspect, why would you want to ingest plastic yourself? These materials haven’t been around long enough to have solid proof of the long-term consequences on human health either. So, keep in mind that besides the promises on the label, microplastics do not belong in your body, and the best toothpaste for your body and planet will surely not contain them.
The concern with cruelty-free (CF), vegan, organic and natural products is growing. And these are perfectly valid concerns. A toothpaste being CF means that the ingredients or the final product were not tested in animals; the Vegan classification means that it contains zero ingredients from animals (for example, honey or bone-marrow glycerine); organic can mean many different things depending on the product it concerns, but when applied to toothpaste it means that the ingredients used, if natural, were grown without the use of dangerous pesticides, were not treated or mixed with harsh chemicals, and that the extraction/harvesting of said ingredients respects the environment and natural resources; a natural toothpaste means basically that it contains no artificial or synthetic ingredients, hormones, petroleum derivates other additives. The best toothpaste you can get, both for your health and for the environment, will ideally be all four: vegan, CF, organic and natural.
Fluoride in toothpastes is a controversial topic. While many people want to stay away from it, many others swear by its effects on a healthy oral care. Fluoride is known (and proven) to help reduce and prevent tooth decay. Plus, it occurs naturally in plants, being absorbed by plants via water and soil. As such, sometimes vegetables contain fluoride themselves. And before you ask, yes, fluoride in extremely large concentrations is harmful to human health, however, the typical strength of regular toothpaste is around 1000 to 1500 parts per million (ppm) – and a quantity high enough to pose threats to health would be above 10 mg a day.
Now that you’re at it, check out The Bam&Boo Natural Toothpaste – vegan, organic and cruelty-free, with a 100% aluminium packaging!
Feel free to leave your comments below. We would love to hear your ideas and tips. Join our community!
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What are bamboo toothbrush bristles made of? How long can I use my bamboo toothbrush? Do bamboo toothbrushes get moldy? These are some of your questions. And we are happy to give all the answers here to support you on your mindful choices for a more sustainable lifestyle.
A bamboo toothbrush is made of bamboo, obviously. The Bam&Boo bamboo toothbrushes are 96% natural, cruelty-free, and vegan. However, as you might imagine, the bristles are also part of a toothbrush, which accounts for less than 5% of our non-natural product.
We wanted our whole product to be ecological, including packaging. So the toothbrush comes in a kraft paper bag. The outer box is made from 100% paper carton and is also biodegradable.
Read more here.
Bamboo toothbrush bristles are made of premium DuPont nylon BPA free. We are well aware that it is not yet the best eco-friendly solution. But it is still the best way to grant good oral care. Until today the only 100% biodegradable and efficient option is animal hair, which is a very controversial material, or else PLA. But according to our standards, these aren’t yet a good alternative.
Read more here.
In our view, the best toothbrushes are always eco-friendly, made of renewable sources, biodegradable, and effectively clean our teeth. That’s how we define the best toothbrush. Choosing the best bamboo toothbrush also means embracing ecological and social values. At The Bam&Boo we are planet guardians. We strongly believe that environmental damage can be preventable if we take a small and simple action: refuse plastic and switch to a bamboo toothbrush.
Read more here.
You can use your ecological bamboo toothbrush for as long as your conventional plastic toothbrush. We endorse Dentists & Hygienists' recommendations regarding the duration of your bamboo toothbrush. So you should replace your toothbrush every 2 or 3 months. However, your usage of a toothbrush also varies when considering the recommended time frame.
Read more here.
A bamboo toothbrush needs a bit more care than a plastic one. After all, it's an organic material. But it only takes 3 steps to have it properly cleaned. We have created a full guide on how to care for your bamboo toothbrush here. Keep reading if you want to know the best practices in keeping your toothbrush clean.
Read more here.
You can boil your bamboo toothbrush. But only after it has served its primary purpose: cleaning your teeth. You may want to boil your bamboo toothbrush if you see the handle getting moldy. We need to remind you that bamboo is an organic material, thus porous. And this appearance might be a consequence of not drying properly your bamboo toothbrush after each use. If you skip this important second step, you’ll get a pool of water at the bottom of your cup, and naturally moist will penetrate the bamboo handle.
Read more here.
Yes, bamboo toothbrushes can get moldy if they are not properly cleaned. Be reminded that bamboo is an organic material, therefore it encourages the growth of mold faster than a plastic toothbrush. But we can’t get enough of explaining that using a bamboo toothbrush requires extra loving care.
Read more here.
Bamboo toothbrushes harbor bacteria like any other conventional toothbrush. Truth be said that our mouths are a reservoir of variable natural microorganisms.
Bamboo toothbrushes as plastic toothbrushes are a fertile breeding ground for a number of microorganisms. The problem is when there is an imbalance in the amount of unhealthy bacteria versus the number of healthy ones. So you better take some precautions.
Read more here.
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]]>From the right to repair to an off-grid home, thinking sustainable is the way forward.
Factories aren’t slowing down, but they can be more sustainable. Ecodesign has been on the rise since Y2K. It works hand in hand with a growing eco-conscious movement, and it’s even European law. But what counts as ecological design?
Ecodesign is a school of thought where the creation of a product takes into account its environmental impact. Ecological design is an umbrella term that encompasses diverse fields of study, including sustainable agriculture, intelligent urbanism, and ecological engineering.
To put it simply, ecodesign tries to diminish the environmentally destructive impacts of a materialistic world. When a product is created under ecological design it might be made from more sustainable raw materials, use biodegradable packaging, have easily repairable systems, or reduce energy cost.
The establishment of a circular economy is a mainstay of ecological design. Products made from recycled materials, or that can be recycled themselves, help reduce waste, hence, they’ve been eco-designed.
It’s all around you, and some of it might go unnoticed. Ecodesign can be applied at every stage of production: the extraction of raw materials, the manufacturing of the product, the distribution to stores, its use by the consumer and what happens to it when it’s no longer in use.
Farmer markets are an example of historical ecological design. Locally sourced produce, grown in season, by family-run businesses, have a much smaller environmental impact than the fruits and vegetables sold at the supermarket.
Solar panels for water heating or energy production greatly diminish the use of fossil fuels and help families work towards an off-grid home. Maintaining a water recycling system or reusing sullage can be a way to further a household’s sustainability efforts.
Bottles made from recycled materials, rechargeable batteries, reusable coffee capsules, boxed water, LED light bulbs, and organic cotton sportswear, are all examples of ecodesign.
Sustainability, pure and simple. If the right to repair is applied to smartphones, as the European Union has been discussing, we’ll simply be making fewer cell phones, because the one which we already have will last longer. Less production is a net gain for the environment.
By using fewer materials and energy to create something, companies can reduce their environmental impact whilst maintaining current production rates. Using biological and biodegradable materials helps the environment both before and after a product is in use.
The European Commission estimates say that since 2015, ecodesign has stopped the emission of 306 metric tons of CO2 and the waste of 2545 million liters of drinking water. The ecological design also saved European consumers 63 billion euros and created 930 thousand jobs. By 2030, these results should improve by 60%.
That all helps bring down CO2 emissions and the destruction of habitats for raw materials. Ecodesign impacts climate change. By setting energy efficiency standards, for example, consumers can be better informed and decrease their carbon footprint.
By putting your money where your mouth is. Buy from eco-conscious brands, look up a company’s environmental track record and make sure you understand the impact of your purchasing decisions.
Don’t buy disposable products, avoid single-use plastics and work eco-friendly habits into your routine. Keeping house plants, taking your bag to the grocery store, or sowing your clothes instead of throwing them out are all small changes that can make a big difference. Check here 10 easy ways to live a more sustainable lifestyle!
Some changes can even be a quality of life improvement. You can subscribe to products like The Bam&Boo’s zero-waste and vegan cotton buds, or CO2-compensated bamboo toothbrushes. They’re both shipped for free worldwide within biodegradable packaging. Because at The Bam&Boo ecodesign do matter!
A small step for us but a big step for our Planet 🌎
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Our bamboo toothbrush is born in the beautiful mountains of Fenghua district in Zhejiang province (southeast of China). Most of the wild bamboo grows very fast in the middle and top of the mountains, where sunshine and rain give the ideal environment to grow organically, free from chemicals and pesticides.
Local farmers have incredible know-how on bamboo work every step of this very handcrafted process:
The next step is the handle facilities where our toothbrushes start getting their shape. Men and women have specific tasks, either cutting or polishing the bamboo. Usually women take care of more detailed tasks. The quality check is visually based on sampling:
From the handmade production in Ningbo, our bamboo toothbrush sets out to Yanghzou (north of China) where oral expertise is located.
Here the journey of our bamboo toothbrush goes on:
Bamboo certifications rock!
Our bamboo supplier is certified by The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), which means they promote environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial, and economically viable management of the world's forests.
Rest assured that the bamboo for our toothbrushes is sourced sustainably not harming the ecosystem. Likewise, we have confirmed locally that workers enjoy social benefits and incentives to labor welfare.
Acknowledging people’s love and commitment crafting bamboo was indeed amazing. It is also our long-term ambition to contribute to the improvement of these women and men working conditions.
At our brand fulfillment center, we prepare the orders with great care and attention.
*non-exclusive transport means we’re only using transports that were already planned and not specific ones. So, the real additional impact is the one brought by increased weight and volume on those transports (e.g. delivering 1 toothbrush x 12 times or 12 toothbrushes x 1 time is the same).
Facts & Figures
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]]>Everyone can work towards a zero-waste daily routine.
Check out these easy ways you can start reducing your plastic waste!
Plastic production worldwide went over a metric ton a day in 2018. Single-use plastics represent half of the global production. The first step to reducing those numbers is cutting back on non-reusable plastics present in everyone’s daily routine.
The three R’s have become a mainstay across languages and cultures. You can square that and follow nine low-effort tips to reduce, reuse and recycle your waste.
Bar soap and shampoo, solid face washes, mattifying serums, solid conditioner, and even shaving cream. Nearly every lotion and cream can be replaced with a solid alternative that cuts down on plastic waste.
They’re generally smaller, zero-waste, and just as effective. The solid beauty and hygiene products free up counter space, help the planet and last for a much longer time. Bar soap and shampoo are much cheaper in the long run, and they get through airport security without an itch every time.
Be it olive oil or laundry detergent, many household items can and should be bought in bulk. When you can’t find a plastic-free alternative, there’s a bigger version, which saves on packaging.
Buying in bulk is also much cheaper and it saves time and gas since you’ll be making fewer trips to the store. If you know you’ll need to buy more of the same product a couple of weeks from now, nothing is holding you back from buying it all in one go.
Those five-liter bottles of hand soap you bought in bulk might be a tad too big to keep by the tap. That’s because you should be using them to refill the containers which you had previously.
Instead of buying new, flimsy, wasteful dispensers every time, invest in a single good quality container and refill it when it runs out. If you’re feeling crafty, glass bottles make great soap dispensers with a little modification.
One thing you shouldn’t buy in bulk is food. Perishables will, as expected, perish. But buying just a few apples and oranges every couple of days doesn’t mean carrying them home in plastic bags.
Bring your cotton bags for fruit and vegetables. Wrap your meat and fish in the paper. And carry a few glass jars for peas and cereal. You’ll see it all fits nicely into that big grocery bag you’re already using.
The smaller the supply chain, the smaller the environmental impact. You’ll see fewer plastic crates when you swing by the market than when you went to the supermarket.
Local, small scale producers tend to have less plastic waste than large grocery shops. When you can, side with David over Goliath and buy local, in-season produce. They’re also much less likely to wrap your fruit and vegetables in plastic.
This is why eco-conscious brands like Bam&Boo guarantee that all shipping is carbon-balanced. By planting a tree per day, Bam&Boo makes sure that you can have their toothbrushes, straws and cotton buds conveniently delivered to you in a sustainable manner.
Disposable razors are as wasteful as they are expensive. Buying a safety razor (or a straight razor, if you want to make shaving an art) will cut your plastic waste to zero when you’re shaving.
Instead of replacing the whole head of the razor (or throwing out the whole thing) you can just change the blade of a safety razor or sharpen a straight razor. A safety razor is also much less likely to lead to ingrown hairs.
You should change your toothbrush every three months. If it’s made from plastic, that’s scheduled waste. Bamboo toothbrushes allow you to dramatically cut back on your plastic use.
With nylon 6 BPA free bristles, a Bam&Boo’s bamboo toothbrush will run you 4,99€. To stick with your dentist’s, recommend schedule, you can subscribe to the product and receive a new toothbrush every one to four months.
With free shipping worldwide, Bam&Boo uses 100% biodegradable packaging, and you can even remove the bristles from your toothbrush and compost it when it’s time for a replacement.
You don’t need to own something which you use occasionally. Instead of buying that hard-plastic shell leaf blower, rent it or asking a family member to use theirs.
Ask yourself if you need to have sole possession of something before you buy it. If you don’t, there’s bound to be a short-term alternative.
You don’t need, nor want, that little plastic toy you got for free at the theme park. The last tip is the easiest one: say no when you’re offered something which you don’t need, be it a pamphlet you’ll throw out without reading or a plastic sticker for your laptop.
Feel free to leave your comments below. We would love to hear your ideas and tips.
Join our community!
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]]>Why is a natural toothpaste better than a commercial toothpaste? It’s all about the ingredients that must be in the very least non-toxic since we do have to put it in our mouths. Learn more here and make your conscious choice.
Natural and organic ingredients unlike artificial or chemicals can’t be replaced through research and development. Because Nature cannot be reinvented. So a natural toothpaste is minimally processed to maintain ingredient purity. In other words, allowed ingredients in natural toothpaste come from or are made from a renewable resource found in nature (flora, fauna, mineral), with absolutely no petroleum compounds.
Always bear in mind that what is in your toothpaste is as important as what is in the food you eat. Because your mouth is the gateway for those ingredients to be absorbed into your bloodstream.
The word Natural says it all. We are all better off when we stay as close to Nature. Why should we take a chance on our health every time we brush our teeth?
Beforehand you should know that both Natural and Commercial toothpaste share a long list of ingredients. Both righteously claim to work for your daily oral care, combining active and inactive ingredients.
Quick reminder:
Active ingredients improve your oral hygiene, preventing caries or strengthening teeth.
Inactive ingredients represent the gourmet part of a toothpaste, adding taste and texture.
And there’s an array of questionable, unnecessary, and some downright dangerous ingredients in commercial toothpaste.
Keep your eyes open (or even better take a note on your phone) for this shortlist of commercial toothpaste ingredients that can be potentially toxic, namely in toothpaste for children:
- Aspartame and saccharin - Artificial sweeteners and colorants
- Carrageenan - Thickening agent which is a natural ingredient coming from a red seaweed but studies show its harmful effects
- Diethanolamine - Foaming agent
- Parabens - Preservatives that are used to extend the shelf life of the toothpaste and it is scientifically proved that may cause endocrine disruption.
- Propylene glycol - Wetting agent avoiding toothpaste to dry-out
- SLS /Sodium Lauryl Sulfate - Detergent used to create foam. Although there’s no convincing scientific evidence of causing cancer, we believe it’s enough to know that it can be petrol derived and it can cause skin irritation or dryness. Why risk it?
- Tetrasodium (Tetrapotassium) Pyrophosphate - A thickening agent
- Titanium dioxide - Whitening agent stated that can weaken the immune system
- Triclosan - Antibacterial agent is already forbidden in the US by FDA, still under assessment as endocrine disruptor in the EU. However, it is widely recognised as very toxic to aquatic life.
Learn more about microplastics in your toothpaste here.
The Bam&Boo Natural Toothpaste has a formula made out of 15 natural, derived natural and nature-identical ingredients certified by Natrue. We decided to certify our toothpaste to increase trust among our mindful community. And this way we also keep greenwashing off the shelves.
We divided the 15 natural ingredients into 4 main groups for preventive and therapeutic purposes.
1. Prevent caries and bacteria
Sodium Fluoride: Yes, we are aware that fluoride is a controversial topic among practitioners and specialists and we’re not advocating pro or against. Nevertheless, we decided to include fluoride on our first toothpaste as it helps to restore tooth enamel and furthermore prevent cavities.
Zinc Gluconate: Prevents caries and bacteria, acts as an antioxidant, and strengthens the immune system.
2. Preserve
Kaolin + Illite + Montmorillonite: All clay minerals that provide resistance to tooth and gum decay. They “remineralize" the natural mineral content of the teeth. Plus, they are gentle and smooth to the teeth.
Sorbitol - Prevents the toothpaste from drying out and cracking in the tube. It is a moisture agent. It also contributes to a sweet flavour not compromising tooth decay.
Xanthan Gum: It is a carbohydrate and a safe alternative as a thickening agent.
3. Flavour
Aroma: Adds natural flavour and pleasant odour to the toothpaste. Like food, once you put it in your mouth you like to feel a nice taste, right?
Cinnamal: It is a naturally occurring fragrance compound found in the bark of cinnamon trees. It works as a freshener agent and makes the toothpaste tastier.
Eugenol: Natural fragrance from essential oils like clove bud with a spicy and pleasant scent.
Menthol: Or else peppermint doesn’t require any introduction. It is widely known for its strong and refreshing flavour.
Stevia Rebaudiana Extract: It’s a sweetener tooth-friendly because it doesn't ferment when in contact with oral bacteria. Therefore stevia leaf extract does not produce the lactic acid that causes cavities and tooth decay.
4. Texture and Foaming
Hydrated Silica: Also known as Silica, Sand or Quartz, it is a clear mineral abrasive to clean teeth. This is a key and safe ingredient to help “scrub” biofilm from the teeth.
Lauryl Glucoside: It is an organic compound produced industrially from coconut oil and it is the safest alternative to SLS providing a nice foam and texture.
Aqua: Or else Water, the main carrier for all ingredients. It represents 20%-42% percent of toothpaste formulas in general, because it helps dissolve other soluble ingredients. Funny enough historical records state that early formulas didn’t even include this natural ingredient, it was only added in a later stage to give the mixture a pasty consistency.
Rest assured that The Bam&Boo Toothpaste is Triclosan Free, Parabens Free, SLS Free and with No Artificial Colours, Sweeteners or Preservatives.
Caring for your oral health goes hand in hand with our love for the animals and the Planet. So our natural toothpaste is also cruelty-free and totally vegan registered by the Vegan Society Trademark, the authentic standard for products free from animal ingredients and animal testing.
We have chosen an aluminium tube. Because we stand by our ecological and social responsibility regarding the devastating figures of 1.5 billion toothpaste tubes discarded every year, on a global level. Most of them are not even recycled, ending up in landfill. By now we all know that this plastic won’t break down in our lifetime nor within the lifetime of our children. So The Bam&Boo Toothpaste comes in aluminium packaging since it is more sustainable and it certainly keeps the freshness of the product.
We have all been choosing our toothpaste out of habit. Probably, the same brand all our lives. But now we all have more information, we are aware of the cost to our health and the planet, and we always have the power to choose consciously. So, The Bam&Boo Toothpaste is for everyone striving for a more sustainable way of living through high-quality natural products.
If you would like to be part of this amazing eco-journey, check our IndieGogo Crowdfunding campaign here. Be a pioneer and test our new natural, vegan and eco-friendly toothpaste.
We certainly are happy and grateful that you choose to make small actions and keep smiling with us. You’ll make a difference!
Feel free to leave your comments below. We would love to hear your ideas and tips.
Join our community!
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