Burt’s Bees Natural Toothpaste

Recently I received a free sample tube of Burt’s Bees Natural Toothpaste in the mail. With six different versions in their toothpaste menu they sent out a 0.5 oz tube of the multicare with fluoride for me to try.

The first thing I noticed right away is that it is a thicker paste than the brand I currently use, it was heavier at first gliding across my teeth, but it did foam up nice and the heavy feeling went away in just a second. The flavor is good, very minty but not knock you over strong. Best of all? My teeth feel cleaner than with the toothpaste I currently use! I didn’t see that coming; as a coffee drinker it’s important for me to have a great toothpaste. I think I might have found my new favorite.

The package claims it is 99.2% natural which is a pretty high number. Burt’s Bees makes use of natural cranberry as its plaque fighter. According to the website, cranberries contain a nutrient known as Proanthocyanidins [PCAs] and this is good because:

“Studies have shown that PACs inhibit oral bacteria from sticking to the surface of teeth, thereby helping prevent plaque formation before it starts”

The paste also contains calcium and phosphorous but does not contain SLS (Sodium Laurel Sulfate), artificial flavors, sweeteners, color or preservatives. And they never test on animals.

Online a 4 oz tube goes for $5 which is competitive compared to my usual brand. Plus the product is currently available at 11 major retailers (including Whole Foods, Safeway, drugstore.com, Duane Reade, etc), coming soon to Target, Walmart and Rite Aid, and of course can always be purchased on the Burt’s Bees website.

The company has a long and solid track record of caring about the planet and the people who reside on it by providing natural products that work. I’ve been a fan of their lip balms for years already and now they can add me to the list of toothpaste converts as well! Due to their strong commitment to a more natural life I am granting Burt’s Bees multicare with fluoride toothpaste a Four and a Half Leaf Rating!

Want to get your own free sample and check it out for yourself? Just head on over to their website and fill out the brief information to get yours!

Thanks for your attention to our pearly whites Burt’s Bees and for doing it with a natural twist. ♥love♥

Fuji EnviroMAX Batteries Green Alternative to the Old Standard

Recently I was contacted by to check out these new ecologically responsible batteries, review them and provide my honest Leaf Rating. I was excited to receive these AA’s and put them to the test!

The Fuji EnviroMAX battery line was just released for sale in Target stores nationwide on July 26, 2009 and they are really looking to spread the Green word through their efforts to provide a product that is environmentally forward.

At first glance I see that the packaging is 100% recycled material, and it can be recycled as it is a simple cardboard and thin PET plastic (as opposed to PVC as most packaging is which can not be conventionally recycled). What really grabs my attention on the package is the fact they are cadmium and mercury free, because of this fact the batteries are touted as landfill-safe.

Flipping the package over I read the shelf life is up to seven years, although non-rechargeable they can be used in a variety of devices, they are safe in all temperatures and the ozone was unaffected during the manufacturing process. So far I am impressed but needed to do further research, including using them.

I am happy to see that the price for the Super Alkaline version is suggested at $3.99 and hop on over to Target to do a cost comparison. Most of the Green versions available there are rechargeable and 4-packs can run upwards of $16. For standard batteries the price is approximately $4.50 so regardless this environmental option is good on the wallet.

To give a full report on the lifespan of these batteries I have tossed a couple each into various controllers around the house. I will let you know in a future post.

The only thing that nerves me is that they are purported to be created from “the basic elements of the Earth” according to the website and packaging but I can not locate anywhere what those basic elements are**. Without this knowledge I would still be hesitant to toss them into my everyday garbage can. Additionally, the theory is good but the item is disposable so even if it does not harm the landfill via leeching, it will still be a part of it.

With all of this said I am awarding the Fuji EnviroMAX batteries a Three and a Half Leaf Rating!

Your efforts to ensure that even disposable options are kept as Green as possible are commendable, keep it up Fuji!
♥love♥

**EDITOR'S NOTE: Upon speaking with a representative of the company I have learned that “the chemicals that are in an EnviroMAX battery are: Iron, nickel, zinc, electrolyte, manganese dioxide, bronze, and paper, all of which are non toxic elements and substances which can be safely discarded in the landfill.”

This is fantastic news and I strongly encourage Fuji to place this information on their packaging of the EnviroMAX batteries so consumers will be aware of the elements included. Regardless, it is great to read they are one of the safest disposable options on the market.