You drink your coffee from a reusable cup, tote your own bags to the store, say “no” to Styrofoam, compost, recycle, reuse…at the end of the day, flossing—just as the dentist ordered—you look yourself in the mirror, feeling good about doing your bit you smile and then toss your floss.

Oh the tangled web we weave . . .

Dental floss may be good for your teeth. But it is not good for the earth. It is not good for the dogs—maybe your dog—that might eat it.

It is not good for the animals and sea creatures who might become tangled in it.

If you flush it, is not good for your pipes…

Dental floss is made of nylon. Most dental floss packages are made of plastic.

Nylon is the material most commonly used in clothing, parachutes, and— smile—toothbrush & floss pick bristles. Nylon is not biodegradable.

Please! If you use nylon dental floss:

Do NOT flush it.

Sewer systems become backed up with discarded plastic floss, that twists with hair strands, that clump wet wipes that clog…

Do WAD it into a tiny, tangled ball. Knot it. Clump it. Tangle it.

Yes! Absolutely! It will still stay in the landfill for eternity. But at least if you wad it into a knot the floss will not be nasty long string just waiting to tangle with everything else— (see above.)

If you’re a good patient and floss as your dentist advises, the way your dentist advises, every day, 365 days a year, imagine how much floss you toss?

Even if you’re a conservative floss unspooler that 365 ft of floss from you alone. Now multiply that by the number of regular flossers in your home, your office, your building…. It’s fodder for a horror film.

Invasion of the Giant Floss Monster!

Believe it or not, in this case, those floss sticks, picks, brushers are a better option for at least they won’t tangle around wee warbler feet. Or tiny turtle necks, and feetsies, and intestines…. Have you ever tried to break floss with your hands, you know how strong those strands are. Imagine how an otter might feel trying to gnaw its way through a floss tangle. (Be happy there’s no photo inserted.)

What to do? Water Pick! Water Picks work! And they are reusable. If charged on solar even better.

Wah, not a fan of the waterworks? Me neither. I’ve got 3 words for us:

Biodegradable Dental Floss

The most common materials used in biodegradable dental floss are silk and bamboo. One I found is corn-based.

Ironically, just as the first sandwich wrappers were biodegradable plant leaves, the first dental floss was made from silk.

Let’s go back to better! And really have something to smile about!

Here are some eco-friendly dental floss that are biodegradable and compostable. (These are just a few brands available wherever you buy the icky, non-earth-friendly, uncool dude brand you currently use.)