is elephant toothpaste bad for the environment

Gather your materials. toothpaste's ingredients arent safe for the planet, A post shared by Davids Natural Toothpaste (@davidsnaturaltoothpaste). Rapidly expanding foam contains oxygen, hence youd better work in distance from flammable things (wood, LPG kitchens, papers, curtains and so on), be ready to fade out potential fire, use glasses at all time, keep your hair tied up, do not breath the gases. If your answer is yes, then you will be delighted with the comprehensive explanation. Never run out of ink and save up to 50% all starting at $0.99 a month. Make sure the yeast and hydrogen peroxide are mixed well for optimum effect. It happens because this reaction belongs to so-called exothermic reactions. These spare oxygen molecules then bond, forming O2 (gas) molecules, the rapidly forming bubbles of oxygen that rise to the surface of the solution. Showing 36 Products made by Drunk Elephant don't see your product? Consistency should be that of melted ice cream. Add it directly to the peroxide for a solid color, or let it gently drip down the sides of the container to create stripes! Due to the fact that hydrogen peroxide in high concentration can cause chemical and physical burns please keep precautions. Put on gloves and safety glasses. Toothpaste tubes (which cannot be recycled and last forever) is not!! This fantastic effect you can get by combining just four ingredients: water, hydrogen peroxide, potassium permanganate, and dish soap. Now, different brands of toothpaste have different ingredients. How Do You Get Rid Of Hard Calcium Deposits In The Shower? If you want an environmentally friendly toothpaste that is 100% made of natural ingredients, then you should try Butter Me Up's toothpastes! It is commonly used in classrooms to demonstrate an exothermic reaction. That's because the chemical process is exothermic, meaning that it releases energy. Sc i ent i st s real i zed t hi s a whi l e Pour your hydrogen peroxide into the water bottle. The problem in elephant toothpaste is that the reaction is too exothermic and can get out of control, leading to a dangerous situation. You can let the kids do this step. Swish the bottle to stir the ingredients. Only a few ingredients are necessary to make a BIG impression on your kids or your students. Measure 1/2 cup of hydrogen peroxide, and carefully pour it into the bottle. And don't get too close, as heat and steam can be dangerous. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), dioxins bioaccumulate in fatty tissues, and over time, can cause reproductive and developmental problems in infants; dioxins are also considered endocrine disruptors and carcinogens. Unauthorized use is prohibited. These fluoride-free toothpastes are cruelty-free, vegan . References. No, elephant toothpaste is not hazardous. To make ScienceBob's at-home version, you'll need: Optionally, you can also put a plastic tarp down to catch all the foam. There is enough foam squirting out for an elephant to brush its teeth. And don't get too close, as heat and steam can be dangerous. Thesoap is used to help us see the reaction. In this experiment we add dish soap, to help create bubbles, and a catalyst which is a special . Have an adult pour the hydrogen peroxide into the cylinder. Have your child add two pumps or about a tablespoon of dish soap into the cylinder. However, it does consist of natural ingredients like soda, chalk (as filling) and natural mint flavour. But if you want to do it inside, be sure to line the area with plastic. Mosquito repellent. All rights reserved. Were committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. As the oxygen emanates from the reaction, it creates bubbles. Conducting the Home Version Experiment. -Be careful not to use too much hydrogen peroxide. very warm water. Get science experiments, videos, articles, and more. By adding a few more ingredients we can make a huge, bubbly reaction to visualise this process. Earlier this year, Nick Uhas, David Dobrik and some other members of the latter's Vlog Squad, attempted to pull off the world's largest "elephant's toothpaste . Either way, it's a good idea to do the experiment outside, since it involves so much spillover. Method. The reaction between the hydrogen peroxide and the other ingredients produces a large amount of foam. This experiment shows the catalyzed decomposition of hydrogen peroxide. There are foaming agents that are edible. WARNING: In case you missed it the first time, avoid touching or getting the chemicals on skin or clothing. So all you need to do is find ingredients that are antibacterial and non-threatening to your teeth (looking at you, sugar!). While this isnt as big a deal in your bathroom, when triclosan gets down the drain and eventually to our waterways, the sunlight outdoors transforms it into dioxin, which is an extremely dangerous compound for humans and animals alike. Some of these ingredients seem logical, like cellulose gum to make it a gummy substance. She received her MA in Environmental Science and Management from the University of California, Santa Barbara in 2016. Weight. Another option is to make your own zero-waste toothpaste using a few base ingredients that most environmentally friendly toothpastes use anyway. Ensure this experiment is conducted on a washable, stain-resistant surface, and do not stand anywhere near the bottle or cylinder when it foams. Other ways in which toothpaste can be harmful. Experiment with some enormous 'toothpaste', fit for an elephant. Thick foam oozes out the top of the bottle, like toothpaste squeezed out of its tube. A 3% solution is best. Before buying a tube of this type of toothpaste, make sure these companies do not test their products on animals. 1 packet of dry yeast. Mix the hydrogen peroxide and a few squirts of dish soap in the plastic water bottle. This is an exothermic reaction, so stand back to avoid burns from the heat. Lawson recommends Crest Pro Health. Additionally, this is so-called Exothermic Reaction that means it creates heat. Start Saving Now. It may not be what your dentist tells you, but whats clean for your teeth isnt always what is clean for the environment. To start, you just need to gather a few materials. A toothpaste tube takes hundreds of years to fully biodegrade in a . link to How Do You Get Rid Of Hard Calcium Deposits In The Shower? Bit of a warning, I did this for a class of first graders a few months ago, it smells bad, not like chemical bad, like dilute vomit bad; it may have been the kind I used, though you should still try it . Some popular, fairly eco-friendly toothpaste brands include Dr Bronners, Jason, Toms of Maine, and Weleda though these are all packaged in plastic. Above all, to make the elephant toothpaste grow, we have to do one more thing add hydrogen peroxide in one shot. That means you can just use a funnel or pour the dissolved yeast into the hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) decomposes naturally into water (H2O) and oxygen (O2). It is not surprising then, that people have thought up some pretty creative uses for elephant dung over the years. 1 Tsp Biodegradable Glitter. Over 300 people in Panama died in early 2007 due to toothpaste tainted by substance called diethylene glycol. Did you know you can get expert answers for this article? Elephant's Toothpaste This classic chemistry demonstration is a huge hit with kids of all ages. The title becomes obvious as the reaction converts 125ml of 6% hydrogen peroxide to several It is also used in other cosmetics, food and pharmaceuticals. (Toothpastes that use animal fat-based glycerin are not vegan; Colgates Smile for Good uses plant-based glycerin. Usually, this reaction is prolonged. This article has been viewed 1,015,055 times. Length. We, humans, are simple. Pour half a cupful of hydrogen peroxide into the bottle (more if you're using a larger bottle). Enjoy! Learn how to make Steve Spangler's Elephant Toothpaste recipe using safe and easy materials you can find at home. If 20 gallons of toothpaste per person ultimately ends up in our environment, then choosing the best toothpaste for the environment should be one of the most important factors for all of us. There are more and more alternatives coming to the market every day. EWG Home EWG's Guide to Healthy Cleaning EWG's Food Scores Healthy Living App. Black-Owned Eco-Friendly Beauty and Skincare Brands, How to Naturally Whiten Your Teeth at Home - Green Matters, Latest What Is Sustainable Living? After allowing the foam to cool for a few minutes, you and your kids may touch the foam with gloves on. The reaction occurs so quickly, releasing so much gas that the foam begins to flow out of the container. There is a lot of examples like that: burning of natural gas, Decomposition of vegetable matter intocompost or nuclear chain reaction. In this version, there are two small-mouthed bottles, each making elephant toothpaste, side by side. Formulated with plant-based ingredients like eucalyptus, coconut oil, sodium cocoyl isethionate (derived from coconut), xylitol, bentonite, charcoal powder, licorice root, and more, even though these toothpastes and tabs also go down the drain, they wont harm the environment when they inevitably make their way to the waterways. Pan or bowl to contain the foam. Be sure to check out the ingredients on the packaging before you buy to ensure you are getting all-natural ingredients and not more unpronounceable chemicals. You also shouldn't touch the foam right away, but you can touch it if you used a 3% solution after it's cooled down. The toothpaste powder comes in a glass jar and is formulated with natural and/or organic ingredients like Diatomaceous Earth, sodium bicarbonate, herb oils, and more. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. work in distance from flammable things (wood, LPG kitchens, papers, curtains and so on). With baking soda, xylitol, bentonite clay, coconut oil, and peppermint oil, you could make your own toothpaste with no excess, frivolous packaging or harmful ingredients. The elephant toothpaste experiment is safe to touch after 3 minutes. Hydrogen peroxide normally decomposes (breaks down into separate elements), and combining it with detergent and yeast (a catalyst) speeds up the process. No, you can use 3% or 6% H2O2 instead. There are two methods for performing this demonstration: Method 1) Quickly pour ~10 mL of the saturated potassium iodide . She has conducted survey work for marine spatial planning projects in the Caribbean and provided research support as a graduate fellow for the Sustainable Fisheries Group. Zip. You can use a bit of baking soda with water and brush your teeth like you normally would. . With a little practice, you should be able to create a big, foamy elephant toothpaste reaction that is safe and fun! If you liked the foam, you might like also my other experiment where I play with oxygen and hydrogen released in electrolysis reaction Please check my post How to seperate water into oxygen and hydrogen? See the full instructions from ScienceBob here , Nick Uhas and David Dobrik stunned the internet with, Before their attempt, science YouTubers Mark Rober and ScienceBob did their own, If you want to replicate their attempt on a smaller scale at home, ScienceBob, A 16-ounce plastic soda or water bottle OR a bucket that size, A small cup to hold your yeast and at least 3 tablespoons of warm water. Elephant's toothpaste is a foamy substance that's created when you combine water, hydrogen peroxide, yeast, and dish soap. How to separate water into hydrogen and oxygen? Secondly, health is a top concern; if you have sensitive gums or stained teeth, you might choose a specific toothpaste that is formulated to help those health concerns. Copyright 1996-2015 National Geographic SocietyCopyright 2015-2023 National Geographic Partners, LLC. ), According to Colgate, its toothpaste is 99.7 percent natural, and the brand wants to pivot to a more sustainable approach to toothpaste. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) decomposes into water and oxygen gas, which is in the form of foam, but normally the reaction is too slow to be easily perceived or measured: 2H2O2 > H2O + O2.Too speed up the reaction the catalyst is used. 14. This simple ingredient can be used in almost anything since it has so many different properties, one of them being antibacterial. Don't put it in your mouth or swallow it. School of Fun Series - Learning Worksheets. Lastly, there is another option that not many people think of: making your own toothpaste. Green Matters is a registered trademark. This isn't that. Why is toothpaste targeted, and how bad is it really for the environment? 5 Pages. Then you just need something to add bubbles - either mechanical action or baking soda/vinegar will do the trick. The original elephant toothpaste reaction can result in both thermal and chemical burns and is not recommended for children. They foam up, thanks to safe and non-toxic ingredients, becoming a kind of paste. If, "This article helped me a lot. There are a few plastic-free toothpaste tubes out there; for example, Goodwell Co.'s toothpaste comes in a sugarcane-based tube, and toothpaste by Davids is packaged in a recyclable aluminum tube. Science YouTubers are engaging in a bit of a "foam arms race" this week with gargantuan versions of the elephant toothpaste experiment. Maybe elephants don't like brushing their teeth because this toothpaste doesn't taste good to humans or animals. After all, please leave your comments below. By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube. It also produces oxygen gas, which is flammable and can cause respiratory irritation if inhaled in large quantities. The bottles have a small mouth, so the toothpaste looks like toothpaste. Starting at a young age, we are taught that we need to brush our teeth every day using a toothbrush and toothpaste. UM, DID YOU SEE THE WARNING ABOVE? Pour yeast mixture into soda bottle and remove funnel. And if you want to go the extra mile, check where the toothpaste is made. Elephant toothpaste is a foamy substance that is produced when a small amount of hydrogen peroxide is mixed with other ingredients such as soap. Step 5. You should be mindful not to hold on to the container where the reaction is taking place unless you're wearing gloves or another covering that will shield you from heat. Add cup peroxide, detergent, and food coloring. The basic recipe to make Elephant Toothpaste is: 1 Tbsp Yeast. Pour yeast mixture into soda bottle and remove funnel. You might notice that the reaction produces heat. Why do I need hydrogen peroxide to make elephant toothpaste? Another important thing to note is that the reaction is exothermic, meaning that the foam will be hot. There's also Uncle Harry's, which sells its all-natural toothpaste in a glass jar that you can dip your toothbrush straight into, avoiding the need for a tube. With the right clean-up, it's environmentally sound, too. You can also have the put on goggles and a lab coat. If an elephant used toothpaste, this is probably what it'd look like! One of the most coveted world records on YouTube--the largest Elephants Toothpaste Experiment. Every other website was just advertisement for brands of the required. This experiment is sometimes called "Elephant's Toothpaste" because it looks like toothpaste coming out of a tube but giant to fit an elephants size. Plus, the biodegradable product does not use a cardboard packaging box, thereby reducing its weight and making transportation much easier. We are curious what are your suggestions and results. Directions. By Francesca de la Torre Last updated: Friday 29th of May 2020. The higher the level of hydrogen peroxide used, the greater the risk of injury. Colgate added that it expects 100 percent of its packaging to be recyclable by 2025 across all of its various product lines. All rights reserved, 16-ounce empty plastic soda or water bottle with narrow neck, cup 20-volume peroxide, sold in a beauty supply store; needs to be a 6 percent solution, glass measuring cup, beaker, or clear plastic cup, safety equipment: safety goggles, lab apron, nitrile gloves. Its also important to use a lower concentration of hydrogen peroxide if youre doing this experiment with children. The experiment uses a highly corrosive substance, hydrogen peroxide, which can cause skin irritation and burns. 4 or 5 Rose Petals. It is a fun activity to carry out with students when they are learning about states of matter and chemical reactions. . In measuring cup, beaker, or plastic cup, combine yeast and warm water. The light version uses chemicals that are safe for children totouch. This soap has very neutral pH, just slightly basic (I'm talking 7.2-7.4). How to seperate water into oxygen and hydrogen? Despite the potential hazards, the experiment is safe to conduct as long as proper safety precautions are taken. Heres everything you need to know about choosing the best toothpaste for the environment. You also wouldn't want to touch the foam afterward, because there may be un-reacted peroxide in it. Put your safety glasses on. A small cup to hold your yeast and at least 3 tablespoons of warm water. You should swish the ingredients around in the container to create a mixture. Leave for a couple of minutes while you get everything else ready. Take a dish soap or whatever you have that proved to be a good foam-maker and add it to our solution from Step 2. Elephant Toothpaste. There are two easy methods for making elephant toothpaste. Bad Habit (15) Badger (117) BaeBlu (112) Bahama Bo's (1) Bain De Terre (1) Baja Baby (10) Balance (1) Now, not all ingredients in toothpaste are harmful to the environment like cellulose gum. Colgate is one of the most widely popular toothpaste brands. Georganics also makes a toothpaste powder that turns into a paste when you add water. However, the 6% solution can irritate skin and eyes, so if you're using it, you should wear gloves and safety goggles. The ones when heat is produced. A self-taught DIYer, Tammy loves nothing more than tackling a new project in her own home. The resulting substance is called elephant toothpaste only because of its appearance. as well as other partner offers and accept our, Screenshot YouTube/Mark Rober (L), Nick Uhas (R). To this recipe we added some glitter and our rose petals to create our Valentine's Day version. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Brilliant Blue FCF is a colourant, in this case colouring your toothpaste blue. Palm oil can be produced more sustainably and there is a role for companies, governments, and consumers to play. Some people may have an allergy to the yeast, but it is rare. The experiment can also be used to show a chemical change. The iodide ion from potassium iodide acts as a catalyst and speeds up the reaction while remaining chemically unchanged in the reaction process. Their organic formulas are designed to improve dental health and include ingredients like baking soda, coconut oil, essential oils, and others. CEO and president of Colgate-Palmolive told The Guardian, Colgate wants to make tubes a part of the circular economy by keeping this plastic productive and eliminating waste. : 50 Fun Experiments for the Mad Scientist in You, Copyright 1996-2015 National Geographic Society, Copyright 2015-2023 National Geographic Partners, LLC. Elephant Toothpaste is an organic toothpaste company that made its way to the market in 2014. Gently mix these ingredients by swirling the bottle. First, pour 3/4 cup of hydrogen peroxide into your bottle, and then squeeze in roughly 10 drops of food coloring. Elephant Toothpaste Directions. Some toothpastes are considered environmentally friendly for these very reasons. Elephant's toothpaste is a foamy substance caused by the rapid decomposition of hydrogen peroxide (.mw-parser-output .template-chem2-su{display:inline-block;font-size:80%;line-height:1;vertical-align:-0.35em}.mw-parser-output .template-chem2-su>span{display:block;text-align:left}.mw-parser-output sub.template-chem2-sub{font-size:80%;vertical-align:-0.35em}.mw-parser-output sup.template-chem2-sup{font-size:80%;vertical-align:0.65em}H2O2) using potassium iodide (KI) or yeast and warm water as a catalyst. yeast. Cheers! As icons of the continent elephants are tourism magnets, attracting funding that helps protect wilderness areas. Toothpaste tablets are also an alternative to conventional toothpastes that use plastic packaging. You Need: An empty soft drink bottle (600mL size works best) cup of 6% hydrogen peroxide solution (purchased from a hai This mineral buildup can block the showerhead's water flow, preventing it from Can you cook mince 1 day out of date? You can also add glitter to make it more fun. The experiment uses a highly corrosive substance, hydrogen peroxide, which can cause skin irritation and burns. Ingestion causes kidney failure, paralysis and often death. If you use the 3% solution found in pharmacies, you can touch the foam afterward. You can use 3% hydrogen peroxide for the experiment, though it may not produce as much foam as a 6% concentration. [2][3][8] The iodide ion changes the mechanism by which the reaction occurs: The reaction is exothermic; the foam produced is hot (about 75C). The reaction isexothermic; the foam produced is hot. So, while traditional toothpaste might not be totally environmentally friendly, certain eco-friendly brands of toothpaste and alternatives do exist. Hydrogen peroxide breaks down into oxygen and water. "It also helps . In fact, other brands are actively doing it. It is quick but does require a prior preparation, as some of the materials required for the experiment might not be already available in your pantry. And with new content being added every day, there's always something new to discover. It is present in kinds of toothpaste, including Aquafresh, as a colourant similar to Brilliant Blue FCF. To create the elephants toothpaste reaction a second chemical is added (know as a catalyst) which basically tears-apart the hydrogen peroxide into water while releasing Oxygen gas inside the bubbles. Elephant toothpaste #3 - classic (Catalyst: not stated) This one is more a "classic". Also, the lab version includes potassium iodide, which can reach hot temperatures. As both videos exhibited, all you need to do to jump-start the chemical reaction is combine the catalyst with the peroxide mixture. Have fun with it, but be safe! You can add more water to reach that consistency. The audience should be kept back to prevent them from getting any of the foam on them and to protect from the heat. Yes, most popular toothpastes are harmful to the environment in both ingredients and packaging. The large volume of oxygen is generated, and together with dish soap, it turns into a foam. Add your catalyst. While Colgate appears to be committing to more sustainable practices, ingredients, and packaging, the truth is that there is more the brand can do. Depending on your childs age, you can have them use a fun spoon and stirring tool. The manufacturing of toothpaste is, therefore, very unfriendly for the environment. The manufacturing of toothpaste is, therefore, very unfriendly for the environment. Bess Ruff is a Geography PhD student at Florida State University. By following these guidelines, you can safely enjoy this fun and exciting science demonstration! As it decomposes, or breaks down, the two molecules of H202 separate into two liquid H2O (water) molecules and a single oxygen molecule. % of people told us that this article helped them. Do not attempt without proper safety precautions and the presence of an adult. In this experiment, we received a so-called elephant toothpaste. Foamy substance created by rapidly decomposing hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), "The Great Elephant Toothpaste Experiment! In this activity, students will use chemical reactions to create toothpaste big enough for an elephant! "It has a different type of fluoride than other brands called stannous fluoride to help protect against cavities and gingivitis," he says. Elephants are the largest land mammals on earth and have distinctly massive bodies, large ears, and long trunks. activity I can do with my kids. Fortunately, the foam is just water, soap, and oxygen, and will release oxygen on its own until you're left with soapy, colored water. Check the yeast packaging to see how hot the water needs to be. [6] About 5-10 drops of food coloring could also be added before the catalyst to dramatize the effect. TheLurkerSpeaks Environmental . Others, like copolymers and titanium dioxides, seem very threatening and don't ring any bells with us. Usually, this reaction is prolonged. Put the yeast in a small cup or bowl, and add about 3 tablespoons of warm water to activate it. 1 Tbsp dish soap. This results in a foamy liquid that comes out of the top of your bottle. By clicking Sign up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider A unique feature that Gerais included in this . Lighting up a piece of elephant dung to keep the mozzies away might not sound incredibly . There are a few plastic-free toothpaste tubes out there; for example, Goodwell Co .'s toothpaste comes in a sugarcane-based tube, and toothpaste by Davids is packaged in a recyclable . {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/53\/Make-Elephant-Toothpaste-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Make-Elephant-Toothpaste-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/53\/Make-Elephant-Toothpaste-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/aid697964-v4-728px-Make-Elephant-Toothpaste-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"