What’s so clean and green about Dr. Ken’s?

Dr. Ken’s oral care products use no animal ingredients and no animal testing. We do not
use artificial flavors, sweeteners, or colors. There is no gluten soy or sugar and there is
no SLS. Our products are PETA approved.

How did Dr. Ken’s get started?

After evaluating the toothpaste category it was obvious that most commercial and natural
toothpastes come in different formulas. Those looking for whiter teeth go for the “Whitening”
formulas while other prefer “Tartar Control” or “Antiplaque.” “Who, besides marketers,
wouldn’t want everything in one toothpaste – or mouthwash?” I started Dr. Ken’s too offer all-inclusive
comprehensive benefits in a single product. I was a practicing dentist for over 20
years and started Dr. Ken’s in 2004 using only 100% natural ingredients.

What’s your favorite Dr. Ken’s product?

I love our Mouthwash! It is simply the best mouthwash on the market. It does not have
any alcohol that dehydrates your gum tissues. It contains great all natural ingredients
such as green tea extract and aloe that all combine to provide antibacterial,
antigingivitis, antiplaque, anti-tartar, antioxidant and even whitening benefits in the one
rinse! It really feels that you accomplished something when you rinse without that
shocking alcohol feel with consumer brands. The spearmint and cinnamon flavors are
great.

What makes you smile brighter?

I really enjoy creating a new product from a concept to a finished product on the shelf.
It is fun and fulfilling knowing a quality product is available that offers superior benefits
to the consumer than the competition.

ToothHugger sat down with Preserve founder and CEO Eric Hudson and learned more about how his company is changing the world, one tooth at a time.

What’s so clean and green about Preserve?

This year, Preserve will keep one million pounds of #5 plastic out of landfills—transforming it into new Preserve products. Preserve is powered by individuals’ and companies’ recycling efforts via the Preserve Gimme 5 program. Gimme 5 accepts #5 plastics that many municipalities do not currently recycle—such as yogurt cups and other common household containers. All Preserve products are BPA-free and all recycling and manufacturing is done in the USA.

How did Preserve get started?

In 1996, I wanted to start a business that developed creative ways to conserve and re-use the earth’s resources. There was a lot of recycling going on back in the early ’90s but there weren’t a lot of companies putting those materials back into new products. I saw an opportunity in that 45% percent of people recycled and thought they would have an interest in products made from their efforts. The biggest opportunity was with #5 plastics. They weren’t being recycled well nor reused well. And there you have it. I also wanted to start a company I’d feel good about coming to every day.

What’s your favorite Preserve product?

Picking a favorite isn’t easy. I would pick a product from the Preserve Kitchen line like the Preserve Cutting Board, which I use every day, or the Preserve Mixing Bowls, which are extra wide for easy mixing and come in fun colors like all of Preserve’s products!

What makes you smile brighter?

My Preserve Toothbrush! Kidding aside, we smile at Preserve knowing that our products are not only made from recycled materials but from the recycling efforts of people nationwide who are looking for ways to lighten their environmental footprint and find products for their homes that are good for the earth and for them.

Founded by green dentistry pioneer Dr. Nammy Patel, ToothHugger offers advice, answers, guides, giveaways and the cleanest, greenest oral care info on the Internet.

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