According to the Department of Health’s latest National Monitoring Evaluation Dental Survey, 87 percent of Filipinos suffer from tooth decay and 48 percent have gum disease.
Two companies, one committed to providing consumers with natural personal care alternatives and the other dedicated to change the world with eco-friendly toothbrush, come together to provide oral care products to all and bring dental services to the country’s poorest.
The partnership came naturally between Human Nature and Minka Ventures. Human Nature’s Natural Toothpaste—that is 100 percent free from harmful chemicals and water-polluting plastic microbeads—complements Minka’s bamboo toothbrush, dubbed as “The Toothbrush Movement Bamboo Toothbrush.”
Mark Rivera, co-founder and managing director of Minka Ventures explains the bamboo toothbrush is the best replacement for the plastic toothbrush which takes a long time to degrade. Its high-quality and eco-friendly toothbrush is antimicrobial and water-resistant.
“Minka is a South American word that means ‘collaborating for a common purpose.’ It’s similar to the Filipino concept of bayanihan and we strongly go by this,” says Rivera. As a social enterprise, proceeds from Minka’s bamboo toothbrushes support programs that promote sanitation, clean water supply and overall hygiene.
Rivera adds that partnering with pro-poor and pro-environment brand Human Nature is “perfectly in line” with their goal of making a direct and positive impact on Filipinos.
Human Nature and Minka partnered with Gawad Kalinga for Project Smiles of Goodness which aims to bring dental services to at least 1000 GK residents before the year ends. The first two stops of the project are at GK Jose Rizal Village in Calamba, Laguna and GK Central Village in Quezon City.
“With Project Smiles of Goodness, [we promote that] doing something as simple as brushing your teeth in the morning can help save the smiles of those who cannot afford dental care,” says Barbara Benesa, Human Nature category associate for Oral Care.
Human Nature Natural Toothpaste and The Toothbrush Movement Bamboo Toothbrush are available at Human Nature branches, dealers and via the Human Nature website at www.humanheartnature.com.buy