Bamboo Toothbrushes from Smile Squared Help Children in Need

Reader Contribution by Press Release
Published on May 30, 2012

Smile Squared, Inc.,
a new company created by husband and wife entrepreneurial team Eric and Geri Cope, has launched
national online sales of its environmentally friendly bamboo toothbrushes in
both adult and children’s sizes. For every toothbrush that is purchased online
through the Smile Squared e-commerce website, or in retail stores, Smile
Squared gives a toothbrush to a child in need. Smile Squared aims to donate
one million toothbrushes by 2015.

The Copes conceived the idea for Smile Squared after a 2011
trip to Guatemala,
where they performed charitable work at a dental clinic for underprivileged children.
There, says Eric, “…we saw children who had preventable, and sometimes severe
dental problems. But many of the same children didn’t own a toothbrush.” When
the couple looked at the facts from the World Health Organization, they
realized that dental diseases are the most prevalent chronic diseases, with an
estimated 5 billion people worldwide suffering from tooth decay. Globally, the
prevalence of decay among school age children is reported at 60-90%, and in
most developing countries, more than 90% of this decay goes untreated.

The Copes wanted to create a sustainable way to help
children through establishing their own social enterprise, and set their sights
on a simple, and practical solution: giving eco-friendly toothbrushes to
children in need. In late 2011, they received their first shipment of Smile
Squared toothbrushes. The brushes, which retail for $5.95 individually for both
adult and child sizes, can also be donated in pairs for $5.95 total, or
purchased in retail bundles at discounted prices.

The Copes began donating the brushes immediately, and by
February 2012, they had given away over 7,400 Smile Squared toothbrushes to
children in need, working with multiple charities including Buckner
International, Save Their Smiles, Hand of Hope, and also International Justice
Mission, who places Smile Squared toothbrushes in their after-care kits for
children freed from sex trafficking, and bonded labor slavery.

Creating an environmentally responsible business was a
priority for the Copes. After learning that 50 million pounds of toothbrushes
are tossed into American landfills annually, Eric and Geri pledged to make a
toothbrush that was different. Both adult and children’s size Smile Squared
toothbrushes are made of eco-and health-friendly components, including a BPA-free,
PVC-free, and Phthalate-free, biodegradable, sustainably-grown bamboo handle,
and high quality DuPont™ Tynex® nylon bristles. Smile Squared brushes are
packaged in recyclable paper boxes.

Smile Squared aims to give away one million
toothbrushes to children in need worldwide by 2015, with an ongoing goal of
repeating or exceeding that number every three years thereafter.

This press release is
presented without editing for your information. Natural Home & Garden does
not recommend, approve or endorse the products and/or services offered. You
should use your own judgment and evaluate products and services carefully
before deciding to purchase.

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