Seventy percent of Earth is covered in water, but only a surprising 1% is suitable for human consumption. Make the most of this limited supply by turning off the water while you brush.

You can apply the same idea to other parts of your daily routine. Take showers instead of baths, turn off the water while soaping up and only run the dishwasher when it’s full.

Toothbrushes are typically made of hard-plastic handles and soft nylon bristles that can take hundreds of years to decompose.

Dentists recommend switching to a new toothbrush every three or four months, but that doesn’t mean you have to throw yours away. Find ways to reuse old toothbrushes. The bristles are perfect for cleaning hard-to-reach places and for polishing jewelry. They also make great paintbrushes for craft projects.

With a little bit of searching, you can find eco-friendly replacements for your current toothbrush. To divert waste from landfills, try a toothbrush that's compostable or made out of recycled plastic.

Most floss is made of nylon fibers that take years to break down and are too small to be processed by normal recycling plants. Floss containers and floss picks are generally considered mixed materials that can’t be recycled.

To reduce your impact on the planet, try biodegradable floss made from silk. Or, look for floss packaged in paper instead of plastic, or in a refillable, reusable container.

Some organizations work with consumers and dentists’ offices to recycle old toothbrushes, electric toothbrush heads, floss picks and more. These materials can be repurposed into plastic lumber and other consumer products. Check if your dentist’s office participates in any recycling programs.