Let’s clear something up:
“Plastic-free” has become one of those feel-good phrases that gets tossed around a lot — sometimes accurately, sometimes… not so much.
At Canary, we believe sustainability should be clear, honest, and easy to understand. No buzzwords. No greenwashing. Just real choices that actually make a difference.
As we prepare for Plastic-Free July we thought we'd take a moment to discuss this topic. So let’s break it down.
Plastic-Free vs. Recyclable vs. Compostable
(They’re not the same thing)
Recyclable means a product can be recycled — not that it will be.
In reality, many plastic items never make it through the recycling system due to contamination, mixed materials, or lack of local infrastructure.
Compostable means a material can break down — but often only in specific conditions. Some items require industrial composting facilities, which many people don’t have access to.
Plastic-free, on the other hand, means no plastic was used at all — not in the product, not in the packaging, not in the lining you can’t see.
That distinction matters.
The Hidden Plastics in “Eco” Packaging
Here’s where things get tricky.
Many products marketed as “eco-friendly” or “sustainable” still contain plastic in ways you’d never guess:
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Paper packaging with plastic linings
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“Biodegradable” pouches made with plastic blends
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Toothpaste tubes labeled recyclable — but made from mixed materials
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Pump tops, caps, or seals that are still plastic
It’s not always intentional deception — but it is confusing for consumers who are trying to do better.
We think you deserve transparency.
Why Canary Chooses to Be Fully Plastic-Free
When we started Canary, we asked a simple question:
What would truly low-waste personal care look like if we removed plastic altogether?
That answer shaped everything we make.
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Toothpaste tablets instead of plastic tubes
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Concentrated mouthwash instead of water-heavy plastic bottles
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Glass jars and aluminum packaging you can reuse again and again
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Compostable refill options that don’t rely on plastic films
No hidden liners. No “mostly” plastic-free claims. Just real materials that have a clear end-of-life.
It’s Not Just Packaging — It’s What’s Inside
Plastic-free doesn’t stop at the outside.
Many conventional personal care products rely on unnecessary fillers, synthetic binders, and microplastic-adjacent ingredients. We take a different approach.
Canary products are formulated with simple, purposeful ingredients like:
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Nano-Hydroxyapatite to support enamel without harsh abrasives
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Xylitol and Erythritol to help balance your oral microbiome
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Plant-derived surfactants that clean gently without synthetic junk
Fewer ingredients. Better function. Less waste — all around.
Why We Avoid “Almost Plastic-Free”
It would be easier (and cheaper) to use plastic.
Many brands do — even ones with good intentions.
But we believe sustainability works best when it’s designed into the system, not added as an afterthought.
Plastic-free isn’t about being perfect.
It’s about reducing demand at the source, choosing better materials, and making low-waste living feel doable — not overwhelming.
The Canary Takeaway
Being plastic-free doesn’t mean being loud about it.
It means being thoughtful, transparent, and honest about what you’re putting into your body — and into the world.
We’re not here to shame your old toothpaste tube.
We’re here to offer a better option when you’re ready.
Because clean routines should be good for your mouth, your home, and the planet — without making you decode a label to get there.