Most mouthwashes have a high level of alcohol, which can present problems for people with alcoholism. On the environmental side of things, some mouthwashes can contain nasty chemicals such as formaldehyde, sodium lauryl sulfate, polysorbate and fluoride. What you don't accidentally swallow, just winds up in the environment.

Bad breath is most often caused by an excess of bacteria in the mouth. An easy way to kill these bacteria is with a salt water mouth wash. Add as much salt as you can to a glass of water (to the point where it will no longer dissolve, then gargle and swish around your mouth. Do this daily. This preparation is also particularly useful for other infections of the mouth.

I had an infection under a molar which was extraordinarily painful and was going to require a root canal. By gargling salt water daily, the infection rapidly receded and I avoided the root canal. Cheap and green, no antibiotics required!

The other positive effect of using a salt mouthwash is that it will also whiten your teeth!

If using a salt based mouthwash doesn't appeal, there are many non-alcohol based mouthwashes available commercially, but be sure to check the label for un-green and unhealthy chemicals.

Do you have tips or recipes for human and earth friendly mouthwash? Please add them below :)