Every time you brush you teeth with a Smile Squared toothbrush, you'll be helping clean another smile somewhere else in the world. Using a buy one, give one (BOGO) model, this social enterprise donates a toothbrush to a child in need for each toothbrush you buy. The toothbrushes are fair trade and protect the environment, making it a triple bottom line business.
Most of us buy toothbrushes without even thinking -- the bristles start to wear down, or we forget it in a hotel on vacation, and all we do is pop over to the next pharmacy or grocery store. That's not the case for everyone.
Part of Smile Squared's mission is to get its customers thinking about the products we buy, and about their social and environmental effects.
"Where will this product end up when I’m done with it? Is it a fair trade product? BPA free? Can my purchase have a direct impact on someone else who needs it?"
Smile Square started after Eric Cope and his wife took a trip to Central America in 2010 and witnessed how many children were suffering from preventable dental problems. They were inspired to create the business after seeing what a huge impact a simple hygiene tool can have on health and confidence.
They now sell biodegradable, recyclable toothbrushes with handcrafted bamboo handles for adults and children for $5.95, which covers the cost of a second toothbrush to send to a child without one.
Smile Square website
Smile Square on Twitter
Smile Square on Facebook
What's Driving This Trend
- Buy One Give One (BOGO) Model
- The buy one, give one model used by Smile Squared presents an opportunity for businesses to adopt a similar approach in their products or services, allowing customers to make a positive impact with their purchases.
- Social and Environmentally Responsible Products
- The focus on fair trade, biodegradable, and recyclable toothbrushes by Smile Squared highlights the potential for businesses in various industries to develop products that prioritize social and environmental responsibility, meeting the growing demand for sustainable options.
- Triple Bottom Line Business
- Smile Squared's commitment to people, planet, and profit serves as an example for other businesses to incorporate a triple bottom line approach, seeking to create social and environmental impact alongside financial success.
Who This Affects Most
- Personal Care Products
- The personal care products industry could explore the opportunity to integrate a BOGO model and sustainable practices into their offerings, aligning with conscious consumerism and making a positive social impact.
- Social Entrepreneurship
- The social entrepreneurship sector has the potential to expand by developing innovative business models, like Smile Squared's BOGO approach, that address social and environmental challenges while still generating revenue.
- Children's Health and Well-being
- The children's health and well-being industry can leverage the concept of buy one, give one to provide access to essential items or services, contributing to the improvement of overall health and ensuring a brighter future for children in need.
