🫢 Chewing Gum’s Dirty Secret!

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May 22, 2026 10:03am EDT

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Hi ,

Did you know that most chewing gum is actually made of plastic? It’s true, and it’s a bigger deal than you might think.

What’s the problem?
Most gum is made with something called “gum base.” Sounds harmless, right? But behind that vague term are synthetic materials like polyethylene (the stuff in plastic bags), polyvinyl acetate (found in glue), and butadiene-styrene rubber (used in car tires). That means every time you chew gum, you’re literally CHEWING PLASTIC.

Why does it matter?

In North America, chewing gum is a huge industry valued at over $4 billion in 2024. Americans and Canadians chew billions of pieces of gum every year, contributing significantly to plastic pollution. Discarded gum litters sidewalks, parks, and public spaces, costing municipalities millions in cleanup efforts.

Although exact figures on gum litter in North America are scarce, the environmental impact is clear: synthetic gum bases are plastic-based and do not biodegrade, eventually breaking down into microplastics that pollute waterways and soils.

Chewing gum can release thousands of microplastic particles into saliva during normal chewing, potentially adding to the microplastic load humans ingest each year. Given that many people chew gum regularly, this is a growing concern for both environmental and human health.

It’s not just about litter.
Microplastics from chewing gum have been found in human blood, brains, and even breast milk. Scientists are starting to link microplastic exposure to serious health issues, including cancer, diabetes, and infertility.

Chewing plastic? Not exactly the fresh breath we signed up for.

So, what do we chew?

There are plenty of plastic-free gum options. Here are some brands to try:

Simply Gum: Made with natural chicle (tree sap), free from synthetic plastics and artificial sweeteners. Known for simple, natural ingredients and compostable packaging.

Glee Gum: Uses sustainably harvested rainforest chicle, non-GMO, vegetarian-friendly, and packaged in recyclable materials. Sweetened with cane sugar or xylitol for sugar-free options.

Chicza: 100% organic, biodegradable gum made entirely from chicle harvested in the Mayan rainforest. Certified organic and socially responsible.

Chewsy: Plant-based, plastic-free, sugar-free gum sweetened with xylitol. Biodegradable and available in several natural flavours.

Harlowe Green: Made with natural chicle and organic ingredients, packaged in paper boxes. Non-GMO, vegan, and free from common allergens.

Milliways: London-based but available in North America, chicle-based gum with plastic-free packaging and fresh flavours like mint and watermelon.

Making the switch to plastic-free gum is a simple way to protect your health and the planet and with so many great options, you don’t have to sacrifice flavour!

Thanks for reading, and here’s to fresher breath and a cleaner planet!

Explore our collection of plastic free products, and get early access to our MEMORIAL DAY SALE - Up to 70% Off storewide!

Have a great day!

Jackie and the whole etee crew

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🫢 Chewing Gum’s Dirty Secret!

+ early access

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