Just like us, animals greatly benefit from dental hygiene. Siswi the orangutan loves brushing her teeth and setting a good example for visitors at the Tanjung Puting National Park in Borneo, Indonesia.
Lots of love from North Dakota this week! Our founders (and ND natives), John and Heather McDougall, were featured in ND’s Inforum – CLICK HERE to read the write up on them.
In other news, Heather has been invited to speak at Startup Weekend Fargo in her home state. Way to go, Heather! Stay tuned for updates.
These “dentures” use three ingredients: apples, peanut butter, and marshmallows…Adorable, tasty, and EASY! For more yummy ideas CLICK HERE, and check us out on Pinterest!
On Wednesday, David and I had the honor of being invited to view a live stream of the TED2013 conference held in Palm Springs this week. The set we watched was “Sustain!” – a fitting topic for Bogobrush. All of the talks we saw were great, but a few highlights include two gals who discovered a bacteria that has evolved naturally to eat phthalates (part of plastic), and a man who has developed a method of using livestock to overcome desertification. The results of his method are remarkable, and in his calculations are the only thing to really save our species and planet from climate change.
With David, my husband AND Director of Finance for Bogobrush
Thanks TED and the TEDx Twin Cities community for the opportunity to learn!
-Heather
Did you know it can take up to 450 years for a plastic bottle to decompose? Please think twice before you throw that soda bottle in the trash!
Yesterday, February 26, activists in the Philippines rallied to send the message to their politicians to become more eco-minded.
The activists dressed in green superhero garb for a playful twist on a serious subject. “The country’s leaders should be green superheroes–not jokers or, worse, environmental villains,” says Francis Dela Cruz, the spokesman for Greenpeace Southeast Asia.
It makes us here at Bogobrush so happy to see environmental awareness around the world!
We used and abused brushes from all around the world in search of the perfect shape. Bogobrush’s cylindrical form won’t force your hand into one position, it will enable effortless brushing in any hand, and any part of your mouth.
With yesterday, February 24, marking the 75th anniversary of the sale of the first nylon toothbrush, and February being Black History Month, what better time to honor Mr. Booker T. Washington, founder of the Tuskegee Institute and preacher of “The Gospel of the Toothbrush”?
“In all my teaching I have watched carefully the influence of the tooth-brush, and I am convinced that there are few single agencies of civilization that are more far-reaching.”
Booker T. Washington took it upon himself to promote education in the classroom and beyond – to personal hygiene. He believed the toothbrush was an essential tool in making an impression and leading a successful life. Washington went so far as to require all students at Tuskegee to own a toothbrush.
Though today the toothbrush is simply a staple in most people’s lives, at one time, it was thought to offer “a higher degree of civilization” to those struggling to overcome social obstacles and adversity. It continues to be an necessary instrument for a healthy smile, and ultimately, a healthier life.
On Monday, I had the honor to be part of a panel for the Social Entrepreneurship class at the University of Minnesota. What a unique feeling it was to be on the panel-side of discussion, rather than the student-side. I had a blast sharing my experiences and answering students’ questions. I only hope at least one of them gleaned a bit of inspiration and will not give up on their endeavors – just keep truckin’, guys and gals, you’ll get there!
In addition to the great experience with students, I had the pleasure of meeting the three other panelists. I’m humbled to have been included next to these three men, and I want to share their work with you. And, I’ll introduce you to Greg, the course instructor and panel organizer.
Kevin Rutherford: My Voice
Kevin left his post as president & CEO of Caldrea Co, (Mrs. Meyers Clean Day) to start My Voice with his wife Kelli. Together, they give voice to the voiceless animals by selling products and giving 50% of the profits to non-profit organizations who help animals in need. Check out their awesome story, and the pups who inspire them, at myvoicegives.com.
Rajiv Shah, M.D.: Athletes Committed to Educating Students (ACES)
Raj, a successful kidney doctor by day, is a passionate social entrepreneur who co-founded ACES, an after-school tutoring/mentoring program. ACES teams up with celebrity athletes to help close the academic achievement gap of at-risk urban students in grades four through eight in the Twin Cites. Check out ACES at aces4kids.org
Bob Davis: Backpack Tutoring and Christian Restoration Services
Bob is a self-proclaimed “systems guy” who sees the way a system functions and finds ways to improve it. Some of his social work includes Backpack Tutoring, an organization that connects high school kids with kids in kindergarten through third grade across the Twin Cities. Bob also works with Christian Restoration Services to provide supportive housing for ex-offenders in MN, you can learn more at christianrestoration.org.
Greg Tehven: University of Minnesota
Greg is co-instructor of the Social Entrepreneurship class in the Leadership Minor program at the University of Minnesota. Through his class, he helps students develop their own social enterprises from idea conception to fruition. Greg is also a co-founder of Students Today Leaders Forever, and is a passionate social entrepreneur who helps many businesses succeed. You can learn about the U of M’s Leadership Minor here.
Awesome people doing awesome things…get inspired!
-Heather
