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A lot of the disposable products that we use everyday contribute to plastic waste and plastic toothbrushes are no different. According to some sources, the average plastic toothbrush contributes to 50 million pounds of waste in our landfills. Not only is the waste from the plastic handles and bristles cause for alarm, but the use of fossil fuels to make these items also harms our environment. Yet, as a society that needs to keep our teeth and gums healthy many of us are wondering, what’s the alternative. While a sustainable toothbrush might seem like the easy answer, in reality it’s the best possible solution for now.
Fabrics Guide: Is Bamboo Really Good For The Environment?
Sustainable toothbrushes are often made with a bamboo handle and plastic bristles. Bamboo is one of the world’s fastest growing plants, so it’s often considered a sustainable wood material. It’s also biodegradable and compostable, so products made from bamboo can be zero waste. On the other end of the toothbrush, the plastic bristles are usually not zero waste. While some brands might use a type of recyclable plastic for their bristles, it can be a hassle for the average consumer to remove the bristles from the handle for recycling. However, consumers willing to take the extra time to separate bristles from bamboo handles when they’re finished with their toothbrush can drastically reduce microplastic pollution and general plastic waste in the long run. Either way, simply using a bamboo toothbrush with less plastic is better than an all plastic toothbrush.
These brands offer sustainable toothbrushes with bamboo handles and ship them to you with plastic-free packaging and programs that give back to environmental organizations to further reduce CO2 emissions and plastic waste. Also, be sure to check out their other plastic-free oral care options too.
Better & Better
Better and Better’s natural bamboo toothbrush has a soft and gentle replaceable brush head. It is made out of bamboo and the brush itself is 100% plant-based. And, if you’re going to have a sustainable toothbrush, you may as well try out a sustainable toothpaste. Better & Better’s natural toothpaste is infused with vitamins D and B12 for a more nutritious brushing experience.
Environmental Impact: The toothbrush is 100% plant-based and this sustainable toothpaste is responsibly made in the USA, with globally sourced premium ingredients. The container is a bioplastic hybrid material that uses 45% less material than traditional tubes and is BPA-free.
Public Goods
Through healthier and more informed choices, Public Goods makes products that are good for the people and the environment. For oral care, the brand offers a variety of sets, toothpaste, breath mints, etc, all sustainable and safe for people and the environment.
Environmental Impact: Public Goods is focused on clean simple products for your house and home. A lot of their products tend to be natural and minimally packaged. That means a lot of refillable or reusable items and plastic-free packaging that instead focuses on materials like recycled paper, glass and aluminium.
EcoRoots
EcoRoots stands for sustainable products that are natural, compostable and recyclable. Their toothbrush is no exception.
Environmental Impact: EcoRoots encourages a circular economy and a sustainable way of living. All of their packaging materials are 100% recyclable with most of them being plastic free. They’ve also joined 1% For The Planet to support sustainable initiatives and donations including the Ocean Conservancy.
Hive
Another brand that stands for sustainable oral care is Hive. The sustainable grocery store offers a range of products that are compostable, refillable and recyclable.
Environmental Impact: Hive offers toothbrushes from PANGA that uses compostable and recyclable packaging, and they donate their products to dental outreach organizations and nonprofits.
Package Free Shop
Dental floss is part of any good oral care routine. However, plastic floss and plastic containers being sent to the landfill are not part of a sustainable routine. This zero waste floss promises to offer customers a better solution.
Environmental Impact: “Floss, don’t toss!” Package Free Shop floss is 100% plastic-free. Instead of plastic string it’s made of 100% silk thread coated in candelilla wax. The packaging is made from recycled paper. You can compost the floss and paper box and recycle the steel cutter.
What To Know About Sustainable Toothpaste and Other Eco Oral Care
Read more about sustainable personal care: