Brushing your teeth has become a part of daily life, but this means we don’t really think about the effects traditional toothbrushes have on the planet. The problem is, this has led us to rely on plastic toothbrushes. And as you’re about to see traditional brushes are causing health and environmental problems.
Let’s take a look:
The Problem With Plastic Toothbrushes
Unless you’ve had your head under a rock for the past ten years, then it’s probably apparent that plastic is causing great harm to the environment. And this is only made worse with plastic toothbrushes.
Here’s the thing:
Over 3.5 million plastic toothbrushes are sold around the world every year. Which is just one part of the dilemma.
The thing is, traditional toothbrushes are made with nylon bristles and a plastic handle, both of which could take over 400 years to decompose. To make things worse, when the toothbrushes do start to biodegrade, they leave behind pieces of microplastic, which is where the damage begins.
Microplastic can leach into the soil, which can travel into the food we eat. And it gets worse: After heavy rain, the small pieces of plastic are picked up and washed away to the sea or natural water sources. In the end, this means the microplastic can work its way into your body. This is causing problems like:
- Cancer
- Weakened immune system
- Congenital disabilities
- Reproductive problems
And it isn’t good for animals either. When the pieces of microplastic make their way to the water system fish mistake them for food.
In the end, the animal dies due to blocked intestines. And these are just a few reasons why you need to think about what you’re brushing your teeth with.
Why is Bamboo the Best Alternative to Plastic?
There are a few reasons why using bamboo brushes are a better alternative to plastic. The most compelling reason is that bamboo is a lot more sustainable.
Bamboo is a naturally fast-growing material which can grow in very arid conditions. This means you don’t have to worry about material running low.
But more importantly, bamboo is fully biodegradable, which means it doesn’t cause any harm to the environment. Once you’ve finished with the toothbrush, it’s a case of cutting off the bristles and putting the handle in the compost.
Because of these two factors, bamboo toothbrushes can significantly reduce the carbon footprint when compared to plastic.
You see because bamboo can grow anywhere it can be sourced locally fairly easily. Which means it doesn’t need to be transferred as far. Another great benefit is it helps cut out the use of fossil fuels. Plastic is derived from fossil fuels, which is why it’s so toxic.
Finally, by using more bamboo, we increase the need for its demand which will call for the rise of more bamboo farms. The fast-growing nature will help farms develop quickly, which is another great way to reduce carbon from the air.
Recommended Brands
If you’re looking for some great brands to get started on your journey, you’re in the right place. These bamboo toothbrushes are an excellent place for you to get started:
GREENZLA
They come with bamboo toothbrushes that have charcoal-infused bristles which give the toothbrushes antibacterial properties.
The bristles are relatively soft, which is something to think about if you prefer something a bit stiffer. It’s also worth noting they are biodegradable, which means they can’t be disposed of in the same manner as the handle.
The kit also includes a bamboo travel case to help keep them safe while on the move. And finally, they also include 30 meters of mint-infused charcoal dental floss. They also offer you a money-back guarantee if you’re not satisfied with the product.
GAIA
These are one of the few entirely biodegradable bamboo toothbrushes. This is thanks to the bamboo handle and vegan-friendly bristles, yes, you read that right.
Because of this, you don’t have to worry about chucking away your toothbrushes; they won’t cause any harm to the environment.
The pack comes with six toothbrushes which are stored in 100% compostable packaging making this the number one zero-waste toothbrush.
ISSHAH
With ISSHAH you get four stunning bamboo toothbrushes in the pack, each one has its own number to help you tell the difference between them.
This makes it easier to share them out between your family. They claim that 95% of the product is biodegradable. The bristles will need to be cut off before you dispose of the toothbrush.
The bamboo handle uses a splinter proof design while remaining water-resistant and stops the growth of mold.
With these toothbrushes one pack will last one person a year, making them exceptional value for money.
Rounding Up
Hopefully, this article has helped you understand the benefits of switching to a bamboo toothbrush.
But let’s just round it off before you leave:
Plastic toothbrushes are causing great harm to the environment. This is due to the quantity being produced and them not being biodegradable.
Microplastics are known to be extremely damaging to humans and the natural environment. Which is why switching to a bamboo toothbrush is such a great idea.
Not only is it better for the planet, but it’s also better for our bodies. Bamboo has natural antibacterial qualities which help kill off any harmful materials.
Bamboo also grows to excess, which means we don’t have to worry about it running out anytime soon. Some scientists say bamboo can grow up to 2 inches per hour.
If you’re looking to help improve the environment, there’s no better place to start than a bamboo toothbrush.
