Pearly Whites Without Plastic
Many people probably don’t often consider the impact their dental hygiene has on the environment, but it does! I mean, think about it, do you remember the last time you replaced your toothbrush? Did you just toss it in the bin? If you did, you’re not alone. According to this article by National Geographic (which I highly recommend checking out - who knew the history of toothbrushes would be so interesting?!) over one billion toothbrushes will be thrown out every year in America alone. But why is this a problem? Well, let’s do a little “anatomy of a toothbrush” lesson, shall we? A traditional manual toothbrush is made up of the following parts and materials:
As mentioned in the above infographic, like so many other discarded plastics, toothbrushes find their way to our waterways and oceans. This plastic is often mistaken by marine life as food, which can be harmful and even deadly. According to this article by One Green Planet, events of plastic slicing animals’ stomachs and digestive organs, as well as objects being lodged in airways causing suffocation, have been recorded. It seems even more tragic given that these things could easily be prevented.
So what can you do? Well, one super easy option would be to simply recycle your toothbrush instead of throwing it in the garbage. An even savvier option though would be to replace your manual plastic toothbrush with a more environmentally friendly option. That’s why we are sharing our top favorite eco-friendly alternatives to traditional toothbrushes that get the job done just as good (if not better) than what you’re currently using. We let you know about them, their sustainability pros, and any cons just to keep it real. Check them out:
FOREO ISSA™
About: “The world's 1st silicone sonic toothbrush & largest oral care advance in 70 years.” Its hybrid brush head combines soft silicone for a gentle gum massage and sturdier polymer bristles to break down plaque. Tongue & Cheek Cleaner keeps your whole mouth significantly cleaner for longer with 16 adjustable intensities to provide a lifetime of superior oral care.
Pro(s): This brush only needs one replacement head per year. Compare that to the 4-5 manual brushes or brush heads for normal electric toothbrushes (which, by the way, are also made out of nylon). Less replacements needed equals less waste! Even better - it is made out of silicone, a material that is not only non-toxic to aquatic and soil organisms, but is not hazardous waste and is petroleum-free (i.e. it doesn’t require fossil fuels to make). Lastly, the ISSA™ only needs to be charged twice a year, making it way more energy efficient than traditional electric toothbrushes that require 24/7 charging that ends up sapping battery life anyway.
Con(s): Price tag $$
Cost: $149 - $169
Brush with Bamboo
About: Brush with Bamboo helped pave the way for sustainable oral care and for years they held the title of “the world’s first and only plant-based toothbrush.” All of their brushes are USDA certified bio-based, vegan, FDA registered, and Green American certified. Even their packaging can be composted!
Pro(s): Brush with Bamboo is one of the few bamboo toothbrushes we’ve been able to find on the market whose bristles aren’t also made with nylon. They are made 100% from biobased castor oil. The handles make these brushes an even easier choice because the bamboo used is organic wild-grown Moso Bamboo and the bamboo they harvest is less than 1% of what’s growing in the sprawling Chinese bamboo mountain range. Using Moso bamboo is important (especially to us animal lovers) because this is one of a very few species of bamboo that isn’t used by pandas as food. Therefore, no resources are being taken away from this endangered animal species to produce your toothbrush.
Con(s): Even though they are made of bio-based castor bean oil, the bristles aren’t certified compostable. While they will biodegrade (over a long period of time), it’s recommended that you don’t add them to your home compost.
Price: $5 ($20 for pack of 4)
Life Without Plastic
About: Life Without Plastic’s vision is to see a world with no fossil fuel derived plastic and they are working toward achieving that vision by providing safe, high quality, ethically sourced, Earth-friendly alternatives to plastic products on their online shop. These items range everywhere from gift wrap to water bottles. If you’re looking to move entirely away from plastic in your life, they are a great resource to check out!
Pro(s): The adult toothbrushes are made from renewable Miso bamboo and disinfected boar hair bristles (which means no nylon). You can actually adjust the bristle hardness to your preference based on the moisture level. Also, in addition to the adult brushes, they offer children’s brushes, natural floss, and toothpaste.
Con(s): They are not vegan and are prohibitive for other people who do not permit pig products.
Price: $39.95 for a set of 4 + 1 floss
Battle Green
About: Battle Green was established over their increasing concern about the stream of reports on the negative environmental impact humans are having on the planet. They offer a range of eco-friendly alternatives to everyday items to help you cut down on single-use plastic. They offer zero waste starter kits to help anyone to start their zero waste journey and all of their products are vegan friendly.
Pro(s): Like Brush With Bamboo, Battle Green opts for a no-nylon, 100% bio-based strategy for their bristles in addition to the bamboo handle. While the bristles are not home compostable, they can be recycled in an industrial facility.
Con(s): These brushes are only available on Etsy.
Price: $9.72
So if you’re looking to start a plastic-free journey, don’t forget about your dental care! Let us know an easy way you replaced plastic in your life!
Photo by Nati Melnychuk on Unsplash
