It is estimated that 3.6 billion plastic toothbrushes are used worldwide every year. The average person uses 300 in their lifetime. Unfortunately, roughly 80% of these end up in the sea. Each toothbrush takes up to a thousand years to decompose!
The Independent has reviewed the best bamboo toothbrushes, which are biodegradable bar their nylon bristles. The only fully biodegradable toothbrushes use natural bristles made from pig or badger hair. These are not vegan-friendly, and dentists claim they are too hard and abrasive on delicate gums; also, natural bristles retain moisture, a breeding ground for bacteria and malodour. Nylon bristles are free from BPA (a chemical used to make certain plastics), but the downside is that these bristles can’t be thrown on the compost heap.
We can compromise between eco-friendliness and the need for effective dental care by using a bamboo-handled brush with plastic bristles.
The Independent’s verdict: “If you’re concerned about bamboo and bathrooms proving a recipe for disaster on the mould front then The Environmental Toothbrush’s heat-carbonised handle should ease your concerns, while The Pearly White Club’s hassle-free subscription model and cheery choice of colours is attractive. Save Some Green and Mabboo’s simple but effective offerings are the kindest on your purse strings, but none of these toothbrushes will break the bank and you’ll be limiting the cost to the planet too.”
further reading…
It is estimated that 3.6 billion plastic toothbrushes are used worldwide every year. The average person uses 300 in their lifetime. Unfortunately, roughly 80% of these end up in the sea. Each toothbrush takes up to a thousand years to decompose!
The Independent has reviewed the best bamboo toothbrushes, which are biodegradable bar their nylon bristles. The only fully biodegradable toothbrushes use natural bristles made from pig or badger hair. These are not vegan-friendly, and dentists claim they are too hard and abrasive on delicate gums; also, natural bristles retain moisture, a breeding ground for bacteria and malodour. Nylon bristles are free from BPA (a chemical used to make certain plastics), but the downside is that these bristles can’t be thrown on the compost heap.
We can compromise between eco-friendliness and the need for effective dental care by using a bamboo-handled brush with plastic bristles.
The Independent’s verdict: “If you’re concerned about bamboo and bathrooms proving a recipe for disaster on the mould front then The Environmental Toothbrush’s heat-carbonised handle should ease your concerns, while The Pearly White Club’s hassle-free subscription model and cheery choice of colours is attractive. Save Some Green and Mabboo’s simple but effective offerings are the kindest on your purse strings, but none of these toothbrushes will break the bank and you’ll be limiting the cost to the planet too.”