Bamboo is considered a ‘miracle plant’ and one of the most renewable materials in the world. With the growing popularity in environmentally-friendly products, there has been a huge increase in bamboo toothbrush sales. There are a number of reasons why you should switch to a bamboo toothbrush, and to help you understand, we have compiled a list of the main benefits.
They are better for the environment
One of the main reasons why you should switch to a bamboo toothbrush is the fact they reduce plastic waste and are significantly better for the environment than traditional plastic toothbrushes.
The handle of a plastic toothbrush is typically made from polypropylene plastic and the bristles are made from nylon. Both of these materials are derived directly from fossil fuels, and are therefore fuelling the damaging industry primarily responsible for climate change.
Plastic toothbrushes are also not biodegradable, and they’re very difficult to recycle as they’re made up of lots of small parts of plastic moulded together. Therefore, every plastic toothbrush that gets thrown away (264 million per year in the UK and 23 billion worldwide, assuming they are replaced every 3 months, stays on our planet, filling landfill and clogging our seas.
The handle of a bamboo toothbrush, however, is fully compostable and biodegradable, and will safely return to the soil within 4-6 months. You may also decide to get creative with the bamboo handle, for example using it to: fuel your fireplace, clean your shoes, label your plants and so much more.
The production process is environmentally friendly
Another great benefit of using a bamboo toothbrush is the fact that their production process is environmentally friendly. The handle on a bamboo toothbrush is usually handcrafted with minimal use of electronic machinery, unlike a plastic toothbrush which is produced in a factory, using a number of machines in order to make the product.
They are super effective
Bamboo toothbrushes can be just as effective as plastic toothbrushes.if used properly. The bristles are generally soft nylon that provide maximum performance to remove stains, tartar and plaque from sensitive teeth and gums.
A natural bamboo toothbrush will also last as long as any plastic toothbrush. It is recommended that you should replace your toothbrush every 2 to 3 months or when the bristles have frayed out of shape.
They are hygienic
Another reason why you should use a bamboo toothbrush is that bamboo is naturally antimicrobial. Unlike plastic, properties inside the bamboo kill bacteria, so you can have peace of mind that no harmful bacteria will grow and spread on the handle of your toothbrush.
This antimicrobial property is the reason why so many kitchen utensils like chopping boards and spoons are made from wood and bamboo.
They are sustainable
Bamboo toothbrushes are also a sustainable alternative to plastic toothbrushes. This is because bamboo is a fast-growing grass (with some growing at a rate of 0.00003 km/h) and requires no fertiliser. It also self-regenerates from its own roots, so it doesn’t need to be replanted. In contrast, the petroleum used to make plastic is a limited resource.
Due to the ethos behind a lot of eco companies, they will continue the sustainability through to their package. For example, BambuuBrush packages their brushes in kraft paper. Kraft paper is made from wood pulp and usually contains recycled paper as well.
They may encourage more sustainable living
Last but certainly not least, using a bamboo toothbrush may encourage you to make more sustainable choices in your life. You may start to use reusable straws, coffee mugs, eat less red meat, use a tote bag instead of a plastic bag, use less electricity or cycle your bike to work.
Written by Kate, on behalf of Brush Fresh Co.
Image by Ulrike Leone from Pixabay
