We’re not just talking about the light switch. Earth Day is coming up, and what better way to celebrate than by finding new ways to reduce our impact on the environment? One small but impactful change we can make is to switch to reusable toothbrushes.
Why reusable toothbrushes?
First, let's talk about the problem with traditional plastic toothbrushes. National Geographic estimates that more than 1 billion plastic toothbrushes are discarded in the United States every year. In landfills or the ocean, these toothbrushes take hundreds of years to decompose, releasing harmful chemicals and harming wildlife in the process.
With proper care, reusable toothbrushes can last for years. They are often made from eco-friendly materials like bamboo or recycled plastic, and some even have replaceable heads to further reduce waste.
Bamboo toothbrushes are often marketed as 100% compostable. However, it is important to note that in a home composting setup, they may not fully breakdown. Since most bamboo toothbrushes have nylon bristles, they aren't biodegradable. However, the bamboo handle can still be composted and will eventually decompose.
It is possible to remove the bristles from your bamboo toothbrush with pliers or by cutting off the toothbrush head if you wish to compost it. After being broken down into small pieces, the bamboo handle can be composted in a commercial composting facility or in a backyard compost bin. The bamboo handle of your toothbrush can also be repurposed after the bristles have been removed, for example, as a plant marker in your garden or as a cleaning tool.
Overall, while bamboo toothbrushes may not be 100% compostable, they are still a more sustainable option than traditional plastic toothbrushes. By choosing a bamboo toothbrush with compostable bristles or removable heads, you can minimize the waste created by your dental hygiene routine and take a step towards a greener future.
Reusable toothbrushes: what are their benefits?
There are several benefits to switching to reusable toothbrushes:
Save money: While reusable toothbrushes may have a higher upfront cost than traditional toothbrushes, they can save you money in the long run since you don't need to buy a new toothbrush every few months.
Better for your teeth: Many reusable toothbrushes have softer bristles than traditional toothbrushes, which can be gentler on your teeth and gums.
Support eco-friendly brands: By choosing to buy from eco-friendly toothbrush brands, you're supporting companies that prioritize sustainability and reducing waste.
When choosing a reusable toothbrush, look for ones made from eco-friendly materials like bamboo or recycled plastic. You can also choose ones with replaceable heads to reduce waste even further. Be sure to check the bristles as well - some reusable toothbrushes have nylon bristles, which aren't biodegradable but can be recycled. BRiN’s replaceable brush heads are made from recycled plastic and bioplastic bristles.
How does BRiN™ SeaDifferently Reusable Toothbrush compare with bamboo toothbrushes?
Plastic toothbrushes made from recycled ocean plastic could be more sustainable than bamboo toothbrushes. Here are some potential benefits of using a toothbrush made from recycled ocean plastic:
- Reduction of plastic waste: Made from FDA-approved recycled ocean plastic, it helps to reduce the amount of plastic waste that ends up in oceans and landfills.
- Durability: Plastic toothbrushes are typically more durable than bamboo toothbrushes, which can break down or wear out more quickly. Some of our customers switch from bamboo toothbrushes because they get moldy easily if not cleaned and dried properly.
- Hygiene: Like other plastic toothbrushes, recycled plastic toothbrushes can be easily cleaned and sanitized, which is important for maintaining good oral hygiene.
Final thoughts
Switching to bamboo or reusable toothbrushes is a small but impactful way to reduce our impact on the environment. By choosing eco-friendly toothbrushes, we can reduce waste, save money, and support companies that prioritize sustainability. So this Earth Day, why not make the switch to a reusable toothbrush and take a step towards a greener future?