Billions of us worldwide brush our teeth two to three times a day, a simple, unassuming daily routine that we barely ever think may have any impact outside our own homes. It is estimated that in the UK alone, more than 250 million toothbrushes are used every year, eventually ending up in landfills when worn out. Most of these toothbrushes are made of plastic and other mixed composites. If we do not start to make sustainable change today, the damaging impact on the environment will continue. One easy way to start is to switch to an eco-friendly toothbrush!

If the dentists recommendation of changing your toothbrush every three months is used then an estimated 28 billion plastic toothbrushes are added each year worldwide to the increasing non-biodegradable plastic waste problem! Which then of course can take up to 400 years to break down and then only into micro-plastic particles! If people seriously took up the challenge and started using environment-friendly alternatives like bamboo wooden toothbrushes, just think what a difference this could make.

Not only by switching from traditional plastic toothbrushes to bamboo wooden toothbrushes will help stop these billions of plastic toothbrushes from ending in landfills each year. By using a bamboo handled toothbrush, you are using a material that is naturally biodegradable, making it a great eco-friendly toothbrush substitute for the common plastic toothbrushes.

Unfortunately, there remains the issue of finding eco-friendly bristle options as post remain nylon bristles. So, for now you will need to remove the bristles with a pair of pliers and discarded with the non-recyclable plastic wastes before composting the handle.

The benefits of choosing bamboo wooden toothbrushes still outweigh the issue with the bristles however! Here are some of them:

• Bamboo is not only compostable, but the bamboo kun found in bamboo will benefit the land where it is composted.
• While growing, the benefits of bamboo as a plant resource are essential for the earth’s preservation as bamboo replenishes without need of replanting, it is a self-sustaining resource.
• Bamboo toothbrushes are BPA-free, the bamboo stems are cut and processed without use of toxic chemicals, giving you more peace of mind.
• Bamboo has anti-microbial properties, so you will have no fear of bacteria growing on your eco-friendly toothbrush.

Most bamboo toothbrushes come packed in individual cardboard boxes which are also biodegradable, another plus when compared to the plastic packaging which plastic toothbrushes usually come packaged in. Bamboo wooden toothbrushes also can be found in a number of different colours and bristle colours (although you may want to stay away from ones with painted handles). They are also normally found in both adult and child sizes.

You use these bamboo wooden toothbrushes the same way you use plastic toothbrushes and clean the same too. You just need to rinse the bristles with tap water to remove toothpaste suds or food debris, if you want to help the toothbrush look presentable for longer you may also want to consider drying the handle and bristles after use, to help dry out quicker.

The organic nature of these eco-friendly toothbrush may cost you a little more than the price of a typical plastic toothbrush, but the overall benefit it has for us and our planet is invaluable.

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