Our oceans are flowing with plastic, and each year, the percentage is getting higher and higher. The first plastic brush was discovered by Kahi Pacarro, who initiated the beach cleaning, on the coastlines.
Since plastic is practically indestructible, it’s obvious that a plastic toothbrush was thrown at the beach in the 1940s and it’s still somewhere in the ocean. So, bamboo is the ultimate solution to live sustainably and hygienically.
A bamboo toothbrush is hygienic and a sustainable replacement with a plastic material that takes up to 500 years to decompose. Considering the climate conditions, we all must make sustainable choices starting with small steps like switching to a bamboo toothbrush.
Here are some reasons why you should use a bamboo toothbrush.
1. It’s Hygienic
A bamboo toothbrush is as hygienic as a normal plastic brush. It has normal or even softer bristles to support the proper cleaning, and some of them have tongue scrapers as well.
Bamboo plants are naturally antimicrobial, so bamboo toothbrushes offer better cleaning by fighting the microbes effectively.
However, when left in a warm or moist environment, organic materials like bamboo foster mold growth faster than plastic. As a result, if not properly cleaned and cared for, bamboo toothbrushes can become moldy.
So, you can try and keep the toothbrush in a bottomless container and run enough water over it before putting it into the mouth.
The world is now shifting to more sustainable living styles, and you can hop on the bandwagon by adopting a practice as simple as changing your toothbrush.
2. Bamboo is Eco-Friendly
Bamboo is a natural and organic alternative to something like plastic that’s extremely toxic for our environment. There are multiple reasons why bamboo is eco-friendly. Some of them are:
- Firstly, bamboo plants are easier to decompose.
- Secondly, bamboo is hygienic.
- Thirdly, bamboo decreases plastic waste.
The bristles, unfortunately, are not necessarily biodegradable. To separate the bristles from the handle before discarding them, use pliers to detach the bristles from the grip. Patience is required. Please do not remove them all at the same time.
Once you’ve removed the first few knots, it’ll get much easier. Remove the rest cautiously, taking care not to damage the thin metal staple that holds the bristles together.
3. Good for Health
Polypropylene and polyethene are the main materials used in making plastic toothbrushes, which affect human health because of the chemical’s presence. So if you swallow even a little bit, it will run in your bloodstream, having adverse effects.
Bamboo toothbrushes, on the other hand, being a plant-based product, are totally organic and have phenolic acids that are well-known antioxidants that help with improved cleaning.
Besides, bamboo toothbrushes are grown naturally with no pesticides, and that’s a great sign for somebody who is more into organic experiences.
4. Aesthetic Look
A bamboo toothbrush is not only good for cleaning and is eco-friendly, but they also look aesthetic as they are made of wood. It can be a little on the expensive side, and you may have to order them online because they are not readily available, but it’s a fine and dandy product to consider.
The bamboo toothbrushes are elegant and nice-looking to carry anywhere while flaunting them on your social accounts so your friends can get inspired and follow your lead.
5. Biodegradable
The bamboo toothbrushes are made of Moso, which is a bamboo species, and it’s regarded as one of the best biodegradable materials to use today.
Scientists verify several brushes that are made from bamboo, and they say those are non-GMO, BPA-Free and non-toxic, unlike plastic. The main handle is made from Moso bamboo, and it’s completely biodegradable.
FAQs
Why Should I Switch to a Bamboo Toothbrush?
All the reasons that we have given in this blog support the causes for why you should be using a bamboo toothbrush. The plastic in the coastlines and landfills is jeopardizing global health in terms of climate change. The switch from plastic to bamboo will be a good initiative on your part.
Is Bamboo Entirely Free from Plastic?
No, the bamboo toothbrush is not completely plastic-free. It’s the bristles that are made from nylon like other normal brushes. But most brands competing in the market today are digging for ways to have an alternative for nylon.
Is the Bamboo Toothbrush Vegan?
Unfortunately, no. There are still brushes made from bamboo using animal hair to be 100% biodegradable. All vegan bamboo toothbrushes are only compostable under certain conditions. Only the handle goes in the compost bin, while the bristles go in the residual debris.
The hydrophilic toothbrush with castor oil bristles, on the other hand, looks quite promising. They’re entirely compostable. However, it is not vegan and is not very sanitary. Germs like to collect in the hollow bristles of these brushes.
Isn’t Bamboo Toothbrush Made From Panda Food?
Definitely not.
Research shows bamboo toothbrushes are made from bigger bamboo species, and pandas commonly eat the smaller bamboo plants from a particular species.
So it’s not like we are depriving pandas of their food. And for now, we use a range of products made from bamboo. The plant proliferates to accommodate the demand and supply.
Is Bamboo Toothbrush Expensive?
While many customers have remarked that bamboo toothbrushes are slightly more expensive than traditional plastic toothbrushes, you have to ask if the price difference is worth the expense.
Most folks can get a four-pack of plastic toothbrushes for $1.00 at their local dollar shop (making each brush $0.25), while a bamboo toothbrush costs roughly $5.00 per brush.
That’s a significant price increase, and some customers find it difficult to justify the purchase, especially because they need to be replaced just as frequently as a plastic one.
Conclusion
Choosing whether or not to go from a plastic toothbrush to a wooden toothbrush is a conscious choice.
However, if you are about sticking to the comfort zone, you can begin with shifting to plastic toothbrush brands that use recycled plastic to produce toothbrushes. It will be good for starters. Then later, you can adapt to bamboo products.