A zero waste toothbrush is one that is made from a biodegradable handle, over the millions of plastic toothbrushes (dentists recommend we change every 3 months). Most bristles are still nylon (to avoid animal hair), so at end of use, either remove the bristles with a pair of pliers before composting the handle – or simply keep old toothbrushes in a drawer, to clean muddy boots. Biodegradable plant-based bristles are gradually coming onto the market.
Use with a natural toothpaste (never use ones sweetened with pet-toxic xylitol near animal friends, in case they licked your mouth or the bathroom sink). Never leave floss (biodegradable or otherwise) out in the garden, as it can choke birds and other garden wildlife, just bin to naturally break down.
Truthbrush Toothbrushes include bristles made from castor bean oil and nylon, with smooth tactile handles dipped in water-based paint. Choose from storm grey, cloud white, pink or olive. The child’s toothbrush in cloud white has soft curved bristles. Sold with an organic bamboo travel case.
Industrial bamboo is not the same as fresh bamboo eaten by pandas. It’s biodegradable, but has one caveat in that it does not like water: so don’t leave bamboo toothbrushes in a tumbler of water, or they will disappear!
Battle Green Bamboo Toothbrush with Plant-Based Bristles has bio-based bristles made from castor oil. Made in Germany, just snap off the brush head to send back to them for recycling. Sent in zero waste packaging, you can buy a single brush or a pack of four. The bamboo case has a small hole either end, to allow moisture to evaporate.
Bambooth is the first bamboo toothbrush backed by Oral Health Foundation, with a slimline contoured neck and head for optimal comfort and multi-length bristles for superior interdental cleaning. Choose from:
- Forest Green (helps Jane Goodall Institute for animal welfare)
- Sea Blue (helps remove plastic from the oceans)
- Coral Pink (helps to save our coral reefs)
- Aqua Marine (helps to clean up our seas)
Barnaby’s Brushes feature stainless steel handles and interchangeable bamboo head replacements, for a work of art that lasts forever. Each handle includes a head then just buy replacements. They are a bit heavier, as the handles are made from surgical grade metal that is naturally antibacterial.
Wild and Stone Bamboo toothbrush has medium bristles and the bamboo is water-resistant. in a cardboard box. and in set with toxin free paint. Also in colourful versions for children.
Georganics Sonic Toothbrush is a greener choice with two replacement heads in plastic-free packaging from an eco company. This uses high frequency vibrations to remove plaque and prevent tartar build-up to prevent gingivitus, bleeding and swollen gums. Its unique e stroke speed adjustments makes it ideal for people with fixed braces. Includes a UK and EU 2-pin charger plug and fits a 3-pin socket adaptr and leave note. The zero to landfill scheme means all parts can be returned to recycle free of charge. 2 minute auto-timer wtih 30 second pause and full charge for 5 weeks and waterproof and sent in a cardboard box. Spend 30 seconds on each quarter of your mouth.
Wild & Stone bamboo toothbrushes (also with firm bristles) are also sold singly and for children. Plastic toothbrushes are littered in their millions or billions across the world, especially as we are told to replace our toothbrushes every few months. Bamboo is the world’s fastest-growing grass. At end of use, these naturally biodegrade (don’t store in water, instead use a bamboo toothbrush stand). Although they are all the same colour, each handle has a different pattern, so you know whose toothbrush belongs to who! For travel, order a bamboo toothbrush holder.
At present, it’s difficult to find biodegradable bristles (apart from animal fur, but we don’t want that). So for now, the bristles are still made from nylon. So at end of use, either keep them under the sink to clean muddy boots. Or remove the bristles with pliers and bin, then compost the handle.
