This bamboo toothbrush is made with carbon bristles (to avoid animal hair, remove with pliers and bin, compost the handle). The child’s version has a bunny logo, which siblings can colour in, so they know whose brush is whose!
Industrial bamboo (not the fresh shoots that pandas is) is from the world’s fastest growing grass. It’s not local, but it does biodegrade (so don’t steep in a tumbler of water or it will disappear!)
If you live with pets, never use toothpastes with xylitol (just a tiny sliver or crumb of anything made with this sweetener could be lethal – even if licked toothpaste from around your mouth or a sink). Note this brand’s gum contains xylitol, so avoid near pets.
If you are pregnant/nursing or have medical conditions, go for unscented over ones made with essential oils.
Toothbrushes with Everlasting Handles
If bamboo isn’t your material of choice, fear not! There are several other eco-friendly materials available for toothbrushes. Here’s a quick list of sustainable options:
A more robust alternative is this stainless steel toothbrush (created by a former watersports instructor saddened by plastic waste). The handle is made from surgical-grade stainless steel that is weighty in your hand. You then just unscrew the base from the bamboo head handles, and replace (a bit like a reusable razor).
Eco-friendly Electric Toothbrushes
Georganics sonic toothbrush (code AWIN15 for 15% discount) is for people who prefer electric toothbrushes. This one includes replaceable heads, high-frequency vibrations (50,000 strokes a minute) and is sold in a cardboard box.
Ideal to prevent bleeding and swollen gums, the brush has 3 speed adjustments, so can be used by people with braces, along with a 2-minute auto-timer and up to 5 weeks battery use, with USB plug. Certified waterproof and CE approved.
When you buy replacement heads, you can send the old heads freepost to the company (send a minimum of 5 heads, and write Free-post Georganics Oral Care Ltd).
