While dentists recommend changing your toothbrush every three months, the first plastic toothbrush ever made is probably still lying somewhere on our planet. This is because petroleum-based plastic can take up to thousands of years to decompose! If you want to make your oral care routine more eco-friendly, opting for a bamboo toothbrush is a simple and effective way.
Why Plastic Toothbrushes Are a Bane
Given the stable nature of plastic, any waste product made from this material is bound to be a burden on the planet. However, the situation worsens with toothbrushes, as they are discarded frequently. Thus, increasing the environmental load.
More than 150 million in India enter the waste cycle every month. Given their small size, toothbrushes are hard to segregate from large waste piles and most end up in a landfill.
Moreover, plastic toothbrushes have tiny plastic bristles that can detach from the brush. These enter our water streams, where they can be ingested by animals or enter the food chain. Dealing with such microplastics is a worldwide problem.
Benefits of Using a Bamboo Toothbrush
When it comes to toothbrushes, there are many different materials available to choose from. However, bamboo is quickly becoming popular among many people. Bamboo toothbrushes offer several benefits that make them a great choice for oral care.
One of the biggest highlights of bamboo brushes is that they are biodegradable toothbrushes. Bamboo is a sustainable material that grows quickly, making it a great choice for those who want to reduce their impact on the environment.
In addition, bamboo brushes can be composted, further reducing their environmental impact. Another benefit of bamboo toothbrushes is that they are gentle on the gums. The soft bristles of a bamboo brush are less likely to irritate the soft tissues in our mouth.
Comparing Bamboo Toothbrushes And Traditional Plastic Toothbrushes
There are pros and cons to both bamboo toothbrushes and traditional plastic toothbrushes.
Natural bamboo toothbrushes are environmentally friendly. However, they usually cost more than plastic toothbrushes.
At the same time, the plastic bristles of a plastic toothbrush can splinter and hurt our gums and teeth. On the other hand, bamboo brushes have bristles made of natural fibre. Thus, they can easily be made splinter free.
On the whole, choosing a brush is a matter of personal choice. However, switching to a bamboo brush is an easy way to help manage the waste pollution problem on our planet. Well-designed bamboo brushes work just as fine as their plastic counterparts while being easier to manage when discarded.
Finding The Right Bamboo Toothbrush
Using a bamboo brush can be as effective as your regular plastic toothbrush. However, not all products sold as bamboo brushes in India are completely eco-friendly. This is because, at times, the bristles of the brush are made from plastic or plastic derivatives. This conflates the problem of segregating waste even more!
On the other hand, some organic toothbrushes are wooden toothbrushes that add to the demand for cutting down trees. Bamboo - a type of fast-growing grass, does not contribute to deforestation. Using products made of bamboo can also help support bamboo-cultivating communities.
Another point to consider when shopping for a sustainable oral care product is to look for a product that comes in recycled or recyclable packaging. Buying an eco-friendly toothbrush delivered in plastic packaging kind of defeats the purpose, right?
When you use a sustainable toothbrush, you are helping to reduce your carbon footprint. You are also reducing the amount of waste that is produced each year. So make sure the waste contribution is minimal at all steps of your purchase!
Caring For Your Bamboo Brush
Bamboo is a natural material that is biodegradable and antimicrobial, making it a great choice for a toothbrush.
However, bamboo is also an absorbent material, so it’s important to keep it away from moisture. One way to help your bamboo brush last longer is to store it in a dry place. This can be a cabinet or drawer in your bathroom or even a toothbrush holder with some airflow. Keeping your toothbrush away from humidity will help to prevent the bamboo from warping or cracking.
Another way to prolong the life of your bamboo brush is to avoid using it on harsh surfaces. Bamboo is a soft material, so using it on hard surfaces like a tile can damage the bristles. With proper care, your bamboo brush can last for months or even years!
"End of Life" Bamboo Toothbrush?
Are you done using your bamboo brush? Don't just throw it away! There are many things you can do with it instead. You can recycle, compost, or even upcycle it into something new. If you recycle it, make sure to clean it thoroughly first and check with your local recycling centre to see if they accept bamboo brushes.
If you compost it, cut it into small pieces first so that it will break down more easily. You can also upcycle it into something new, like a plant marker or a crafts project. Be creative!
Beco's Bamboo Toothbrush
The toothbrushes made by Beco are 100% bamboo-based and contain 0% plastic. The bristles of Beco bamboo charcoal toothbrush are made from cornstarch and infused with charcoal. Charcoal is believed to help whiten teeth, reduce bacteria and remove bad breath. These bamboo brushes are splinter-free and offer comfortable and efficient oral care. Even the packaging provided by Beco is natural and plastic-free.
To Sum Up
Your oral care routine doesn’t have to be harsh on you or the environment. There are plenty of ways to make it more eco-friendly. One of that ways is to use a bamboo toothbrush. Here are some tips on how to make your oral care routine eco-friendly:
- Buy a toothbrush made from 100% bamboo
- Choose a bamboo brush with natural bristles
- Look for a toothbrush that comes in recycled or recyclable packaging.
- Use your eco-friendly brush with adequate care to help it last long
- Appropriately recycle or discard your brush once you're done with it!
Making the switch to a bamboo brush is a small change that can make a big difference in the environment. So, why not give it a try? Shop for Bamboo Toothbrush Online from Beco now!