Why are Bamboo Toothbrushes Better? | 12 Reasons to Choose Bamboo

Bamboo toothbrushes are better than plastic because they are biodegradable, strong and long lasting and can be added to your compost to break down naturally. Bamboo can be grown sustainably as it grows fast, traps carbon and can be grown without fertilizer or pesticides.

Why Bamboo toothbrushes are better

Bamboo grows fast

There are lots of reasons a bamboo toothbrush stands out above the usual plastic one.  The bamboo itself is usually organically grown. It is a fast growing plant that is disease resistant therefore requires no chemicals. Bamboo can grow over 4 feet (1 meter) in 1 day. There are also many different types of bamboo that exist.  Most bamboo toothbrushes are made from a species not eaten by pandas.

Check out bamboo toothbrushes from Amazon here.

I think we do need to be aware that as the popularity of bamboo products increases that there is not destruction of other habitat to be replaced with bamboo.  Bamboo stands out as an environmentally sound product, certainly compared to the hard plastic choices. Make sure you choose a brand that sources its bamboo sustainably.

Bamboo toothbrushes are biodegradable

One of the main reasons a bamboo toothbrush is better is that it is biodegradable. Compared to a plastic toothbrush that can spend hundreds of years in landfill or floating around in the ocean, bamboo will break down.

What that means is when you are finished with it, just remove the bristles and chuck it in your compost heap. If you don’t have a compost heap take it to your kids school or a local community garden.  They usually have compost heaps and would be happy to take them.

Bamboo toothbrushes are antimicrobial

Bacteria find it hard to live and grow on bamboo toothbrushes. The bamboo will resist bacterial growth when left to completely dry out after use.  This means your toothbrush can stay cleaner for longer.

Bamboo toothbrush companies will (often) give back

A great thing about the eco-friendly movement is that companies that are producing products sustainable products are also becoming socially responsible.  They are starting to understand that they have a role in supporting the communities and environments around them.

Many companies are giving back where they can.  When you make your choice, it can be really rewarding to know that the company have chosen is giving back by donating to environmental causes. Many bamboo toothbrush companies are doing this so check out their website if you are interested.

Plastic is a problem

Plastic is a huge problem for our environment so swapping plastic toothbrushes for bamboo can be a great way to reduce plastic waste.  Our toothbrush should be replaced every 3 months, which means that millions of toothbrushes each year are ending up in landfill.  

By 2050 it is predicted that there will be more plastic in our oceans than fish. A bamboo toothbrush does not add more hard plastic to landfills and isn’t adding to the growing plastic problem.

More about bamboo

There are over 1500 species of bamboo that grow in a wide range of climates and conditions on the planet.  When the bamboo grows it absorbs carbon, trapping it in its stems and leaves. Unlike most plants however, bamboo grows extremely fast (4 feet per day) which means that it traps an incredible amount of carbon in a short amount of time.  

When it is harvested the carbon is kept in the plant and only released back into the soil when you compost it. It is released into a really useful substance called hummus, another form of trapped carbon that provides structure and water holding capacity to soils.

Top 12 Reasons Bamboo Toothbrushes are Better

  1. Bamboo traps carbon
  2. Bamboo toothbrushes are biodegradable
  3. Bamboo is strong so lasts well
  4. Bamboo can be grown sustainably
  5. Bamboo takes no fertilizer and pesticides to grow
  6. Bamboo toothbrushes will last as long as plastic
  7. They can be added to your compost
  8. Avoid landfill
  9. Bamboo toothbrushes are antimicrobial
  10. Can be reused as plant markers in your garden
  11. Feels natural in your hand and mouth
  12. Avoids polluting the ocean

Bamboo is strong

Bamboo is a super strong substance. It is used as flooring and even used as scaffolding for Chinese skyscrapers.  Its super strength means it can be used for tough jobs. The bamboo harvesting process is also kinder than most other harvesting processes.  The plant can keep growing after harvest so there is no disturbance to the topsoil and the plant itself can help to step the soil from eroding.  

How long will a bamboo toothbrush last?

Given the same care as a regular toothbrush a bamboo toothbrush can last 3-4 months in good condition.  The main thing to remember is to allow your toothbrush to fully dry out between uses. Avoid an enclosed toothbrush holder that might collect water at the bottom.  Instead use a toothbrush stand that allows air to flow and to dry.

Care for the bristles just as you would any other toothbrush.  Ensure you give them a good rinse with water after use and again, place somewhere they can fully dry out after use.

Remember that bamboo is a natural material so may fade in color. It doesn’t affect the use, it will just start to get its own character. Just with a normal plastic toothbrush, it is recommended that you replace them every 3 months.  

Dispose of the packaging thoughtfully

If you toothbrush comes packaged remember to recycle it if possible.  Unfortunately the only toothbrush available at my local supermarket came with part plastic packaging.  I think in future I would look for a brush that came with no packaging or at least something that is easily recyclable.

Bamboo toothbrush bristles

There are lots of bristle types that come with bamboo toothbrushes.  Charcoal bristles that may help with cleaning the mouth and other can come with natural bristles.  Have a look when you buy your brush and decide what you prefer. I would try to at least choose one with recyclable bristles if possible.

Why are bamboo toothbrushes better? – Summary

There are so many reasons why using a bamboo toothbrush is better.  They are biodegradable which means they will break down if you throw them in your compost heap, just remember to remove the bristles.

They therefore won’t clog up landfill or end up adding to the plastic problems in the ocean. If you care about reducing your waste and haven’t thought about replacing your toothbrush, bamboo is the way to go.  

Bamboo itself is a kind material that holds carbon and can be grown in a sustainable way. They are antimicrobial, feel natural in your hand and are the perfect addition to a more conscious, sustainable home.  Making the choice switch to a bamboo toothbrush is a great step on the journey if you are trying to reduce your waste or even achieve a zero waste life.

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