Every year, in the U.S., over 800 million plastic toothbrushes are discarded. In other countries, this number may be smaller, but it is still too much when we think of how plastic can endanger our environment.
Every minute, several tonnes of plastics leak into the ocean, and this is expected to increase even more by 2030. By 2050, there may be more plastic than fish floating in the same water we drink, and we use for washing our bodies and our clothes. At the moment, the scale of this problem is massive, yet many of us still don’t know what to do to save our planet and make it a cleaner place.
We all do our best to ensure that we recycle correctly, we respect the environment, and that we help the planet being healthy. However, there is one further step that you can take to show your commitment to a more eco-friendly lifestyle, that is using a bamboo toothbrush. Are you still not sure if this may be the right choice for you? We can help you make this important decision!
Why using a bamboo toothbrush can make a huge difference?
Bamboo is a natural cellulose fiber, and it is one of the fastest-growing plants on our planet. On the other hand, the petroleum used to make plastic is a limited resource that we have been overusing (and misusing) for years.
This plant releases at least 30% more oxygen into the atmosphere than others and manufacturing bamboo-made products don’t pollute nor contaminating the environment. Besides, bamboo can self-renew, meaning that deforestation is unnecessary to grow all the plants that we need to manufacture more products.
How do I use bamboo toothbrushes?
A bamboo-made toothbrush is not very dissimilar from your average, plastic one. They both have the same shape and the same size. In other words, they should be used in the exact same way. However, with a bamboo toothbrush, you don’t have to put any toxic piece of plastic in your mouth.
Are bamboo toothbrushes safe to use?
Most people believe that bamboo toothbrushes may not be as sanitary as plastic ones. What you must consider is that toothbrushes, in general, tend to be a vehicle for bacteria and germs. The only way to avoid any unpleasant situation is to keep them clean and dry and to store them in a hygienic environment.
Since they are not made of plastic, which is an impenetrable material, bamboo toothbrushes require more care than regular ones. However, this doesn’t mean that you need to spend much time or effort into cleaning your toothbrush. Every time you use it, you should just ensure it is completely dry. To make this process quickly, you can use a dry towel. Don’t forget to store it upright in a clean glass container.
Can you recycle bamboo toothbrush?
Yes, you can, and you are encouraged to do it. It is effortless and will take only a few minutes of your time, which will still be essential to save our planet. First, remove the bristles with pliers. They can be recycled with all the other objects made of plastic, and they can thus become new, improved products.
The bamboo handle can be composted in your bio-waste bin, home composter, or even buried in your garden. It will be absolutely safe for the soil, and will most likely help your lawn grow stronger and more beautiful than ever.
Are plastic toothbrushes really so bad for the environment?
Yes, they are, and there is no way to sugar-coat it. Plastic just doesn’t disappear, but it will stay on our planet for thousands of years. With the average person using hundreds of toothbrushes during their lifetime, combined with billions of people living on this planet, you can see how you can hurt the environment every time you want a fresher breath.
However, you can easily avoid all this just by using a bamboo toothbrush. This material is completely biodegradable and can be composted at home. In a short time, it will return to the organic matter in the earth.
