Toothbrushes

We all know the importance of dental hygiene and most of us brush our teeth at least twice a day. If you're doing it right, you're even replacing your toothbrush every 3-4 months, as recommended by the American Dental Association. That means we go through a lot of toothbrushes. In fact, the average adult uses and throws away about 300 toothbrushes in his or her lifetime. And if you laid out the number of toothbrushes thrown out in the US every year, they would wrap around Earth four times!

What's wrong with toothbrushes

The US itself produces around 85 million pounds of plastic toothbrush waste annually. Most toothbrushes are made of plastic, which takes hundreds of years to break down. Plastics are made from non-renewable, petroleum-based fossil fuels that release toxins when burned. Even the bristles are made of nylon, a synthetic, non-biodegradable material. Because plastic is made to be indestructable, basically every toothbrush made since the 1930s still exists as a piece of trash.

Can toothbrushes be recycled?

While you can't throw your old toothbrushes into the curbside recycling bin, they can be recycled through a program sponsored by Terracycle and Colgate. All you have to do is print out a free shipping label, slap it on a box, and put it in the mail. You can send all brands of used or empty toothpaste tubes and caps, toothbrushes, toothpaste cartons, toothbrush outer packaging, and floss containers. However, electric toothbrushes, battery operated toothbrushes, and their parts cannot be recycled through this program.

Is there a sustainable toothbrush option?

There sure is! Your most sustainable option is a bamboo toothbrush. Bamboo grows quickly and is 100% biodegradable and typically backyard compostable, though you'll have to break off the head or remove the bristles, since they are usually made of nylon. Popular brands inclue Georganics, The Humble Co., and Brush with Bamboo. Or, if you're looking for a 100% plant-based option, try Bite. The handle is still made from bamboo, but the bristles are made from the castor bean plant.

I've seen bamboo toothbrushes at Target, on Amazon, and even at our local grocery store. You can also order from Package Free Shop, to ensure plastic free delivery. Before you purchase anything, make sure the handle is 100% bamboo, rather than a mix of bamboo and synthetic material.

Have a conversation with your dentist to make sure the changes you make are best for your oral care routine.

Bamboo toothbrushes aren't always as fun and colorful and their plastic counterparts, but check out my post 5 Ways to Personalize your Bamboo Toothbrush, to give yours a little personality.