Tried A Bamboo Toothbrush?

     Many of us are making a conscious effort to eliminate the most ubiquitous forms of plastic pollution like plastic bags, straws, and water bottles. But what about other plastic items we use every day? Billions of plastic dental care products are discarded every year nationally. In fact, nearly every single toothbrush since the 1930s was made from plastic and comes wrapped in plastic packaging. That’s one billion, non-recyclable plastic toothbrushes thrown away each year in the United States alone. Along with straws and bottle caps, plastic toothbrushes are some of the most common items found at beach cleanups! Bummer!

     There are new eco-friendly plastic-free toothbrush available. Keep an eye on ingredients, some bamboo brushes still use nylon bristles. It may sound weird, but boar hair bristles been in use for centuries. They are hygienic, less abrasive, natural fiber bristles, free from petroleum-derived plastic, and 100% biodegradable. Choose to refuse free plastic toothbrushes from your dentist and try a bamboo handled toothbrush today. And for those die-hard sustainable souls check out bamboo and boar bristle toothbrushes. 

     This tip was facilitated by April Bullis, Oahu Service Manager at Pono Home, and Foundation Chair for the Eco Rotary Club of Kaka’ako. www.ecorotary.org