Learn all about eco-friendly toothbrushes and which ones are the best for the environment, easily accessible and most affordable- we break it all down!
Eco friendly toothbrush
Making greener choices is one of the most critical issues to address at present. As we are all aware, there is no planet B, and as recent consequences of climate change have shown us, the call for action is loud and clear.
One of the most manageable first steps to tackle this crisis is to opt for an eco-friendly toothbrush. At least 8 million tonnes of plastics find their way into the sea annually.
On average, the global population throws away more than 29.4 billion plastic toothbrushes every year, which end up going straight to the landfill. Switching to a recyclable alternative for your dental hygiene has never been more important.
After countless years of plastic toothbrushes being the norm, finding the right eco-friendly toothbrush can be challenging. With so many different types of eco-friendly toothbrushes on the market these days, the picture can appear confusing.
Is the Traditional Electric Toothbrush an Eco-friendly Toothbrush?
When choosing an eco-friendly toothbrush, it’s common to wonder if the average electric toothbrush is a good option for the environment. Unfortunately, it may be surprising to find out that the electric toothbrush isn’t as green as you may have first thought.
Most electric toothbrushes are not recyclable, meaning that each time you replace the head or handle, the end destination is the landfill. With standard practice being to change your toothbrush head every three months, that’s a considerable amount of plastic waste.
If you insist on an electric toothbrush then thankfully there’s the Foreo Issa 2. It’s built from sustainable silicone and its battery life lasts up to a year! So it’s great if you’re travelling. Based on our research it’s the best eco-friendly electric toothbrush on the market today.
The Best Eco-friendly Toothbrushes
After talking about the impact the toothbrush market has on environmental problems, we wanted to help you find a greener way forward. So, we’ve compiled a list of the best eco-friendly toothbrushes available to buy today for optimum dental hygiene.
Truthbrush
Sleek, smooth and undeniably stylish, the Truthbrush is an award-winning eco-friendly choice. Made from Moso bamboo, which is grown organically and in an FSC controlled forest in China, it’s naturally antibacterial and antifungal, making for an ultra-hygienic brush.
The innovative Truthbrush is entirely vegan and is delivered using carbon-neutral shipping. The bristles are a unique combination of 62% castor oil and 38% nylon, which means less petroleum-based plastic ending up in a landfill. The rounded ergonomic handle feels great to hold and is available in various colours; the end dipped in environmentally-friendly, water-based paint. No worries about splinters, as each brush handle is coated in a plant-based oil.
When ready to dispose of, place the Truthbrush in your ordinary bathroom bin. Everything except the bristles will biodegrade in approximately three short years.
The Pearly White Club
If you’re prone to forgetting to replace your toothbrush regularly enough, then The Pearly White Club and their eco-friendly toothbrushes may be the solution. Choose between a monthly or bi-monthly subscription service direct to your door. The company also offers a family subscription, enabling you to purchase each toothbrush at a discounted rate.
Made from ethically sourced bamboo, the handle is entirely biodegradable and compostable. The bristles composition is Nylon 6, a material that doesn’t naturally decompose but degrades significantly faster than lower grade nylons. This eco-friendly toothbrush is a colourful option, the bristles alternating between various bright shades chosen at random before dispatch.
Swak
If you want to opt for an eco-friendly toothbrush that isn’t bamboo, then Swak’s offering is a good bet. The handle is designed to be long-lasting, made out of bio-based plastic (PLA), composed of GMO-free sugar. The brush head is replaceable, made from miswak wood, vegan-friendly and fully biodegradable, unlike nylon bristles. You’re even able to buy an environmentally-friendly case for travel purposes and choose from a selection of colours.
TePe GOOD
Established brand TePe has been around in the dental hygiene market for more than 50 years, their toothbrushes a regular sight in supermarket aisles. However, in their drive to offer greener products, the company has now created TePe Good, a new eco-friendly toothbrush.
Made from 96% bio-based plastic sourced from sugarcane, the toothbrush is a practical yet sustainable solution. The bristles are bio-based filaments made from renewable castor oil.
What’s more, this eco-friendly toothbrush production uses green energy, partly from TePe’s own rooftop solar panel facility. Ergonomically designed, the TePe GOOD is a simple yet effective sustainable option.
Colgate Bamboo Charcoal Soft Toothbrush
Another well-known dental health brand, Colgate, and the word environmental haven’t always gone hand in hand. In recent years, however, Colgate has created a top-selling bamboo charcoal toothbrush.
This eco-friendly toothbrush is entirely free from plastic packaging, and the bamboo is 100% sustainable, waterproofed using beeswax. The bristles are charcoal infused, the black colour a stylish touch. The flat shaped handle with gently curved sides makes for an easy grip.
The Humble Co
Dentists have designed Swedish brand Humble Co’s eco-friendly toothbrush, so no worrying about ineffectual design and performance. The handle is FSC-certified Moso bamboo, whilst the bristles are nylon-6, which is less abrasive on your teeth than lower grade nylons.
An aesthetic toothbrush, the bristles come in a variety of colours to choose from, including rainbow, the best-selling proud edition supporting LGBTQ+ communities.
Almost needless to say, the packaging is 100% recyclable and created using reused materials. The company has also set up The Humble Smile Foundation, which manages oral health outreach projects to educate and aid children living in the world’s most vulnerable parts. For every toothbrush sold, the foundation sends one to a child in need too.
Georganics
A plastic-free offering from oral care company Georganics, this eco-friendly toothbrush range is vegan and cruelty-free. The handle is made out of sustainable FSC beechwood, fully biodegradable and suitable for home composting. Every tree cut down to produce the toothbrushes is replanted, and any excess wood used to heat the factory, located in Germany.
The soft charcoal bristles are made from BPA-free nylon and come in various colours. Each eco-friendly toothbrush comes in a Kraft paper box, which is 100% recyclable.
Zero Waste Club
Another top-selling offering comes from Zero Waste Club, with their biodegradable and sustainably sourced bamboo toothbrush. The design shares many features with the Truthbrush, the end of the handle dipped in water-based paint and various poppy colours to choose from, from ocean blue to pastel pink.
The bristles are made from BPA and toxic-free nylon and can even be sent back to Zero Waste Club directly for recycling. With every eco-friendly toothbrush purchased, the company plants a tree.
Each handle is handcrafted by an artisan, meaning that every toothbrush is unique. Free from animal derivatives, this eco-friendly toothbrush is 100% vegan and plastic-free.
The Verdict
If you’ve only ever been used to plastic toothbrushes, the smooth plant-based oiled, rounded handle of the Truthbrush makes for an easy transition. The brush’s ergonomic shape allows for excellent access and effective dental hygiene, so no compromises are required.
We also love The Pearly White Club’s hassle-free subscription service and vibrant colour range, making for an ideal family choice. If you’re looking for a fully biodegradable, eco-friendly toothbrush, The Zero Waste Club’s bristle recycling scheme means that their bamboo brushes fit the bill. The company’s focus on good ethical production scores points too.
The best advice that we can give is to try out several on this list for yourself. None of the eco-friendly toothbrushes we recommend will break the bank, but you will help fight against the ever-pressing environmental crisis.
Leave a Reply