Your toothbrush will outlive you…
The average person uses around 300 toothbrushes in their lifetime. In the UK alone, an estimated 200 million plastic toothbrushes are thrown away every year. And because they’re made from a mix of nylon, rubber, and hard plastic, virtually none of them can be recycled. Every single one ends up in landfill or worse, in the ocean where it will sit for up to 400 years before it even begins to break down. Somewhere out there, the toothbrush you used as a child still exists.
So what’s the alternative?
Bamboo toothbrushes do exactly the same job as a plastic one. Same bristles, same clean, but the handle is made from bamboo, one of the fastest growing and most sustainable plants on the planet. Bamboo requires no pesticides, very little water, and regenerates quickly after harvesting without needing to be replanted. When you’re done with your toothbrush, the handle can be composted or put in your food waste bin, leaving almost nothing behind.
Which one should I buy?
There are dozens of brands out there now, widely available in supermarkets, pharmacies, and online. Some good ones to look out for in the UK include Humble Brush, Hydrophil, and The Humble Co, all widely available and reasonably priced. Most bamboo toothbrushes cost between £2 and £4, which is broadly similar to a decent plastic one. Some brands like TruthBrush also offer subscription services so a new one lands on your doormat every three months exactly when you should be replacing it anyway. Click your favorite tooth brush from the images below and it will take you to their website.
Aroma Zone
Humble Brush
Wild & Stone
