With a variety of toothbrushes coming in town, one starts thinking as to which toothbrush to purchase for effective brushing. Being from the Gen-Z generation, we tend to care more for our mother earth and how we can sustain the environment for the better future of our next generation. After all the earth is all we have in common. The bamboo toothbrush is gaining popularity as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastic toothbrushes, contributing to a greener world. These bamboo-made brushes are compostable and biodegradable, minimising the amount of plastic trash that would otherwise take hundreds of years to decompose.

Bamboo is a more sustainable option since it is a renewable resource that grows rapidly and needs less water and chemicals. Additionally, bamboo toothbrushes frequently have plant-based bristles, which lessens their impact on the environment. People may make a simple but significant difference in their daily oral hygiene regimen by switching to bamboo toothbrushes, helping to preserve the environment for coming generations.

The bamboo trend

A large number of people tend to use plastic brushes. An alternative which is becoming more and more popular nowadays is bamboo toothbrushes. These bamboo toothbrushes date back to 1500 BC, where it was manufactured first in China. The handle of the toothbrush was made with the help of bamboo and for the bristles, the manufacturers used boar’s hair, With more awareness about global warming and its effect on human civilization, we see nowadays people turning towards greener options. Therefore the business of Bamboo toothbrushes has come back with a bang. 

Plastic has always been a nuisance

Degradation of plastic materials takes a lifetime to decompose itself and a huge amount is found in the water bodies such as the ocean, seas, etc. This plastic in the ocean, when remains in the water for an extended period of time, disintegrates into small plastic particles which are not visible to the eyes. When these particles are ingested by the species prevailing in these waters, later enters the human body when one consumes the fish and thus the cycle continues.

Bamboo is a great idea

Technically bamboo is a grass that can be cut without harming the plants at all. When the grass is mowed it doesn’t die, instead, it continues to grow. This quality of bamboo makes it a highly renewable, eco-friendly resource for the production of toothbrushes, notepads, and other day-to-day accessories.  These toothbrushes are similar in design to the conventional toothbrushes that we find on any store shelf. The key difference is that the use of more sustainable material that is the bamboo and bristles presents a variety of options.

The bristles of the Bamboo toothbrushes are made from conventional nylon, which can also be incorporated with activated charcoal, which helps in whitening your teeth and eliminating bacteria.

When the ecological footprints of both materials are compared, that is plastic and bamboo, the later has a smaller contribution to the footprint. Bamboo is comparatively degradable when it is used in its raw form and the same is used in toothbrushes.

Why go for bamboo toothbrushes?

While purchasing anything we usually ponder over the question of what will be the advantage of the purchased object- the answer for Bamboo toothbrushes are

• ANTIMICROBIAL
  Water pertains on the bristles and handle of the conventional plastic toothbrushes which helps the bacteria to prevail in that environment, therefore these bamboo toothbrushes are an alternative to prevent the growth of the microbial growth on the bristles and handle of the toothbrush.  Make sure you choose wax coated bamboo toothbrushes as they keep the fungus away.
• BIODEGRADABLE
  The bristles and handle of plastic toothbrushes are made from a combination of plastic material derived from crude oil, rubber and a mix of plastic and cardboard for the packaging. On the other hand the bristles and handles of the bamboo toothbrushes are extracted from natural bamboo.
• ECO-FRIENDLY
  Using these bamboo toothbrushes are easy, inexpensive way to help the environment rather than the plastic and electric brush alternative for brushing.
• SUSTAINABILITY
  Bamboo is the fastest growing plant on this earth, making it a sustainable choice for the future.
  
  

Drawbacks of bamboo toothbrushes

• PACKAGING:
  The packaging of these toothbrushes are non-biodegradable. This kills the whole purpose of the buying eco-friendly toothbrushes. Hence, choose the one that has a packaging that can be recycled too.
• NYLON BRISTLES
  This is another cause that kills the purpose of the toothbrush being sustainable and environment friendly. Majority of the manufacturers promise delivering Nylon-4 bristles which biodegradable but instead nylon-6 bristles are manufactured on these toothbrushes. So choose the one that is completely natural and bio-degradeable.
• COSTING
  Mass production of plastic items such as toothbrushes is very low as compared to the other materials. The process of making toothbrushes is longer and more costly therefore the retail price of these toothbrushes can also be quite high.

Bamboo toothbrush brands in India

• Minimo Rusabl Brush– Most popular option in India
• Terrabrush– Happy mouth Happy Earth (soft bristles)
• Solimo– It is available with a pack of 4 and each is distinguished with shapes of the deck of card
• ECO365 with charcoal infused bristles

Now that we know, we are doing the right thing for Mother Earth by lowering the carbon footprint and creating less waste and pollution, it is enough to convince an individual to purchase bamboo or other biodegradable toothbrushes monetarily speaking. Our meaningful small step today will have a significant effect on the upcoming generation.

Highlights

• All we have is one earth and by taking small steps towards protecting it will make a huge difference.
• Bamboo toothbrushes are becoming a trend and why not go for these toothbrushes as they also have advantages.
• Bamboo toothbrushes are anti-microbial, bio-degradeable, eco-friendly and sustain as long as the plastic toothbrushes.
• Choose the ones that are 100% bio-degradable and wax coated bamboo toothbrushes.
• Remember to brush gently with all natural bamboo toothbrushes as agressive brushing can cause your teeth to wear off and eventually cause your teeth to become yellow and sensitive.