More and more people are concerned about the planet, and therefore more and more trends are emerging with the goal of caring for the environment. One of the most talked about in recent months is bamboo toothbrushes, a ecological and biodegradable alternativethat reduces plastic consumption and that is not only environmentally friendly, but also offers a lot of benefits for you. Want to know which ones? Keep reading!
Oh! And don't forget to check out our post about plastic crafts. We give you lots of ideas to give a second life to those utensils you use every day.
Ecological benefits of bamboo toothbrushes
The toothbrush is one of the most commonly used plastic objects. However, its components are polluting and have a great negative impact on the environment. To give you an idea, in Spain almost 3,000 tons of plastic from toothbrushes are discarded every year.
Fortunately, there are alternatives that replace plastic with other natural materials as is the case with bamboo toothbrushes. These everyday objects help reduce plastic consumption, since both the packaging and the materials with which the brush itself is made are 100% degradable. Its bristles are made with charcoal and its handle made of bamboo.
While a plastic toothbrush takes 400 years to decompose, bamboo does it in just half a year. Likewise, plastic is very difficult to recycle and this often causes it to end up in the sea (the 1% of ocean plastics come from toothbrushes). However, bamboo is a plant that requires very little care, its harvesting is very simple, and its recycling is much easier.
But WATCH OUT! Don't be fooled. There are some bamboo brushes that are not entirely biodegradable, since their bristles are made of nylon. Likewise, experts recommend that the bamboo be “Phyllostachys edulis”, a type of bamboo that, due to altitude and the hardness of its leaves, is not used as food, its cutting does not endanger the ecosystem of animals like the panda bear. Therefore, we recommend that you thoroughly check the materials it is made of before buying it, including its packaging.
Benefits of toothbrushes for you
Besides the benefits related to sustainability and environmental care that bamboo toothbrushes have, it is worth highlighting that they also offer some advantages for you and your health.
Bamboo has antibacterial properties and considering that a toothbrush is in direct contact with our mouth and harbors a lot of bacteria, this can guarantee better oral hygiene. Additionally, its bristles made with activated charcoal are gentler on the gums and enamel of the teeth than those made with nylon.
Also, thanks to the bamboo handle, the grip is much softer and more comfortable than that of a traditional brush.
Price and where to buy bamboo toothbrushes
Although many believe otherwise, the price difference between a plastic toothbrush and one made of bamboo is minimal. Although bamboo ones usually have a higher price, it's just a few cents more. A minimal difference that can mean a big change for the environment.
Regarding where you can buy them. A few years ago, this type of brush was a very exotic and uncommon item, so it could only be found in specialized stores. However, today, thanks to the high demand, you can find your bamboo toothbrush in any trusted pharmacy, supermarket, or online store.
As you can see, switching to eco-friendly alternatives, such as a simple bamboo toothbrush, to reduce plastic consumption in households, is one of the first steps we must take to care for our planet. The environment needs our help now more than ever, and every small gesture counts.
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