An eco-friendly toothbrush and razor are a staple item for most zero waste bathrooms. In this post, we’ll go over some of the eco-friendly tooth brush options. I’ve also decided to add sustainable razors, and reusable cotton rounds to this post to conclude the zero waste bathroom swaps.
These past few weeks we’ve learned about all the components of a zero waste bathroom including how to switch to bar soap, shampoo bars, and toilet paper alternatives.
Reusable Toothbrush
Dentists recommend that you replace a standard toothbrush every three months for dental hygiene. That’s quite a few plastic, non-biodegradable toothbrushes going to waste every year. This fact alone makes it important find non-plastic toothbrush alternatives, and find ways to prolong the life of the toothbrushes we do have.
Non disposable Toothbrush
Although we should only use our toothbrush for about three months, there are still plenty of ways to prolong it’s life with alternative uses.
Clean even the tiniest of nooks and crannies
Toothbrushes are great cleaning tools. Skip the frustration of trying to clean around a tap, between tiles or in a tight spot. Use vinegar or bi-carb soda with a little water to spot-treat the area, then scrub away. You can also clean your shoes, desk, keyboard, and your beauty supplies.
Toothbrush Crochet Hook
If you like to crochet, but frequently lose your crochet hooks, then this might be a great project for you. If you’re just looking for a way to repurpose a toothbrush, this might suite your fancy too. I happened to have a hot knife, but you can just whittle away the plastic with a standard blade. Crochet plastic bags with a toothbrush crochet hook and you have the perfect upcycled zero waste activity! Doesn’t get much better than that!
Non Plastic Toothbrush
Bamboo has become the standard zero waste toothbrush option, but actually the earliest bristle toothbrushes were invented in China in the 15th century and featured boar hair bristles and bamboo handles. I received a set of bamboo toothbrushes for Christmas and love to use them with my zero waste toothpaste. One of my favorite thing about bamboo toothbrushes is that they’re anti-bacterial. That means they’re not only better for the Earth, but your health too. For compost advocates, these are great compostable toothbrush options once you remove the bristle heads.
Alternative to Plastic Toothbrushes
Nylon
Traditional nylon bristles are more common, and softer than charcoal bristles. They are firm enough to sweep and capture bacteria from around each tooth. Nylon-4 is a petroleum based plastic that is biodegradable. However, true Nylon-4 bristles are hard to find, so beware when doing your research.
Charcoal Bristles
Charcoal-infused bristles are also Nylon, however, they absorb and bind bacteria together at a microscopic level and then remove it from the mouth, rather than sweeping it away as a nylon bristle would. They’re also great for whitening teeth, as they absorb the tannins that typically stain your teeth when you drink tea, coffee, and red wine.
Bamboo Viscose
These bristles are still not a 100 percent plastic free toothbrush solution. Plastic is used to prohibit the bamboo viscose from breaking during the production process. However, some eco-friendly toothbrush options reduce plastic used down to about 38 percent, so it’s still a great solid, zero waste toothbrush option.
Pigs Hair
Yes, you read that right. Pigs hair is the traditional option, which is natural and biodegradable. Other than animal well fair, pig hair is hollow inside, making it the perfect breeding ground for bacteria. If you do want to go for this option, I would recommend you to sterilize your toothbrush with boiling water every couple of days.
Zero Waste Toothbrush
If you are not set on having a toothbrush and open to exploring other options, you could consider miswak or neem chewing sticks.
You use miswak and neem sticks similarly. You chew on the 1″ end of the stick until “bristles” are formed from the fibers of the stick. Now you have an old fashioned “toothbrush.” Next, gently and carefully rub the bristles along your teeth as you would a conventional toothbrush. After brushing, cut off the used portion of the stick using a strong pair of scissors or a clean pruner. Discard the used portion in your compost (it will biodegrade), and save the rest of the stick for future use.
In Conclusion
There are so many options when it comes to eco-friendly toothbrush options, even opting for a toothbrush alternative! Let us know in the comments what option you’ve tried or your favorite eco-friendly toothbrush brands!
Looking for other zero waste cleaning ideas. Check out zero waste kitchen storage alternatives and homemade household cleaners.
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