Plastic -free alternative
How sustainable is the application of a bamboo toothbrush?
Plastic toothbrushes have a poor ecological balance. Sustainable alternatives from bamboo, on the other hand, find more and more enthusiastic supporters – but are they really better?
Bamboo toothbrushes are mostly free of pollutants, can (at least partially) be recycled and protect our natural resources. In contrast to plastic toothbrushes, the climate balance is a significantly better one, but the sustainable alternatives also have a weak point: According to the Bund Hessen, bamboo has to cover long transport routes, since the material usually comes from China – and thus deteriorates the environmental balance. In addition, the brush head is not recyclable. What this is and which manufacturers are recommended will be revealed below.
Four bamboo toothbrushes in comparison
1. Hydrophil
The Bamboo toothbrushes of the Hydrophil brand are available in a pack of 4. In contrast to other manufacturers, the models are in different colors (,, ,, ) Available – these were of course made, are biodegradable and free of synthetic substances. In addition, you can choose between different degrees of hardness of the bristles made of BPA-free nylon: these consist of castor oil, a renewable raw material. Another advantage is that Hydrophil sends its bamboo toothbrushes in an environmentally friendly packaging made of recycled material.
And what does the application look like in children? According to Johanna Kant, chairwoman of the Federal Association of Child Dentists, there is nothing to be said that even the little ones are with her teeth Cleaning: “No matter what type of toothbrush is used: it is important that the teeth are then clean and neither tooth substance nor gums are damaged when cleaning.”
2. Bamboo love
According to the manufacturer, the sustainable toothbrush contains No pollutants. The wave-like design is supposed to cause a good feeling in the hand, but this model is particularly due to its bristles: these consist of bamboo viscose-this can dispose of the toothbrush in a row in organic waste. Another plus is the packaging made of recycled cardboard, so that it is also free of plastic and completely vegan. The model is available individually, but also as a available.
3. Nature nerds
The toothbrushes of If-according to the manufacturer-if bamboo is built up sustainably, vegan and BPA are also free. The unique design on the body of the brushes is also striking: this is by no means a paint or color printing, instead the motifs were engraved via laser. Here, too, plastic waste is completely dispensed with, which of course applies equally to the packaging.
4. Dr. Best
The grip of the toothbrush from consists of robust, sustainably grown bamboo and is completely biodegradable. The manufacturer also relies on an environmentally friendly solution for the bristles: they consist of a BPA-free nylon variant and can be disposed of together with the body. The recyclable packaging, which is mainly made of environmentally friendly materials, ensures additional sustainability. Particularly noteworthy: the protective cover of each brush is not made of conventional plastic, but of a biodegradable film based on a cornstar.
Alternative to bamboo toothbrushes: wood
According to Ökotest, there is another sensible alternative to plastic or bamboo toothbrushes – wood. However, it is important that you make sure that the manufacturer has processed a domestic type when buying, this note can be recognized by the so-called “Forest Stewardship Council” seal (FSC for short). Then you can be sure that the supports sustainable and socially compatible forest economy.
Dispose of bamboo toothbrushes correctly: This is how it works
If toothbrushes were previously equipped with pig bristles, all models are vegan today – but still not 100 percent recyclable. And there is just a reason: Most toothbrushes have bristles made of nylon, castor oil or bamboo viscose. The latter should actually be completely compostable, but is often combined by many manufacturers with other fabrics and must therefore be disposed of in residual waste or yellow sack. In other words, they first break off the head of the toothbrush and only throw the body of wood or bamboo into organic waste or on the compost.
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Source: Stern
I’m Caroline, a journalist and author for 24 Hours Worlds. I specialize in health-related news and stories, bringing real-world impact to readers across the globe. With my experience in journalism and writing in both print and online formats, I strive to provide reliable information that resonates with audiences from all walks of life.
