Non Plastic Floss: Environmentally Friendly Flossing Without Waste. 9 Options

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If you’re trying to floss more sustainably, non plastic floss is one of the easiest swaps to start with. Unlike conventional options made from nylon or PTFE, it avoids synthetic plastics and is designed to support environmentally friendly flossing without adding more waste to your daily routine.

For me, it’s a simple way to choose an eco friendly tooth floss that does the job while aligning better with a low-impact, planet-first lifestyle.

I'll be honest with you guys, I consider floss picks evil even if they are made of sustainable materials. So I don't recommend buying floss picks at all and let me explain why.

Biodegradable floss picks are definitely better than plastic ones since they decompose faster, but:

1. Whether biodegradable or not, they’re still single-use items, and a person uses several of them daily. So, calculate how many floss picks are produced and then thrown away daily. Not all get composted; the majority end up in landfills.

2. Imagine the damage they can cause to an animal who steps on them in the wild or swallows one by mistake.

Given these arguments, I've chosen ordinary floss in sustainable packaging.

But for those of you who "can’t open your mouth 180 degrees and put your fist inside" (© my husband), here are some less harmful floss-pick options:

Environmentally Friendly Flossers: Selected Choices

Biodegradable Dental Floss Picks - Natural Plastic Free Handle	PUL Biodegradable Mint Dental Floss Picks	Natural Dental High Toughness Charcoal Toothpicks

So, if you can’t imagine your oral care routine without flossers, at least choose one of the best biodegradable floss picks, as they’re better for the environment than plastic ones.

And now let’s discuss more eco-friendly options: non plastic dental flosses. They can be made of materials like silk, bamboo or plant-based nylon.

Eco Friendly Tooth Floss: My Top Picks

Non plastic bamboo flosses:

Mother Earth Bamboo Charcoal Floss, Refillable Glass Container	BOONBOO Dental Floss, Bamboo Charcoal Woven Thread	Bamboo Charcoal Floss - Reusable Container with Floss Refills

Non plastic silk flosses:

Ohm Earth’s Ohm Floss – Natural Biodegradable Silk Dental Floss	Biodegradable Silk Dental Floss with a Refillable Glass Holder	Dental Lace Silk Floss with Natural Mint Flavor

What Is Non Plastic Floss?

Non plastic floss is dental floss made without synthetic plastics like nylon, polyester, or PTFE. Instead, it uses natural or plant-based materials such as silk, bamboo fiber, or other biodegradable fibers, often coated with natural waxes. The goal of non plastic floss is to clean effectively between teeth while avoiding persistent plastic waste and reducing the environmental impact of daily flossing.

Author's Pick on Zero Waste Flossing

All these products have refills that can be purchased separately. My favorite option is Boonboo floss, primarily because of the cute panda on the logo :) and it's also fun to use black eco friendly tooth floss instead of the traditional white one.

In comparison with silk, bamboo products have an ecological advantage as they are purely plant-based and do not involve any animals in the production cycle. However, silk is a byproduct of silkworms' activity, so silk dental floss cannot be considered purely vegan.

FAQ: Environmentally Friendly Flossing

What makes flossing environmentally friendly?

Flossing becomes environmentally friendly when it avoids single-use plastics, uses biodegradable or reusable materials, and minimizes packaging waste. Choosing non plastic floss, reusable flossers, or biodegradable floss picks helps reduce the long-term environmental impact of a daily habit.

Are floss picks bad for the environment?

Generally, yes. Even biodegradable floss picks are single-use items, and many end up in landfills or the environment, posing risks to wildlife. 

What are better alternatives to floss picks for zero waste flossing?

Dental floss made from bamboo, silk, or plant-based nylon in sustainable packaging is a more eco-friendly choice.

Are there any eco-friendly floss picks available?

Yes, some brands offer biodegradable floss picks made from materials like straw wheat or cornstarch, but they are still single-use and should be used sparingly.

Is silk floss a sustainable option?

Silk floss is biodegradable but not vegan, as it is derived from silkworms. Bamboo-based floss is a plant-based alternative.

What is the lowest-waste way to floss every day?

The lowest-waste option is using non-plastic floss in recyclable or refillable packaging, combined with mindful use. Skipping disposable floss picks and flossing with your hands reduces material use, and choosing compostable or biodegradable materials keeps waste to a minimum.

Is eco-friendly tooth floss as effective as regular floss?

Yes. Eco-friendly tooth floss works just as well as conventional floss when used correctly. The effectiveness comes from proper technique, not from plastic materials, and natural or plant-based fibers can clean between teeth just as effectively.

Image credit www.wardperio.com

#️⃣ Tags: Sustainable dental care