Which Toothbrush is More Eco-Friendly: Electric or Bamboo?

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A default toothbrush option is still a single-use plastic brush available in every store. They are cheap, unattractive, and harmful to the environment, as they’re non-recyclable and accumulate in landfills for thousands of years.

So, what can we use instead? Two alternatives that come to mind are compostable bamboo and electric toothbrushes. I’ll compare them below and introduce an even better option. And for the record, it’s not always either-or. For instance, I use both – a bamboo and an electric brush. Not at the same time though :) I take the bamboo one on trips and use the electric one at home.

So let’s look deeper into all the options.

Vegan Bamboo Manual Toothbrushes

Sustainably made, natural, compostable bamboo toothbrushes are a much better option than single-use plastic brushes. Naturally antibacterial, bamboo is an ideal material for self-care products. Keep the brush in a dry place between uses and replace it regularly.

Brush with Bamboo Toothbrush with Plant-Based Bristles	Sea Turtle Plant-Based Bristles, Bamboo Toothbrushes	MABLE Basics Bamboo Toothbrush with Plant-Based Bristles

Bamboo Toothbrushes Natural Organic Biodegradable	Bamboo Toothbrushes Medium Bristles	Bamboo Toothbrush with Soft Charcoal Infused Bristles

Bamboo toothbrushes for kids:

Sea Turtle Plant-Based Bristles, Bamboo Toothbrushes for Kids	GREENZLA Kids Bamboo Toothbrushes	Bamboo Kids Toothbrushes Multicolor

Beware of nylon

Even if toothbrushes claim to be 100% plant-based or eco-friendly, the bristles may still contain nylon 1010 or nylon-4 (eco-nylon). These types of nylon, derived from castor oil, have a lower environmental footprint than traditional nylon but remain polymers that aren’t compostable or biodegradable under normal conditions. So, while they are better than conventional nylon, they’re still not perfect.

A few things to keep in mind to make the most of your choice:

• Check the brush’s source and consider the environmental footprint of delivery. Even the most sustainable brush can have a high impact if shipped from afar, like China.

• Dispose of it in organic waste for composting. Ideally, cut off the bristles if they’re nylon and recycle them separately.

• Opt for brushes with plant-based rather than animal-derived bristles, as it’s hard to call a brush eco-friendly if animal parts were taken unwillingly

Bamboo vs. Electric Toothbrushes

From an ecological perspective, bamboo brushes are the friendlier option. So, if you’re comfortable with a manual brush, choose bamboo. However, if you’re like me and believe electric toothbrushes clean better due to their faster-moving heads, then an electric toothbrush might be your choice. And there’s great news for those who feel the same!

2-in-1: [more] Sustainable Electric Brushes

Eco-friendly tooth care has taken a step forward with a new generation of electric toothbrushes designed for sustainability. Made from more sustainable materials like bamboo or other plant-based options, these toothbrushes feature longer-lasting batteries and offer biodegradable or recyclable brush heads.

It’s not a perfect solution yet, but it’s a significant improvement over traditional plastic toothbrushes. So, if you're considering an electric toothbrush, take a look at these options:

SURI Slim Sonic Electric Toothbrush. B Corp certified	Better & Better Sonic Bamboo Electric Toothbrush	Lumineux Sonic Electric Toothbrush

Don’t Throw Away Your Plastic Electric Toothbrush

Already have a favourite electric toothbrush like a Philips Sonicare or Oral-B? You might wonder about its environmental impact and if it’s worth keeping. Good news!

First, environmentally speaking, an electric toothbrush is better than single-use plastic ones, as it generates much less waste over time. Plus, users often use less toothpaste due to the smaller head, further reducing waste. While electric toothbrushes do use energy, their impact varies depending on your electricity’s source.

Second, you can make your toothbrush more eco-friendly by switching to sustainable, compatible brush heads, reducing plastic waste.

Bamboo Electric Toothbrush Replacement Heads Compatible with Philips Sonicare	The Humble Co. Electric Toothbrush Replacement Heads. Compatible with  Philips Sonicare	Oraboo - Biodegradable Electric Toothbrush Heads Compatible with Oral-b

It may look funny, I get it. But it’s a big step forward in the eco-friendly direction.

Author's Take

For everyday use, I stick with a pretty old Oral-B electric toothbrush that has proven to be durable and long-lasting, with recyclable replacement heads. Besides being more eco-friendly, they’re also cheaper than the original ones. On rare business trips or vacations, I switch to a bamboo toothbrush to pack as light as possible. I pair it with toothpaste tablets and compostable bamboo dental floss – so all in all, it’s a pretty decent setup. Once my Oral-B finally gives out (hopefully not anytime soon), I’ll consider switching to a bamboo electric toothbrush, unless something even better comes along by then.

What Else Can We Do to Reduce Environmental Harm from Our Dental Routine?

• Switch from traditional toothpaste in plastic tubes to eco-friendly toothpaste alternatives.

• Use sustainable, zero-waste dental floss, or try compostable floss picks if you prefer them.

• Check if local recycling facilities accept used toothbrushes or brush heads.

• Never dispose of a broken electric toothbrush in general waste due to its battery. It should be taken to a specialized battery recycling facility.

• Share these sustainable alternatives with friends!

FAQ: Choosing an Eco-Friendly Toothbrush

Is a bamboo toothbrush more sustainable than an electric one?

Generally, yes. Bamboo toothbrushes have biodegradable handles and a lower carbon footprint. However, their bristles are often nylon, which isn't biodegradable. And if you already have a high-quality durable electric toothbrush, it;s better to keep using it as long as possible with eco-friendly replacement heads.

What are the environmental concerns with electric toothbrushes?

Electric toothbrushes involve plastic and electronic waste and require energy to operate. Their production and disposal can have a higher environmental impact compared to manual brushes.

Can I make my electric toothbrush more eco-friendly?

Yes. Some brands offer biodegradable or recyclable brush heads. Proper disposal of electronic components is also crucial.

How should I dispose of a bamboo toothbrush?

Remove the nylon bristles with pliers and compost the bamboo handle. Ensure the handle is disposed of in a composting facility to biodegrade properly.

How should I dispose of an electric toothbrush?

Electric toothbrushes should be disposed of as electronic waste (e-waste). Check with your local recycling center or electronics store for proper drop-off points. Remove the battery if possible and recycle it separately according to local guidelines.

Image credit etsy.com

#️⃣ Tags: Sustainable dental care, Bamboo products