Most of us aren’t conscious of the impact we have on Earth. We take all things for granted and don’t think about how they affect our lives. But the truth is, our deeds not only define us but also affect us. The best example of this is the environmental pollution which in the last few decades turned into a real environmental catastrophe causing death to many animals and putting them on the list of endangered species.
Our acts are destroying our planet and all we do is talk. We are constantly talking about saving the planet. But, if you talk the talk, you gotta walk the walk. So, if you want to save the plant, you have to actually do something about it. One way to do it is by making your home eco-friendly. Start with something small, like replacing your regular toothbrush with an eco-friendly, bamboo toothbrush or the plastic bags with biodegradable bags.
As a matter of fact, eco-friendly toothbrushes became a real sensation. It’s because a lot of people found out about their benefits. As it’s known, these toothbrushes not only protect the environment but also ensure maintaining proper oral health. More so, they go hand in hand with regular dental check-ups to maintain your pearly whites. For instance, check out this dentist in charlotte nc for your dental needs. But, if you don’t know much about them, here are some things you should know.
Eco-friendly Toothbrushes Are Biodegradable
As their name suggests, eco-friendly toothbrushes are eco-friendly. It’s because they are made of natural materials. Unlike the conventional, plastic toothbrushes, the handle of eco-friendly toothbrushes is made from bamboo. Their bristles, on the other hand, can be made from nylon, boar hair, or other natural fibers. It depends on what you are looking for and which brand you are buying from.
Due to being made from natural materials, these toothbrushes are biodegradable. So, you can expect them to decompose themselves after some time, depending on the way you have disposed of it. Namely, if you throw your eco-friendly toothbrush in your yard, it will need around 5 to 10 years to decompose. If you bury it in the soil, it will need around 3 years. And, if you throw it in a home composter, it will decompose in half a year or less. But, an industrial composter will break it down in a couple of weeks.
Their Bristles Are Recyclable
Most of the modern eco-friendly toothbrushes have bristles made from nylon. According to their claims, most manufacturers use nylon 4 for the bristles. This type of nylon is biodegradable, so you don’t have to worry about harming the environment.
However, some manufacturers use nylon 6 for the bristles. The thing about this type is that it’s non-biodegradable. And, although that sounds bad, the good thing is that you can recycle it. Yes, before you get rid of your old eco-friendly toothbrush, you can recycle the bristles and then dispose of the handle.
Eco-friendly Toothbrushes Are Better for Your Health
You have probably never thought about it but the composition of your toothbrush is important for your health. It’s because when you brush your teeth, your mouth gets in contact with part of the handle. And, who knows what is on it. When using plastic toothbrushes, you get in contact with plastic which seems to be clean. But if we take into consideration that its main component is petroleum, we are no longer sure if it’s really that safe.
On the other hand, when using eco-friendly toothbrushes, you can rest assured that there’s nothing harmful on or in it. It’s because they are made usually from bamboo, which has antimicrobial properties, thus preventing the appearance of bacteria. Plus, bamboo is organically grown, which means no pesticides or fertilizers have been used to support its growth.
Eco-friendly Toothbrushes Are Made from Sustainable Materials
Since the eco-friendly toothbrushes are made from natural materials, they don’t harm the environment in any way. If, for instance, we take bamboo, we can say that it grows really fast and different environments, so there’s no need to take it from the natural habitats of animals, such as a rain forest. Therefore, there’s no deforestation or destruction of nature.
Eco-friendly Toothbrushes Are Highly Effective
Although they are wooden and look very simple, they are no less effective than the regular toothbrushes. As a matter of fact, they are highly effective in cleaning your teeth, thus supporting your oral health. They are also very hygienic and healthy to use because they are all-natural. And, if they are made from bamboo, they provide you extra protection from bacteria due to its antimicrobial properties.
Eco-Friendly Toothbrushes Last Same as Their Plastic Versions
Yes, that’s true. The eco-friendly toothbrushes can last as long as your regular, plastic toothbrushes. In fact, you take care of them the same way you do with your regular toothbrush. That means you rinse them thoroughly after cleaning your teeth and keep it dry.