Clean & Green: Ditching The Plastic, Brushing With Bamboo
It can definitely be overwhelming when anyone tries to start incorporating an eco-conscious lifestyle into their normal routines. We often times bypass the little things we use on a daily basis, that can have just as large of impacts as some of the more obvious.
I too was guilty of this. I pretty much got ahold of "banning the bag" and remembering my reusable mugs, but I was falling short in a task I do every single day! And that is bushing my teeth. Typical tooth brushes many of us use, are actually extremely wasteful and harmful to the environment. Really, up until a few months ago I feel like there weren't even any good options out there for eco-friendly toothbrush alternatives. The few I tried just never seemed to hold up or do the job right. So, from time to time, I too would breakdown and go conventional out of un-satisfaction and convenience. See! I too can relapse sometimes, It's ok! We are all human and imperfect and can fall off track from time to time. The important aspect to remember when beginning your journey down the "green" road, is give your self grace, and don't give up. Any effort in being mindful and reducing our waste, is better than no effort at all.
So, What's the problem?
Discarded brushes lined up on Kahuku beach, Honolulu
Photo: Courtesy of GreenPeace
In just the United States, It is estimated that between 850 million, and over a billion toothbrushes, are thrown away annually. Roughly representing more than 50 million pounds of plastic waste, sent to landfills every year. Almost every toothbrush found at your local drug or grocery store is created from plastic and rubber. Made from a combination of toxic chemicals, and requiring crude oil to produce. Also, with synthetic nylon bristles, and coming in packaging usually made of cardboard lined in some sort of plastic. Unfortunately none of these are biodegradable. What's more unfortunate is that these brushes can take 1,000 years to even breakdown, and often end up getting transferred into our oceans. Yuk! Polluting water and causing harm to marine life that consume them. They've even been sited washed up on the shores of beaches all over. What a view when your trying to have a beautiful getaway huh?
What's the solution?
Thankfully, In my new obsession for Bamboo (one of the most sustainable & renewable resources out there) I found a few different brands starting to pick up the trend in using bamboo instead of using conventional plastic, or other recycled plastics. You probably didn't know, but bamboo grows rapidly, being able to harvest every 3-5 years, and requires zero irrigation to grow. It can thrive in just about any environment, and produces 35% more oxygen than most trees, and is completely carbon neutral.
I chose to go with a company WOWE. They've got it figured out. I love the way the brush feels in my hands and on my teeth. The bristles are soft, yet not to forgiving for a good scrub. Made out of BPA-free and recyclable nylon. The handles and head of the brush itself as you could have guessed are made out of sustainably grown bamboo that is completely decomposable. Others have even used these in their plants or gardens for label posts. Brilliant! While made it China, their company still promotes responsible conditions for their workers.
The price is totally right too. One pack that comes with four brushes, enough to last you through the year cost me $12! Regular brushes can cost you just for one or two, anywhere from $7-$13. To end things even their packaging is made from recycled materials that is fully biodegradable.
So, there you have it! One tiny little habit that is simple to change and can have a beautiful outcome! Check out Amazon, or head to wowelifestyle.com to learn more about who they are and what else they do!
