How To Fight Against The Toothbrush Pollution

Author: Hai Le

Updated on April 11, 2024 • Estimated read time: 5 minutes

Fun Fact: According to The Better India, plastic toothbrushes are the second-largest plastic waste generated after plastic bags. Just in India alone, more than 150 million plastic toothbrushes are being thrown away every month.

So how do we fight against this pollution problem? With toothbrushes being an important part of our daily oral routines, it's no surprise that the demand for plastic toothbrushes is always high.

But don't worry, that's why I dedicate so much of my time into creating this blog post. I will provide a solution for all readers looking for a future without plastic pollution. After all, our purpose in creating Ecopify is to raise awareness about the issue of plastic pollution and promote a greater alternative to plastic toothbrushes.

Aware Of The Problem

Before we solve a problem, we must be aware that the problem exists. Our planet is currently fighting against the global crisis of plastic pollution, and if we don't reduce the demand for plastic, we are going to have more plastic.

Fun Fact: Scientists have predicted that by 2050, the oceans will contain more plastic than fish (by weight).

The use of plastics, especially single-use plastics, has skyrocketed since the industrial revolution arrived. And due to the skyrocketing demand for plastic, we don't have enough solutions to control and manage this much plastic, which leads to plastic being discarded everywhere.

Again, your plastic toothbrushes play a significant role in this global crisis. According to National Geographic, every plastic toothbrush that's been produced since the 1930s still exists on this planet.

Fish, birds, sea turtles, and many other marine mammals often mistake plastic for food and become entangled in plastic products. Scientists have estimated that plastic pollution kills more than 100,000 marine mammals every year.

Summary: Understanding the problem is the first step toward finding a solution. Your plastic toothbrush is a bigger problem than you realize. The only way to solve this plastic pollution problem is to first be aware that the problem exists, so we can make more informed decisions to reduce our plastic consumption.

The Acceptance Mindset

After becoming aware of the problem, the next step is to acknowledge that plastic is harming our environment. We must change our mindset to reduce the use of plastic for a better planet.

Fun Fact: According to The New York Times, studies suggest that some marine animals don't just accidentally eat plastic, but they seek it out.

This behavior arises from the fact that plastic absorbs aquatic odors over time, making them smell remarkably similar to food for some fish and bird species. But the sad thing is that when these animals eat plastic instead of real food, they also get a dose of chemicals such as PCBs and heavy metals that the plastic absorbs from the environment.

Here is another interesting fact: Plastic pollution doesn't just kill animals, they also reduce the world's oxygen. A study released in the journal Communications Biology found that plastic in the oceans also harms Prochlorococcus, the marine bacteria responsible for producing 10 percent of the world's oxygen.

Summary: Beyond awareness, embracing the fact that plastic harms our environment is very important. Plants and animals don't understand the dangers that plastics pose to them. This problem was created by humans, and only humans can fix it. By accepting that we are wrong, we are one more step toward fighting against plastic toothbrush pollution.

The Cost Of Fighting Against The Toothbrush Pollution

Shoppers often underestimate how much plastic they use, so hear me out. According to the American Dental Association, it is recommended to replace your toothbrush every three to four months, or even more frequently if the bristles appear worn or damaged. If everyone followed these guidelines, around 23 billion plastic toothbrushes would be discarded every year.

That is a lot of plastic toothbrushes being thrown away every year! No wonder why plastic is a global waste crisis.

To help our planet, we must reduce our demand for plastic, and by doing that, we decrease the amount of plastic is being produced.

Because plastic usually is the cheapest and the most convenient option for making products and packaging. Opting for an eco-friendly alternative often means that companies have to spend more money to create the same functional product.

And while most companies are still using plastic for their product and packaging, Ecopify has created a product that not only helps you reduce your plastic consumption but is also affordable.

Summary: Because plastic usually is the cheapest, opting for eco-friendly alternatives going to cost money. But we must reduce our demand for plastic toothbrushes, and by doing that, we decrease the amount of plastic is being produced. In the end, it boils down to our society using way too much plastic!

Eco-Friendly Alternative To Plastic Toothbrush

Fun Fact: According to National Geographic, most plastic toothbrushes are not recyclable since the mixed plastic used to create them doesn't break apart efficiently, and their small part could get stuck in the machine.

While traditional toothbrushes are made from a mix of plastic materials that combine elements of rubber, crude oil, and petroleum (A bad mix to put in your mouth twice a day). Companies like Ecopify created affordable bamboo toothbrushes made from 100% Natural Bamboo Wood to help reduce plastic waste without sacrificing on quality or accessibility.

Here Are Some Advantages of Bamboo Toothbrushes:

• Reduce Waste: Bamboo toothbrushes eliminate unnecessary waste while giving you the same quality of cleaning that a plastic brush can offer.
• Antimicrobial Properties: Unlike plastic, properties inside bamboo kill bacteria that penetrate it surface, providing long-lasting protection against harmful bacteria.
• Biodegradability: Bamboo toothbrushes can be decomposed as quickly as a tree branch. Also, the recycling, reusing, and composting process has never been easier with eco-friendly packaging.
• Eco-Friendly: Bamboo plants grow quickly, and can be regrow after being cut down, making it one of the most environmentally friendly products available.

Summary: Bamboo toothbrushes are just as good for your teeth as plastic toothbrushes. By using the eco-friendly alternative, you actively contribute to reducing plastic waste, while still enjoying a high-quality oral care routine. Little by little, you'll start to find satisfaction in this simple swap, and before you know it, bamboo toothbrush can become a part of your everyday life.

Quick Takeaway

Due to the demand for plastic toothbrushes being high, many companies will continue producing plastic toothbrushes for their consumers to earn profit. We (as consumers) must be aware of the plastic toothbrush problem, and start doing something about it.

By reducing the demand for plastic toothbrush, and switch to using bamboo toothbrush, we decrease the amount of plastic being produced. In the end, the root of the problem boils down to our society using way too much plastic!

Frequently Asked Questions Relate To This Blog:

Question #1: How do toothbrushes affect the environment?

Answer: Toothbrushes can affect the environment in many ways, most toothbrushes are made from plastic, which is a non-renewable resource. When plastic toothbrushes are thrown away, they also take hundreds of years to decompose.

Question #2: How can I make my toothbrush eco friendly?

Answer: You can't really make a plastic toothbrush eco-friendly, but you can switch to using a bamboo toothbrush. Bamboo toothbrushes are made from a renewable resource and are biodegradable, making them a more sustainable alternative.

Question #3: How long does it take for a toothbrush to decompose?

Answer: It depend on the type of toothbrush you are using. While a bamboo toothbrush decompose as quickly as a branch of a tree, a plastic toothbrush can take up to 500 years to decompose in a landfill.