Switching to Bamboo

One billion plastic toothbrushes are thrown away each year in the US. This is only in the US can you imagine in other countries? Imagine all the toothbrushes you’ve used during your life time, pilling up.

 

It’s only a toothbrush – or is it? When plastic toothbrushes decompose, they release toxic pollutants that cause harm to animals, humans and plants. Not to mention it takes thousands of years for plastic to break down. It not only effects our planet, but our wildlife as well. Plastic travels in the food chain of animals and humans. When a species low on the food chain consumes plastic and is eaten by its predator, the predator now contains reminiscence of plastic in its diet. This plastic filled foods end up in our grocery stores. There is a chance that when you eat fish, you’re also eating pieces of plastic. Crude oil, rubber and mixture of plastic make up plastic toothbrushes. Crude oil destroys animals’ fur and bird’s feathers. The destruction of fur can cause hypothermia, it also can impair animal’s ability to fly, swim and see. Oil is a non-renewable source. For oil to be produced, oil wells have to be created causing more harm to our ecosystem and destroying the habitats of animals. Plastic toothbrushes don’t just end up in our garbage cans that get transported to your local landfill. Actually, it ends up in our oceans and is washed up on our beautiful beach fronts. Can you imagine traveling to your favorite beach vacation spot and seeing it filled with plastic? Billions of pounds of plastic are found in our oceans each year. At the current rates, plastic is expected to outweigh all sea life by year 2050.

But this isn’t a guilt trip. Box for Health is a solution-oriented kind of nonprofit.

What can I do?

There are many ways to reverse the damage on our ecosystem that has been caused by plastic. One of the keys in doing this is by switching to an alternative. Instead of a plastic look for a bamboo toothbrush. Bamboo toothbrushes work just like the regular toothbrushes we love. Always purchase soft or extra soft bristles. When using a bamboo toothbrush, you’re not just getting rid of bacteria in your mouth, you’re also being environmentally responsible.

 

More Good News

Bamboo toothbrush handles are made entirely of bamboo. When your dentist recommends getting a new toothbrush at least every six months, swapping these toothbrushes can add up. The feeling of guilt is no longer present when throwing away a toothbrush when choosing bamboo. Bamboo toothbrushes are biodegradable, and they do NOT release toxic by products when they decompose. Plastic toothbrushes are made of chemicals like polypropylene and polyethylene - when breaking down these chemicals can cause serious damage to your gums and teeth enamel.

Bamboo plants grows rapidly with the use of little to no fertilizers or pesticides. This organic materials has naturally has antimicrobial abilities! This toothbrush can fight against microbes that cause harm to your oral hygiene.

Try out a bamboo toothbrushes as your travel toothbrush. They can be carried anywhere without the hassle of charging them before each trip. Going green is affordable. Bamboo toothbrushes can be purchased at low cost – buy a bunch and don’t worry if you leave one behind. They also give a sense of style. Bamboo toothbrushes are classy. Owning one of these gives you that authentic look. Let’s call it the look of eco-conscience citizen.

 

Going with a traditional toothbrush is a thing in the past. Bamboo toothbrushes are the now. They do all the wonderful things and more than a traditional toothbrush does. It’s time to start living a healthier lifestyle. Start by switching your toothbrush.

 

Darian Kasey is a Box for Health Intern Extraordinaire. When not inspiring others to save the planet, one step at a time, he enjoys lifting.  

 

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