With plastic pollution going off the chart, the eco-conscious community is 2nd-guessing every little purchase. We’re reconsidering plastic bottles, bags, containers, etc. But, we’ve overlooked plastic toothbrushes, a staple in our daily routine for ages. Well, not anymore. With rising awareness of environmental sustainability, more and more people are now switching to eco-friendly alternatives like bamboo toothbrush. They have become a popular eco-friendly alternative to plastic toothbrushes due to their biodegradable and environmentally friendly nature.
But are bamboo toothbrushes really good? In this quick read, we’ll review some of the highest-rated bamboo toothbrushes on the market and break down everything you need to know about them, including their eco-friendliness, usability, and customer feedback, so you can decide if this simple swap is right for you.
Why Choose a Bamboo Toothbrush?
One of the main benefits of bamboo toothbrushes is, of course, sustainability. Plastic toothbrushes are major contributors to plastic waste. The amount of plastic toothbrushes discarded globally every year is about 23 billion. This translates to an estimated 229,971 tonnes of plastic waste each year. The majority of this waste either ends up in landfills or in our oceans. And we’re well aware that plastic is no friend to the environment.
Bamboo toothbrushes, on the other hand, offer a biodegradable alternative since bamboo is a sustainable material that grows quickly without pesticides or fertilizers. Let’s take a quick look at bamboo brush benefits.
Key benefits of a Bamboo Toothbrush
Plastic toothbrushes may seem small, but they wreak havoc on the environment. In contrast, a bamboo toothbrush is good for your teeth and the environment. Plus, it’s an impactful step toward sustainability. Here’s why bamboo toothbrushes are an eco-friendly and practical choice:
- Sustainable Material: Bamboo is one of the fastest-growing plants, requires no fertilizers or pesticides, and regenerates quickly, making it an ideal renewable resource.
- Biodegradable: Unlike plastic, bamboo decomposes naturally—usually within six months—reducing landfill waste.
- Practical: With a design similar to plastic toothbrushes, bamboo toothbrushes effectively remove food debris and plaque while offering an eco-friendly handle.
Most Rated Bamboo Toothbrush Brands in India
Like you, I too am on my journey to sustainability. So, I had to switch to a bamboo toothbrush. After all, small swaps can make a big difference in the journey to live a more eco-friendly lifestyle. Moreover, it’s impossible to stick to your good old plastic toothbrush once you know that the monthly number of plastic toothbrushes being discarded in India is 150 million. Imagine the ruckus on the environment and marine life!
So, I went on a research spree to find the right bamboo toothbrush in India. I scoured through tons of manufacturers and sellers and read hundreds of customer reviews on Amazon. Here are the brands I considered buying from.
Rusabl
Ratings on Amazon: 4.1/5
Number of Ratings: 4,000+
Positive Ratings: 90%
Handle Material: Organic Bamboo
Bristles Material: BPA-free, Charcoal-activated, Nylon
Bamboo India
Ratings on Amazon: 4/5
Number of Ratings: 1,300+
Positive Ratings: 86%
Handle Material: Indian Bamboo
Bristles Material: BPA-free, Charcoal-infused, Nylon
This bamboo toothbrush brand got its name high in the market after appearing on Shark Tank India. It offers a variety of bamboo products, including oral care, personal care, stationary, and pet care.
Awenest
Ratings on Amazon: 4.1/5
Number of Ratings: 500+
Positive Ratings: 90%
Handle Material: Neem-treated Natural Bamboo
Bristles Material: BPA-free, Charcoal-infused, Plastic
Pros and Cons of These Bamboo Toothbrushes
Although these brands are doing a great job of offering eco-friendly product options, bamboo toothbrushes offer both benefits and disadvantages.
Pros:
- Eco-Friendly: They’re all made of bamboo, a renewable resource that reduces plastic waste. They’re practical, functional, and good for the planet.
- Natural Aesthetic: Bamboo’s natural, earthy look and feel give
- aesthetic vibes.
- Biodegradable Handle: If composted correctly, the handle typically decomposes within a few months.
Cons:
- Bristle Degradation: Some users report that the bristles don’t last as long as plastic ones, meaning replacements might be needed more frequently.
- Not Fully Biodegradable: The bristles are made of nylon, which is obviously a step up from plastic but not entirely eco-friendly. Nylon does not decompose.
Final Thoughts
Bamboo toothbrushes are a great option for anyone looking to make eco-friendly changes in their daily routine. Based on Amazon ratings, the top 3 bamboo toothbrush brands in India are Rusable, Bamboo India, and Awenest. However, they’re not 100% plant-based. They use nylon to make the bristles, which is not degradable. There are 100% plant-based options available on Amazon India. However, they’re costly and do not have enough ratings. A few 100% plant-based brands include Toucan Lifestyle, HMD India, Goli Soda, etc.
I hope this helps you make an informed decision and saves you some time. Drop your favorite bamboo toothbrush brands in the comments.