Tips for Going Green Don’t Have to Be Complicated

Every day, I am reminded that going green is a journey of discovery. Just when I think I have a handle on things, I read an article or talk to a fellow environmentalist and get more valuable tips for going green. A few days ago, I was speaking to a friend about recycling and they brought up an unusual topic: Toothbrushes.

Like most people, I never really gave a lot of thought to the tools I used to keep my teeth in good shape. Until that day, I didn’t even realize that the caps to toothpaste tubes were recyclable (you can turn them into a participating Aveda salon). But after speaking to my friend and doing some research on the internet, I learned that you can turn a very wasteful necessity (50 million pounds of toothbrushes are dumped in landfills every year) to one that is healthier for the environment.

So for this week’s tips for going green, I’m going show you a few ways you can make your toothbrush a little more eco-friendly.

Tips for Going Green – Change Your Toothbrush

Replaceable Head Toothbrushes

A unique product for sure but the replaceable head toothbrush is, perhaps, the easiest way to make your dental hygiene easier on the planet. When the toothbrush needs to be replaced, instead of throwing away the whole toothbrush, you just switch the head for a new one. Considering the cost of a brand new toothbrush these days, this product can also help you trim a few dollars off the household budget since replacement heads usually come in multiples of four. That’s like getting 4 toothbrushes for the price of one.

Toothbrush Subscriptions

I’m a little embarrassed to admit that I probably keep my toothbrushes longer than I should. This is a habit I hope to change because worn out toothbrushes accumulate bacteria that can contribute to illness. Additionally, they become less effective over time and worn out bristles can actually damage gums.

One solution to this is to sign up for a toothbrush subscription. This probably one of the most unusual tips for going green that you have probably heard of but there is a company out there that will send you a fresh toothbrush every few months. In exchange, you send them your old toothbrush that is then recycled into other products such as picnic tables and boardwalks.

Green Toothbrushes

Most toothbrushes on the market are made from plastic which, while recyclable, is not exactly biodegradable. A company called Radius produces an all natural toothbrush made from a plant based cellulose culled from trees in sustainable forests. These unique, ergonomic toothbrushes are designed to be comfortable to hold as well as gentler on teeth and gums. They last a lot longer than regular toothbrushes (from 9-18 months) and you can send them back to the company for recycling when you are done with them.

As an alternative, you can also purchase toothbrushes that have been made from recycled materials. For example, Recycline sells toothbrushes with handles that has been made from recycled yogurt cups. Once you are finished with the toothbrush, you can either put it in your recycle bin or send it back to the company to be reused as raw materials for other non-hygiene products.

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(photo credit: Photos8)

For more tips for going green, read other articles I’ve written about being Earth friendly.