Finding a Sustainable Toothbrush, Harder Than You Might Think

I started the quest for a sustainable toothbrush years ago and surprisingly it has felt like chasing the elusive unicorn. There are so many different toothbrushes out there, 5 billion are produced every and most of them are disposable “trash in transition“. Designed to be tossed right from the get go. Plastic, mixed material, impossible to recycle, destined for the landfill and found in every ecosystem. Nearly every toothbrush ever made since the 1940’s still exists.

You might ask why do I care and why am I looking for a sustainable toothbrush? Stick with me and lets have a look.

Why?

Years ago, on a trip to the aquarium with my wife and kids, I was enthralled by the Douglas Coupland art exhibit called Vortex. It was art completely made from plastic found on the remote beaches of Haida Gwaii. Staring at all the finds, I was amazed that so many toothbrushes had washed up on shore. Tossing used toothbrushes never sat super well with me. I wear through them pretty quickly, likely from brushing harder than I am supposed to, that and having less than perfectly straight teeth. More plastic in the trash, effecting our ecosystems and wildlife.

While having lunch that day, I kept thinking about the conventional plastic toothbrush and the parallel to utensils. We have evolved using long term reusable stainless steel knives, spoons and forks. The disposable plastic utensil was an afterthought for quick convenience. No one wants to use plastic every meal, so why would you for every brush? Why do you want to use something that is designed for the trash, twice a day?

I believe that future generations shouldn’t be committed to a future where oceans have more plastic than fish.

What About Bamboo?

You might be asking “What about bamboo toothbrushes”? I have certainly used them but I have never been super satisfied. I’m guessing you know what I mean, for starters, they don’t glide very nicely in your mouth.

Think of the utensil comparison, given the choice would you have ice cream or soup with a bamboo spoon? Just not satisfying… Not to mention how difficult it is to keep bamboo from getting grungy. It sure is hard to keep it clean and hygienic.

What about the bristles falling out? If you haven’t experienced it, I can tell you it’s not pleasant, enough to make you gag.

Major brands have jumped into the bamboo market but due to the issues mentioned above, I don’t think they will make it mainstream and surpass plastic ones for the masses.

All that being said, bamboo toothbrushes are way better for the environment than plastic ones. I’d still recommend using one for the time being. Brush with Bamboo has been my favourite.

What About Electric?

I certainly have tried electric as well. The replaceable heads are slightly smaller than a manual toothbrush but they certainly contribute to the plastic pollution problem. Especially if you replace the head more often. Not to mention the much larger amount of waste they create once the battery fades. Even rechargeable electric toothbrushes fade over time and end up in the trash.

I’m sure that I’m starting to sound like Goldilocks at this point but hear me out. Have you been able to keep your electric toothbrush clean? Mine got grungy and moldy even with regular cleanings. All the little parts and connections get black and grimy even with regular cleaning. Another funny quirk about the electric toothbrush no one seems to talk about is the drool. It’s nearly impossible not to drool and drip with an electric.

The Sustainable Toothbrush for Everyone

This had me thinking, how do you get the mainstream to use a sustainable toothbrush? A billion get tossed every year in the US alone, end to end enough to go around the world 4 1/2 times. How do you convert the unconverted?

A few examples came to mind. S’well managed to change the water bottle industry and reduce single use plastic by combining form and function. A stylish and desirable product convinces people to make the switch, no mater if sustainability is front of mind or not.

Another example is the goofy looking early models of the electric car, they weren’t going to make it to the mainstream. They had to be stylish and desirable to make a real dent in the market.

Have you ever noticed how a cup of plastic toothbrushes on the counter of a nice looking bathroom? An eyesore isn’t it?

The Lifetime Toothbrush, the Sustainable Toothbrush for Everyone

On the quest for the sustainable toothbrush, turns out I had to design my own. All these little things came together to design the Lifetime toothbrush.

End of life waste and sustainability were the starting point, next was combining form and function to create a simple, useful and desirable toothbrush.

The goal being, a replaceable head that returns to the earth after use, combined with a handle that will last a lifetime or more. It should perform impeccably, feel great, be easy to clean and look amazing on display.

Not to mention that giving back has to be built in to the DNA of the toothbrush. A portion of the profits need to go to good causes and helping the planet. A mission with a company not a company with a mission.

It’s been quite a journey with lots of speed bumps along the way but every obstacle or failure is a chance to learn and improve and we are just getting started.

I’m certainly looking forward to getting the Lifetime toothbrush into the hands of happy customers in the near future.

Discounted pre-orders are coming soon, keep an eye out. I will also do my absolute best to keep you informed.

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Thanks for reading,

Pat