Do biodegradable toothbrushes really exist?

The toothbrush is an object that we use every day, unfortunately, it is mostly made of non-biodegradable and disposable plastic. A classic toothbrush weighs about 18 g, which means that throughout our lives, we throw away more than 5 kg of plastic by using it. In France, plastic toothbrushes represent 1,200 tons of waste per year that ends up in landfill, incinerated and at the bottom of the oceans. As a gesture for the planet, wouldn't it be best to choose a biodegradable and rechargeable toothbrush ? But do biodegradable objects really exist?

Before going any further and if you have not read our complete file on the bamboo toothbrush, I invite you to read it here: complete file bamboo toothbrush

Biodegradability

Plastic is pure waste that is not only harmful to health, but also to the environment. Toothbrushes made with this material are a major pollutant. Depending on the type of plastic used, the degradation time is between 100 and 1,000 years. For this reason, there is nothing better than a biodegradable toothbrush. As a reminder, an object is biodegradable if it is capable of degrading and breaking down into hydrogen, carbon, oxygen, etc. under the action of living microorganisms such as bacteria, algae, fungi, etc. Everything is biodegradable, but the problem is the question of time, easily or difficultly biodegradable. With the global zero waste approach, the range of biodegradable and ecological toothbrushes continues to diversify, but many people still cannot find their way between those that are truly ecological and those that are not.

The latest on biodegradable toothbrushes

Some toothbrushes are biodegradable. The wooden toothbrush is a plastic-free item, which means it is truly biodegradable. Caliquo makes such a toothbrush that it will soon be offering for sale. It is made with beech wood and has a rechargeable toothbrush head. In addition to being environmentally friendly, the biodegradable wooden toothbrush is gentle on tooth enamel and gums. The other alternative is the bamboo toothbrush , but here too, it is not really 100% ecological, 100% biodegradable, 100% bamboo and 100% organic. For explanation, the head of the bamboo toothbrush includes non-biodegradable elements like nylon since it is only the handle that is made of compostable and biodegradable bamboo, which means that it is not a biodegradable item in itself. However, there are brands that offer nylon-6 bristles without bisphenol A. It is made with castor oil derivatives, but not petroleum. However, in any case, the head of the bamboo toothbrush is not compostable and you have to throw away or compost your handle every time you change your toothbrush, so it is not very sustainable. For composting, you have to remove the bristles with tweezers. The safest option for environmental protection is to use the Caliquo toothbrush. Made of bioplastic or wood, the toothbrush is made in France, but above all, it is refillable.

In addition to the so-called "classic" toothbrush, you can try Caliquo's siwak brush . A new way to brush your teeth while staying eco-friendly. The siwak brush is a biodegradable product for the more curious to discover and try, right here !

Caliquo is a French brand that produces eco-responsible everyday items.

Our rechargeable toothbrushes , our children's toothbrushes , our razor and our shaving brush .