
Reduce the plastic in your life by purchasing toothbrushes made with a bamboo handle. Bamboo is biodegradable and has antimicrobial properties, making it just as sturdy as plastic but more sustainable. As an added sustainable bonus, many companies that make bamboo brushes also package them in a recyclable paperboard box. Before disposing of your bamboo toothbrush, check the packaging to determine if the bristles are nylon. If they are, pull them out with pliers and throw them away. The empty handle can then be added to commercial compost bins. In our area, bamboo toothbrushes are available at Martindale’s in Springfield.
Photo by Susan O'Donnell