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The Plastic Problem: Why Your Toothbrush Matters

6 January 2025

Every day, people around the world use plastic products without giving much thought to where they end up. Among these everyday items is something we all use: toothbrushes. While it might seem like a small, harmless object, the sheer number of plastic toothbrushes produced and discarded each year paints a different picture.

Global Plastic Waste: The Bigger Picture

Plastic pollution is one of the most visible forms of waste on our planet. According to recent studies, humans produce around 400 million tonnes of plastic waste each year. That’s equivalent to the weight of over 60 million elephants. Out of this, a significant portion consists of everyday household items like bottles, bags, and yes, toothbrushes.

When it comes to toothbrushes specifically, the numbers are staggering. It’s estimated that over 3.5 billion plastic toothbrushes are sold globally every year, and the majority of these end up in landfills or the ocean. Because plastic doesn’t decompose easily, each toothbrush can take up to 500 years to break down. That means every toothbrush you’ve ever used still exists somewhere on this planet.

Daily and Yearly Toothbrush Waste Worldwide

To put things in perspective:

Daily: On average, around 10 million plastic toothbrushes are discarded worldwide every single day.
Yearly: This adds up to approximately 3.6 billion toothbrushes discarded each year, contributing to a massive buildup of plastic waste.

These numbers are not just abstract figures. They translate into real pollution problems for oceans, rivers, and natural landscapes.

Focus on North America: USA and Canada

North America is one of the largest consumers of plastic products. In the United States, around 1 billion plastic toothbrushes are thrown away each year. This amounts to 50 million pounds of plastic waste annually from toothbrushes alone.

In Canada, the numbers are smaller but still concerning. Canadians discard approximately 100 million plastic toothbrushes each year, adding thousands of tonnes of plastic waste to landfills and waterways.

The problem is that most of these toothbrushes are made from non-recyclable plastics. Even when we make an effort to recycle, toothbrushes often end up in the trash because of their mixed materials (plastic handles, nylon bristles, etc.).

Why Switch to Bamboo Toothbrushes?

Switching to a bamboo toothbrush is a small but impactful change. Bamboo is a natural, biodegradable material that breaks down much faster than plastic. Here’s why it makes sense:

Eco-friendly: Bamboo decomposes naturally within a few months to a couple of years, depending on the environment, unlike plastic that takes centuries.
Sustainable: Bamboo grows quickly and doesn’t require pesticides or chemical fertilizers.
Durable: Bamboo toothbrushes are just as effective as plastic ones but without the lasting environmental impact.

By making the switch to a bamboo toothbrush, you’re reducing your personal contribution to plastic pollution. It might seem like a small step, but if more people choose nature-based products, we can make a real difference.

A Simple Change for a Cleaner Planet

At True Wood Co., we believe that small changes in our daily routines can lead to big improvements for our planet. Using a bamboo toothbrush is an easy, effective way to reduce the plastic waste that’s piling up in landfills and oceans.

Let’s work together to cut down on plastic waste and make smarter choices for our planet’s future. One toothbrush at a time.

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