About the Toothbrush
The Handle
The handle is made of MOSO bamboo, an environmentally sustainable timber. Bamboo is technically considered a member of the grass family. It is the fastest growing plant on earth, and incredibly abundant. Our bamboo is cultivated for between three to five years, and then harvested. It re-generates itself naturally, with minimal rain and without the need for harmful pesticides. In fact, by harvesting and using the bamboo, we help to control unwanted spread into agricultural and natural forest areas. Our bamboo is grown by many local farmers in China,(NOT PLANTATION).
The bamboo is heat treated to carbonise the surface of the bamboo, giving it a quality finish and good service life. The carbonisation finishing process provides water resistance and prevents the growth of microbes (bacteria and moulds) during normal use.
The Bristles
The bristles are made from a BPA FREE NYLON polymer resistant to microbial growth during normal use, to ensure safety and durability. We have tried to find a biodegradable bristle but as of this time there is nothing available – apart from boars hair (don’t want to go there). No they are not Nylon 4 (as far as we know there are no bristles made from Nylon 4 on the market today).
We have tried to bring you a toothbrush that is better for the environment- over the years everyone had been misled by manufactures about bristles being made of Nylon 4 (this is not true). We still believe that our toothbrush is a better alternative to a full Plastic toothbrush. Better to be 99% Bamboo than 100% PLASTIC
SO CALLED PLANT BASED BRISTLES: – DON’T BE FOOLED
This troublesome marketing hype, comes from the claim that the bristles are made from castor beans. That is basically true, but there is a great deal of chemical processing involved. The bristles are made of Nylon-11 that in turn is made from 11-aminoundecanoic acid that in turn is made from castor oil by a complex process. First castor oil is converted to methyl ricinoleate by treatment with methanol, then is pyrolysed at high temperature to heptaldehyde and methyl undecylenate that is then hydrolysed to undecylenic acid. And then just three more reactions yield gamma-aminodecanoic acid that can be polymerized to Nylon-11.
Now, does that sound like the bristles are made from castor beans?
About as much as cars being made from soil. The implication on the packaging is that the bristles are somehow directly made from castor beans. Obviously this is not so.
WHEN A BETTER TRUE BIODEGRADABLE BRISTLE COMES AVAILABLE WE WILL CHANGE TO IT…..
WHICH BRUSH TO USE:
Most dentists recommend a Soft toothbrush as do we – If by some chance you do not place a Bristle recommendation we will automatically send out Soft Bristle toothbrushes.
We recommend you rinse and dry your toothbrush after use to keep it clean.
AVAILABLE in three bristle styles: Soft Bristle, Medium bristle and a Soft bristle toothbrush for children (4+).
DO NOT: chew on the toothbrushes or use excessive force in brushing as this may result in bristles being pulled out.
Disposing of your toothbrush
For best results, most dentist’s recommend you replace your toothbrush either monthly or at least every quarter. Some even say use it until it stops.
To answer the main question, HOW LONG DOES IT LAST? – We test drove a toothbrush for over 8 months so yes they last (not that we suggest you do that).
The Environmental Toothbrush handle can be disposed of safely by returning it to earth in compost or landfill. The bamboo Handle will biodegrade into soil without pollution, we suggest that you remove the bristles and place them into the bin.
The Cost
The Environmental Toothbrush is available in a pack of 12 for only $38 ($2 shipping per item in Australia, $12 per item all other countries).
Our Panda
China’s Giant Panda consumes the soft bamboo shoots, stems and leaves as its main food source – Yes our toothbrushes are made in China.
The Environmental Toothbrush honours this environmental mascot in our logo. Because bamboo is so abundant, sustainable and renewable our use does not impact on the food source of the Giant Panda in fact they do not like the MOSO bamboo.
Our Values
At the Environmental Toothbrush, our business is guided by a few simple values:
We know improving the earth is no easy task and cannot be achieved by one person, or one company, alone. We believe in creating viable and affordable options for consumers to improve their earth.
We know there are two things in life are non-negotiable. The body you live in and the earth you live on. We believe in taking positive steps to preserve them both.
We share our unique and precious earth with other life. We believe in sustainability – meeting our needs in harmony with earth and her inhabitants.
We believe that Sustainability is not only about renewable materials and biodegradable products, it’s also about taking care of human beings.
We look forward to sharing our values with you, when you purchase your Environmental Toothbrush.
NOTE: 12 Packs are shipped via Australia Post in a large heavy duty envelope (no tracking).
Multiple Packs or orders with other items are shipped via Australia Post EParcel (tracked and signature required).
REFUND POLICY: Refunds will only be given once goods are returned to us in good condition.
RETURNED ORDERS If your order is returned to us because you have chosen the wrong toothbrush, supplied an incorrect address or have not collected the package we will contact you via email. If you wish to CANCEL the order, we will refund your payment less any costs incurred by us (this includes but not restricted to any freight and handling charges). Or if you wish us to RESEND the order an extra freight charge will be require a minimum of $10.00 for Australian order. Overseas orders will automatically be CANCELLED and payment refunded less any costs incurred by us.