A deep dive into the environmental impact of plastic toothbrushes reveals the significant role our dental habits play in the plastic crisis.
Kristin Hostetter reports for Outside.
In short:
- Americans discard approximately 1 billion plastic toothbrushes annually, contributing to substantial plastic waste.
- Alternatives like bamboo toothbrushes offer a sustainable choice, performing as well as plastic ones without adding to the plastic crisis.
- The article also explores sustainable toothpaste options and the slow, but growing, shift in the dental industry toward eco-friendly practices.
Key quote:
“I’m committed to investigating bamboo toothbrushes, paper cups, and other ways we can reduce plastic waste.”
— Dr. Patrick Murphy of Milton, Massachusetts
Why this matters:
Switching to sustainable dental products can significantly reduce plastic waste, a vital step in protecting our health and the planet. This change is a small but powerful action toward a more sustainable future.
Hormone-hijackers in plastics risk our future faster than climate change, green chemist Terry Collins cautions in a new talk. How can we change that?
