Honest Sustainable Tomorrow Toothbrush Review

‍Key Takeaways

• The toothbrush features FSC-certified bamboo for replaceable heads.
• The toothbrush utilizes Sonic technology for gentle vibrations.
• Sustainable Tomorrow’s bamboo replacement heads are 100% compostable, including the plant-based bristles made from castor seed oil.

Introduction

Want to make your bathroom more eco-friendly? Replacing your plastic toothbrush with a sustainable alternative is a great way to start. One of the initial steps people take on their sustainability journey is ditching their conventional plastic toothbrush.

Unlike sustainable toothbrushes that are gentle on the environment, plastic toothbrushes can take centuries to decompose. This means every plastic toothbrush ever made still exists, likely polluting our planet in some way. This becomes a significant concern when we realize that the average person uses about 300 toothbrushes over their lifetime. The result? More than 1 billion toothbrushes are thrown away annually in the US alone!

But you don't want to be part of these statistics, right? If you've been searching for a sustainable electric toothbrush, you might have come across Sustainable Tomorrow's bamboo electric toothbrushes. Their Zen Bamboo Electric Toothbrush is gaining popularity, so we decided to give it a try and see what all the fuss is about.

In this article, you'll find our first-hand experience along with numerous Sustainable Tomorrow toothbrush reviews to help you decide if this eco-friendly toothbrush is the right choice for you.

What is a Sustainable Electric Toothbrush?

Sustainable electric toothbrushes are usually made from eco-friendly materials to reduce their environmental impact. While traditional electric toothbrushes are entirely made of plastics, their sustainable counterparts are made of biodegradable, compostable, recycled, or recyclable materials. They also feature replaceable heads, so you don't have to throw away the entire toothbrush. Additionally, eco friendly electric toothbrushes often come in zero-waste packaging and require less energy than conventional options.

However, there's a catch: electric toothbrushes —sustainable or not— have a larger carbon footprint than manual bamboo toothbrushes. This should come as no surprise since electric toothbrushes contain electronic components and batteries, which require more resources and energy to produce.

But it's important to take into consideration other factors as well, such as effectiveness. Many studies have shown that most electric toothbrushes can reduce plaque by 21 percent and gingivitis by 11 percent. So, if you're constantly struggling with cavities and other dental problems, an electric toothbrush can be better for your oral health. 

If you prefer electric toothbrushes, make sure to opt for one that's gentle on the environment, such as the Sustainable Tomorrow bamboo electric toothbrush. Unlike conventional electric toothbrushes, sustainable alternatives prioritize durability, generate less waste, consume less power, and are made from eco-friendly materials. This simple switch will help you prioritize both the environment and your oral health.

How to Choose the Best Sustainable Electric Toothbrushes

• Look for options with reputable third-party certifications, such as B Corp and FSC.
• Prefer recyclable or biodegradable materials, like bamboo, cornstarch, and castor oil.
• Choose alternatives that minimize carbon emissions during production and transport.
• Make sure the materials are ethically and sustainably sourced.
• Select brands that use eco-friendly packaging options.
• Choose toothbrushes that are built to last and can be easily repaired if needed.
• Look for toothbrushes with long battery life and low energy consumption.
• Pick toothbrushes that allow you to use replaceable heads.

How Eco-friendly is Sustainable Tomorrow?

Sustainable Tomorrow proudly uses FSC-certified bamboo for their toothbrush heads. This certification ensures that their bamboo comes from sustainably managed plantations, preventing deforestation. As a fast-growing renewable resource, bamboo offers a greener, biodegradable solution compared to plastic.

Bamboo is primarily grown in Asian countries. And most bamboo products, including Sustainable Tomorrow's Zen Bamboo Electric Toothbrush, come from this area. To reduce their carbon footprint, Sustainable Tomorrow ships their FSC-certified products directly from the manufacturer to your door. This helps them avoid unnecessary intermediaries, like mega warehouses, and cut down their emissions.

What's truly impressive about Sustainable Tomorrow’s bamboo replacement heads is that they are 100% compostable. Yes, even the bristles are compostable! Instead of the usual nylon bristles, these eco-friendly toothbrushes feature plant-based bristles made from castor seed oil. According to the brand, these brush heads will take around six months to decompose in your home compost.

Sustainable Tomorrow Zen Bamboo Electric Toothbrush Review

A truly sustainable toothbrush should not only reduce your environmental footprint but also ensure your pearly whites stay clean and healthy. 

Can Sustainable Tomorrow's bamboo toothbrush accomplish this? We rigorously tested their eco friendly toothbrush to find out. Join us as we examine its features, benefits, and eco friendly qualities in this comprehensive review:

Quick Summary

• Sonic technology
• Bamboo replacement heads
• Castor oil bristles
• Long battery life
• Multiple cleaning modes
• 2-minute timer
• Zero waste packaging

From Order to Arrival 

Once you place the order, you'll need to wait a few days for processing before receiving a tracking number. Sustainable Tomorrow promises to exclusively use premium shipping services to ensure a safe and efficient delivery process. Typically, deliveries to the US, Europe, and Asia are expected to arrive within 10 to 14 business days. However, for other regions, this may extend to approximately 30 business days. In my experience, the order arrived within the estimated timeframe, and the customer service was excellent. They ensured the package arrived without any issues.

Eco-friendly Packaging

The zen bamboo electric toothbrush comes in a beautifully designed cardboard box, featuring an inner section crafted from PLA. What I loved about this cardboard box is its versatility beyond just being recyclable. You can repurpose this box in various ways, like storing jewelry or organizing office supplies. While recycling is a great way to reduce waste, reusing things is a more environmentally friendly option to give items a second life. It's a thoughtful touch that adds to the overall eco-conscious experience!

Plant Based Heads & Castor Oil Bristles

The bamboo brush head boasts soft-medium bristles, which not only ensure a gentle brushing experience but also provide a thorough cleaning, leaving your teeth feeling fresh.

Even though numerous eco-friendly bamboo toothbrushes feature nylon bristles, that's not the case with Sustainable Tomorrow's toothbrushes. Their bristles are crafted from plant-based materials, specifically castor seed oil, offering a more eco-friendly alternative.

When it's time to replace your brush head, you can simply compost it at home.

An important point to note is that the Sustainable Tomorrow electric toothbrush utilizes Sonic technology. Sonic toothbrushes produce gentle vibrations that swiftly move bristles side-to-side at high speeds. As a result, these electric toothbrushes feature vibrating brush heads rather than rotating-oscillating mechanisms. Despite this difference, both technologies are highly recommended by dentists.

Faux Bamboo Base

Now, let's talk about the toothbrush base. Although it looks like bamboo, the base is actually made of plastic to ensure it's waterproof. If you're wondering why they didn't use bamboo instead, remember that bamboo is a porous material that can absorb water. Since the base might get wet while you're brushing your teeth, using bamboo could jeopardize the electronic components inside. Therefore, opting for a plastic base is a smart decision to keep you safe and extend the lifespan of your sustainable toothbrush.

On another note, I love the natural aesthetic of the toothbrush base. It has a zero-waste, Instagram-worthy vibe that might even inspire your favorite influencer to ditch their plastic toothbrush.

But the best part is its lightweight and ergonomic design. The base is easy to grip, providing a comfortable hold for precise brushing movements.

Intensity Selection

This bamboo toothbrush has three intensity levels:

• Soft (yellow)
• Medium (orange)
• Strong (green)

The right intensity level can vary based on your personal needs and preferences.

Given my tendency toward sensitive gums, I always prioritize options that are gentle on my gums and teeth. If you share this concern, I suggest beginning with the soft level and gradually testing the others to gauge your comfort level. For my daily routine, I prefer the soft level—no surprises there. While the medium option is still manageable for me, I reserve it for tougher cleaning tasks like removing stubborn food particles. However, I found the strong level too abrasive, so I prefer to avoid using it altogether.

Fortunately, Sustainable Tomorrow's bamboo electric toothbrush is pretty easy to use. After a few minutes, you will quickly grasp how to switch between different intensities and cleaning modes.

Cleaning Modes

Similarly, this sustainable toothbrush has five cleaning modes:

• Clean: The go-to option for daily teeth cleaning. According to Sustainable Tomorrow, this cleaning mode removes up to 10 times more plaque compared to a manual toothbrush.
• White: Ideal for achieving a healthy smile by effectively removing surface staining.
• Polish: Gently polishes and whitens teeth with lower frequency vibrations.
• Gum Care: The ideal mode for those who have mild sensitivity in their gums.
• Sensitive: Provides a gentle brushing experience, making it the perfect option for those with sensitive teeth and gums.

All these cleaning modes guarantee a good teeth-cleaning performance. 

I suggest trying each one and experimenting with different intensity levels to find the perfect match for your needs and preferences. Since I tend to have sensitive gums and teeth, my personal favorites are the "Sensitive" and "Gum Care" modes. These brushing modes are gentle on my gums while effectively removing plaque, so they always leave my teeth feeling clean. For those moments when I need a deeper clean, especially if food particles get stuck between my teeth, I switch to the "Polish" mode for a more thorough finish.

And no worries, you don't need to select your favorite setting every time you brush your teeth. The Zen Bamboo electric toothbrush remembers the last brushing mode you used and automatically starts with that mode the next time you turn it on.

Timer

As a general rule, the American Dental Association recommends brushing your teeth for at least two minutes. To help you achieve this, this bamboo electric toothbrush has an integrated two-minute timer. Every 30 seconds, you'll feel a vibration to remind you to move to the next section of your mouth. Keep in mind that this eco friendly electric toothbrush will shut off after 2 minutes to avoid wasting energy.

If you're unsure about how long to brush your teeth, this timer is a wonderful feature to help you reach the recommended duration, especially if you usually fall short. In my case, I usually spend around 3 minutes brushing my teeth. So, it can be a bit frustrating when the electric toothbrush turns off before I've finished. Luckily, the solution is simple: I just turn it back on to complete my dental care routine.

How Many Times Can You Use a Bamboo Electric Toothbrush?

When it comes to durability, the bamboo electric toothbrush handle is built to last for many years, making it a reliable addition to your daily routine. For optimal results, remember that dentists recommend replacing your compostable electric toothbrush heads every three months. This practice ensures a thorough clean, prevents bacteria buildup, and keeps your toothbrush performing at its best. By swapping out worn-out bristles regularly, you’ll always get the best possible clean.

One of the best features of this sonic toothbrush is its long battery life. After a charge of just four hours, you can enjoy up to 50 uses before needing to recharge. Plus, there’s no guesswork involved – the toothbrush comes with a handy battery indicator that flashes after each session, so you’ll always know how much battery life you have left. This thoughtful feature ensures you’re never caught off guard by a dead battery.

Battery Level

When turning off your toothbrush, you can check the battery level:

• 5 LED lights: Battery is over 90%
• 4 LED lights: Battery is over 75%
• 3 LED lights: Battery is over 50%
• 2 LED lights: Battery is over 25%
• 1 LED light: Battery is over 15%
• 1 yellow LED light : Battery is below 10%

Areas for Improvement

When turning on the toothbrush during my testing, I noticed that a notable amount of the toothpaste applied to the bristles did not stick firmly to the brush. To address this issue, I suggest using a smaller amount of toothpaste and ensuring it's evenly distributed across the bristles to prevent the toothpaste from slipping off.

Bamboo Travel Case to Safeguard Your Toothbrush 

This Bamboo Travel Case is an essential accessory that combines practicality with eco-friendly design. Crafted from raw bamboo, it not only protects your toothbrush but also adds a touch of natural elegance to your travel essentials.

Whether you're backpacking through rugged terrain or navigating urban streets, this lightweight case provides sturdy protection for your toothbrush while you're on the move, ensuring it stays safe from bumps and scratches. Compact and practical, it won't take up much space in your bag, making it an ideal companion for any journey. 

With the Bamboo Travel Case, you can safeguard your sustainable toothbrush wherever your adventures take you.

Customer Reviews and Ratings

To provide further context about this toothbrush, I've taken a deep dive into the most recent reviews to discover what other customers think about this product. The prevailing sentiment in the reviews leans towards satisfaction, although a minority have expressed a preference for a slightly larger brush head. 

Let's take a look at the standout features repeatedly praised by users:

Most Recent Sustainable Tomorrow Toothbrush Reviews

• Superior teeth-cleaning performance.
• Excellent customer service.
• Multiple settings to choose from.
• Easy to use.
• Lightweight.
• Long-lasting battery.
• Soft bristles.
• Good price.
• Stylish appearance.

You can purchase Sustainable Tomorrow's toothbrush here.

FAQ

Are Electric Toothbrushes More Environmentally Friendly?

When comparing electric toothbrushes to their manual counterparts, electric toothbrushes emerge as an eco-friendly option due to their bamboo replacement heads, which help reduce plastic waste. Yet, the energy and resources required for electronic components leave a notable environmental impact. It's vital to consider these aspects alongside your ecological values and oral care requirements.

Is Bamboo Toothbrush Better than Plastic?

Absolutely! A bamboo toothbrush offers eco-friendly dental care without sacrificing quality. Crafted from renewable bamboo, these eco friendly toothbrushes minimize waste and provide the same cleaning efficacy as plastic toothbrushes. Opting for bamboo supports sustainability, promoting a healthier planet while meeting your oral hygiene needs effectively.

How to Get Rid of Bamboo Electric Toothbrush Heads?

When it's time to replace your Sustainable Tomorrow bamboo head, opt for eco-friendly disposal options. Toss the brush head into your compost bin along with other organic materials. These plant based brush heads, crafted from castor bean oil and bamboo, naturally biodegrade over time. If composting isn't an option, explore local disposal alternatives.

Do Electric Toothbrushes Need to Be Recycled?

Yes, electric toothbrushes should be recycled because they have rechargeable batteries. Unlike a manual toothbrush, an electric toothbrush contains important electronic parts. Recycling your electric toothbrush helps save valuable materials and prevents the environmental harm of extracting new resources.

Are Eco-friendly Toothbrushes Worth It?

Yes! Eco-friendly toothbrushes, such as bamboo ones, are definitely worth considering. They're safer for the environment compared to plastic toothbrushes, which contribute to harmful pollution. Bamboo toothbrushes can be composted, offering a sustainable alternative that reduces waste.

Do Bamboo Toothbrushes Hold Bacteria?

No, bamboo toothbrushes don't harbor bacteria if cleaned and stored correctly. Their natural antimicrobial properties help reduce bacteria and mold. With proper hygiene practices, bamboo brushes remain sanitary and hygienic, ensuring a clean brushing experience.

Do Bamboo Toothbrushes Get Moldy?

Yes, bamboo toothbrushes can get moldy if not dried thoroughly. Being porous, bamboo absorbs moisture, leading to mold growth. Proper cleaning and storage, including keeping them in a well-ventilated area, can prevent this.

Final Words on Sustainable Tomorrow Electric Toothbrush

Wrapping up our Sustainable Tomorrow toothbrush reviews, it's evident that the Zen Bamboo Electric Toothbrush stands out for its commitment to sustainability and effective oral care. From its FSC-certified bamboo brush heads to its castor oil bristles, every aspect reflects a conscious effort to reduce environmental impact.

If you already own an electric toothbrush, the most sustainable choice is to continue using it until it no longer functions. Once it's time for a replacement, consider switching to an eco friendly electric toothbrush and make sure to recycle your old toothbrush.

In the meantime, you could use bamboo brush heads to minimize plastic waste. For instance, Sustainable Tomorrow offers Sonicare Compatible Bamboo Replacement Heads, which are suitable for most Philips Sonicare models. With this simple switch, you can make your electric toothbrush a bit more eco-friendly while maintaining your regular dental care routine.

If electric toothbrushes aren't your preferred option, Sustainable Tomorrow has you covered with manual bamboo toothbrushes as well. 

Interested in more options for your eco-friendly bathroom? Make sure to check our selection of eco-friendly products for your bathroom.