Our Top Picks
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Our Top Picks
Green Hive is reader-supported. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. To understand our thorough approach to rating brands and products, explore our comprehensive methodology.
Are you aware that some electric toothbrushes are designed with sustainable features? These toothbrushes have revolutionized how we brush our teeth. That's right, you can now maintain your sparkling teeth while also helping the environment.
We'll talk about the best eco-friendly electric toothbrush brands today to make selecting a sustainable option simpler. Read on to discover more about these cutting-edge items and how they can benefit both mother nature and your oral hygiene routine.
What kind of toothbrush is best for the environment?
When selecting a toothbrush, you have to consider the most eco-friendly options available. Making an eco-conscious decision on which toothbrush to choose has never been more important not just for us, but for the planet.
We highly suggest going with compostable or recyclable brushes made of eco-friendly materials like alluminum, bamboo, or even cornstarch.
Not only are these brushes great for the environment, but most are cruelty-free and vegan-friendly as well. Following are some of the key features to look for when selecting an eco-friendly toothbrush:
- Compostable materials
- Biodegradable Packaging
- Plastic-free
- BPA-free
- Replaceable heads
- Vegan and Cruelty-free
- Recyclable plant based heads
Can you get an eco-friendly electric toothbrush?
If an electric toothbrush is reparable and has a long lifespan, it may be more environmentally friendly than a manual toothbrush. Technology has made it possible for electric toothbrushes to come equipped with replaceable heads and sustainable packaging that can be recycled. Such toothbrushes have also been proven to be as effective as at cleaning teeth compared to regularm toothbrushes.
However, improperly disposing of the toothbrush or its batteries can harm the environment. It's also crucial to think about the packaging and toothbrush's materials, including their biodegradability or ability to be recycled. Switching out your current toothbrush for an eco-friendly electric one is not just a great lifestyle choice, it can also improve your oral hygiene too!
Are electric toothbrushes more environmentally friendly?
Electric toothbrushes produce less waste than disposable brushes, and some models can be fully recycled at specific facilities. The handles and heads of the brushes are also frequently made from more environmentally friendly materials, such as plant-based plastic.
Almost all standard electric toothbrush is equipped with replacement toothbrush heads. In the end, purchasing an electric toothbrush is a straightforward choice that any consumer can make to influence the environment in a positive way with little effort.
Best Eco-friendly Electric Toothbrushes - Our Top Picks
Following are some of the best sustainable electric toothbrush brands that give prime importance to your dental hygiene.
SURI - Sonic Eco-Friendly Electric Toothbrush
SURI is a London-based company that promotes sustainable living and makes one of the best eco-friendly electric toothbrushes available today. They are on a mission to reduce the amount of petroleum-based plastics and also encourage recycling.
SURI Sonic electric toothbrush has got a slim aluminum body and plant-based replacement heads. SURI brush heads are made from corn starch and their bristles are made from castor oil, unlike the nylon bristles used in traditional toothbrushes.
Price Range: $82 - $109
These eco-friendly electric toothbrushes come in three different color shades: Midnight Black, Sea Mist, and Winter Fern.
Key Features:
- Plant-based replacement heads
- Free Recycling for UK/US customers
- Slim Aluminium Body
- 2 Brushing Modes
- Repair Facility
With over 4.9 star ratings and almost 1000 reviews, SURI manufactures the best eco-friendly electric toothbrushes with sonic technology.
Pros: SURI electric toothbrush uses “fluid dynamics” technology and produces high sonic vibrations, which is highly effective in removing plaque and keeping your pearly whites clean.
The eco toothbrush heads have two brushing modes and the castor bean oil bristles are absolutely gentle on people with sensitive gums.
These eco-friendly toothbrushes are assembled with rechargeable batteries which are highly energy efficient and have got long-lasting battery life. They have got a good repair facility in UK and US. Also, the toothbrush is assembled with replaceable electric toothbrush heads and replaceable batteries.
Cons: Pressure sensors are missing.
Maintain your oral health and enjoy a gentle brushing experience with one of the best sonic electric toothbrush! You can also read our in-depth review of SURi here.
Sustainable Tomorrow - Bamboo Electric Toothbrush
Sustainable Tomorrow is an Ireland-based company offering sustainable products for a bright sustainable future. The Bamboo Electric Toothbrush from Sustainable Tomorrow is made entirely of design components that are compostable, biodegradable, or recyclable, making it better for both you and the environment.
Additionally, with five cleaning modes and a charging time of up to one month, you can have spotless teeth in no time!
Price Range: $98 - $100
Key Features:
- 1 Electric Toothbrush head
- Five Cleaning modes
- Three Intensity Levels
- Sonic technology
- Zero-waste packaging
- Extra Long battery life
Customers have given 4.7-star ratings for over 200 reviews.
Pros: This toothbrush not only makes brushing simpler but also more enjoyable. It is an essential item in any eco-friendly bathroom because of its bamboo-replaceable toothbrush heads and extra-long battery life.
The bamboo brush head is completely compostable.
Cons: The base of this toothbrush is made of Plastic.
So switch to sustainable living today with a Sustainable Tomorrow Bamboo Electric Toothbrush!
Etee - Electric Toothbrush with Replaceable Bamboo Head
Shop Etee is a Canada-based company that focuses on producing eco-friendly products using sustainable ingredients. They aim to create effective solutions to the plastic pollution problem so you can live more simply, sustainably, and in harmony with the environment.
The sleek design of the Etee bamboo electric toothbrush makes brushing efficient, convenient, and enjoyable. They are assembled with 98% bamboo electric toothbrush heads. Plus its 100% recyclable body & charging dock make it eco-friendly too!
Price Range: $80 - $95
Key Features:
- Compostable Bamboo Brush Head
- Micro-USB cable
- Completely Recyclable Body
- 1-Year Warranty
- 90-Day Money Back Guarantee
With over 70 reviews and 4.5-star ratings, Etee has become one of the best sustainable electric toothbrushes available in the market.
Pros: Your teeth will thank you for this upgrade as they reap the benefits of a superior clean. This bamboo electric toothbrush comes with 3 compostable bamboo brush heads. You can enjoy peace of mind while cleaning up those pearly whites with our natural bamboo and castor-bean oil bristles.
The body is 100% recyclable and you can dispose of each bamboo electric toothbrush head. The in-built timers and multiple cleaning modes enhance your oral health with clean teeth.
Cons: Some customers have complained that the brush heads cannot be locked properly.
Put your dentist's worries at ease and get that professional-grade clean with the Etee electric toothbrush!
Georganics - Sonic Electric Toothbrush
Georganics is a B-Corp-certified company with headquarters in the UK. The Georganics Sonic Toothbrush can give your teeth the cleaning they require. This cutting-edge toothbrush uses high-frequency vibrations and sonic pulse technology to remove plaque and stop tartar buildup.
Additionally, because of its distinctive three-speed control settings that make meticulous brushing a breeze, it is ideal for people with sensitive teeth and those who are undergoing orthodontic treatments.
Price Range: $90 - $93
Key Features:
- Recyclable
- Compostable Packaging
- Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery
- Certified Waterproof
- DuPont 610 Nylon Bristles
The product has over 800 customer reviews and 4.8-star ratings.
Pros: It will not only help prevent cavities, but also gingivitis, bleeding gums, and swelling. The two cleaning modes (White & Clean) gives a better cleaning experience. The toothbrush comes in completely compostable packaging and uses only vegetable ink.
Cons: The toothbrush comes with a plastic handle.
Get ready to flaunt your gleaming smile with The Georganics Sonic Toothbrush!
Are bamboo toothbrushes actually sustainable?
It’s a fact that bamboo toothbrushes are made from entirely organic components and no plastic, carbon offsetting is a breeze compared to most other toothbrush varieties. The other benefits of bamboo are: it is naturally antimicrobial and biodegradable. A perfect eco-friendly recyclable toothbrush that helps in reducing plastic waste!
Overall, I'd say yes, they are quite sustainable. But still, there are certain downsides of bamboo. Most of us are unaware that China produces bamboo on a large scale, or that they are the only country that produces bamboo on a large commercial scale. So when shipping bamboo to the USA, huge amounts of fuel oil need to be burned which is harmful to the environment.
I would say it is very important to consider a product's entire lifecycle and sustainable features before making any "greenwashing" claims, whether you choose conventional plastic toothbrushes or ones made of biodegradable material like bamboo.
Is a bamboo toothbrush better than plastic?
Bamboo has got some wise qualities like being naturally sustainable, biodegradable, and 100% non-toxic. So, yes, a bamboo toothbrush is much better than a plastic one.
Not only does it look better, but you can also feel better knowing that your used toothbrush won't pollute the environment by sitting in a landfill for an extended period of time after you replace it.
Do bamboo electric toothbrushes work?
Bamboo electric toothbrushes are helping to pave the way for a healthier and more eco-friendly future. They offer better cleaning capabilities than their all-plastic counterparts.
Compared to manual brushes, bamboo electric toothbrushes are better at removing plaque.
What is the most eco-friendly electric toothbrush?
The best eco-friendly electric toothbrush should have the following features:
- Rechargeable batteries with long battery life
- Power saving mode to conserve energy
- Plastic-free packaging
- Made of sustainable materials
- Replaceable and fully recyclable brush heads
Consumers need to make sure that the materials used are recyclable and that the company provides a repair option for eco-friendly electric toothbrushes.
Do electric toothbrushes need to be recycled?
Yes, electric toothbrushes need to be recycled as they might end up in e-waste landfills. Some of the toothbrush brands provide recycling programs for their specific products; you can inquire with the brand to collaborate with them in their recycling program.
Try to choose environmentally friendly electric toothbrush brands that offer recyclable parts. Most of the eco-electric toothbrush brands offer replaceable heads.
Are electric toothbrushes worse for the environment?
In general, electric toothbrushes are thought to be more environmentally friendly than manual ones. They consume less water and toothpaste, and because they last longer, they produce less waste. Electric toothbrushes can have a negative or positive impact on the environment, depending on the materials they are made of and how they are disposed of.
As they can be recharged and used repeatedly, an electric toothbrush with a rechargeable battery is more environmentally friendly than a disposable electric toothbrush. To minimize waste, it is crucial to properly recycle the electric toothbrush or the brush head when disposing of it.
Also, try to choose a sustainable brand that focuses on sustainable practices like recycling, zero-waste packaging, and so on.
What are the negative effects of electric toothbrushes?
For those with moderate incomes, an electric toothbrush may not be necessary because of its high cost. They also need to be charged, sometimes to the point where you are reminded to plug them in every night, a simple but pricey task.
So while there's probably no need to return to using twigs (as our ancestors) in place of electric toothbrushes anytime soon, it’s worth considering whether it's worth spending all that extra money on something that really isn't radically improving your dental hygiene.
How can I make my toothbrush more sustainable?
There are several plastic-free alternatives that can help make your toothbrush more sustainable! Are you looking for a sustainable way to brush your teeth without harming the planet?
A bamboo toothbrush is one great option—it looks just like any other plastic-free toothbrush but is made from bamboo, making it 100% compostable at the end of its lifespan instead of contributing to our plastic pollution woes.
Bamboo grows quickly and easily, it's renewably sourced too and you can make the best eco-friendly toothbrushes out of these. Most electric toothbrushes are trying to be sustainable and manufacturing products with bamboo brush heads instead of plastic heads.
Which toothbrush is best for the environment?
Eco-friendly and sustainable toothbrushes promote good oral hygiene while minimizing plastic waste. There are many different types of eco-friendly toothbrushes available right now, from bamboo models with compostable bristles to those with biodegradable handles and even electric models created with eco-living in mind.
Try to select toothbrushes made of plant-based bristles other than choosing nylon bristles. Therefore, whichever toothbrush is best for your smile, you will be doing your part to protect the environment.
Is there a biodegradable toothbrush?
Bamboo, indeed! These greener options are completely compostable and biodegradable, making them ideal for lowering your own plastic waste footprint.
The surprising part is that bamboo is actually a robust material that will outlast conventional plastic toothbrushes in terms of both quality and appearance.
What can I use instead of an electric toothbrush?
If you don't have access to an electric toothbrush, don't worry: A good old-fashioned manual brush will do the trick if you use it correctly.
Make sure to brush your teeth for several minutes each time, using a circular motion with your brush. Make sure to floss daily to keep the spaces between your teeth clean. Also, try to choose eco-friendly options like bamboo toothbrushes.
Conclusion
If you’re in the market for a new toothbrush, consider an electric one! Not only will it be easier on your teeth and gums, but you’ll also be helping the environment by using less plastic and disposable materials. In the long run, electric toothbrushes are a more sustainable and eco-friendly option than regular disposable ones since last much longer. While there are still some kinks to work out in terms of making them completely earth-friendly, we think it’s safe to say that overall they are a good sustainable option.
So now there really is no excuse why we can't make smarter decisions that help conserve our resources while supporting a healthier and more sustainable future.
Carter, K. (2020, September 23). Pandering to the green consumer. The Guardian. Retrieved January 20, 2023, from https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2008/aug/13/bamboo.fabric