MANUAL TOOTHBRUSHES

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THE PROBLEM:
Mass Marketed ToothBrushes
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Environmental Friendliness
Rating: 0 of 10

It is estimated that over 50 million pounds of toothbrushes end up in landfill in America each year. Most high end toothbrushes combine plastic, rubber and nylon and can be recycled only if each of the components are separated which is not only expensive but difficult; like disposable razors, toothbrushes contain plastic which is made from oil/petroleum which contributes to our energy dependence and greenhouse gas emissions. It is recomended that you change your toothbrush at least 4 times a year; most people change their tooth bushes 2-3 times a year.

At what
cost: .25 to $8 pc
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widely available

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A POSSIBLE SOLUTION:
PRESERVETOOTHBRUSH
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Environmental Friendliness
Rating: 9 of 10

This Tooth brush is also made by Preserve, all the materials are also completely recyclable. The handle and bristles are effectively recycled together--the polypropylene and nylon actually strengthen as they combine in the recycling process. The packaging is made from recycled plastic and in turn can be recycled. Preserve's postage-paid envelope assures that your used brush will be turned into plastic lumber.


The
cost:$3.25 pc
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available from http://www.recycline.com/index.html


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A POSSIBLE SOLUTION:
RADIUS SOURCE:
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Environmental Friendliness
Rating: 8 of 10

The handle of this replaceable head toothbrush is made with wood Fiber blended with PLA, a plastic derived from corn. The entire handle can be re-used then recycled. It seems that the replacement heads are not recyclable. The current packaging uses plastic but a corn based plastic packaging system is in the works.


The
cost:$6.95 pc
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pack of 3 replacement heads $6.95
available from http://www.radiustoothbrush.com


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A POSSIBLE SOLUTION:
FUCHS EKOTEC
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Environmental Friendliness
Rating: 5 of 10

While this toothbrush is made from100% new plastic, it does come with 3 replaceable heads, if you save the handle you only need to purchase replacement heads in the future which cuts down on landfill waste, however as with the making of all plastics it does come with environmental consequences, still it is a better choice than conventional tooth brushes.


The
cost:$3.80 pc
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packaged with 3 replacement heads
plastic replacement head toothbrushes are widely available


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