Toothbrushes Reveal Clear Signs of Environmental Crisis

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - Toothbrushes are simple items that never leave daily human life. However, few would imagine this dental hygiene tool could symbolise a major threat to the planet. One clear sign of an impending environmental crisis is climate change—the long-term shifts in temperature and weather patterns. Although climate change occurs naturally, human activities since the 1800s have accelerated global changes. Such activities include fossil fuel combustion, greenhouse gas emissions, and even toothbrush usage. How do toothbrushes contribute to global change? In the 1900s, toothbrushes, mouthwash, and dental floss were used for oral hygiene. However, with the advent of modern toothbrushes, climate change began to manifest. Historically, toothbrushes were made from natural materials like bamboo or tree bark. Over time, materials diversified, using animal bones for handles and bristles from animal hair. But since the 1900s, toothbrushes have incorporated non-environmentally friendly materials: plastic handles and nylon bristles. According to Greenbiz, these materials are non-renewable and extremely slow to decompose, posing risks to humans. National Geographic reports that this issue makes toothbrushes part of the environmental crisis. Why? Toothbrushes are short-lived items. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends replacing them every three to four months, meaning individuals discard and replace them three to four times a year. With Indonesia’s population of 273 million and assuming regular replacement, over one billion toothbrushes become waste annually—excluding global figures. Globally, with eight billion people, approximately 24 billion toothbrushes are discarded yearly. If replacement continues regularly, each person uses 280-300 toothbrushes by age 75—a figure not multiplied by the global population. According to National Geographic, the US, with 331 million people, generates enough toothbrush waste to circle the Earth four times annually. Haeckels, a UK-based eco-friendly product manufacturer, states 264 million toothbrushes are thrown away annually due to expiry—excluding electric toothbrushes with non-recyclable batteries. Like plastic, toothbrushes take 200-700 years to decompose. During this time, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology notes plastics emit greenhouse gases. In oceans, plastic kills zooplankton, which absorb carbon. “Finding plastic-free toothbrush options is difficult. Biodegradable plastic isn’t always better for the planet than traditional plastic,” wrote journalist Alejandra Borunda in National Geographic.