Swap plastic toothbrushes for bamboo or replaceable heads
Every plastic toothbrush ever made still exists. Bamboo handles compost, and replaceable-head brushes cut waste by around 80%.
1bn
brushes landfilled yearly in the US
~80%
waste cut by replaceable heads
3 mo
recommended replacement interval
TL;DR
Best replacement right now: Ethique Eco-Friendly Mint & Ginger Shampoo Bar by Ethique (98/100 ethics). Runners-up: Ethique Body Wash Bar, Ethique Mintasy Shampoo Bar, Ethique Eco-Friendly Shampoo Bar.
How to make the switch
- Bamboo handle + nylon bristles: pull bristles with pliers, compost the handle.
- Electric users: choose a brand with recyclable head take-back.
- Pair with toothpaste tabs in glass to remove the tube.
Pitfalls to avoid
- 'Biodegradable bristles' are usually nylon-4 claims that need industrial conditions.
- Charcoal-infused bristles offer no proven benefit and can be abrasive.
Top-scoring replacements
- 1
ExcellentB CorpCruelty-FreeVeganClimate Neutral+2 more4.5 (8,200)A zero-waste, plastic-free solid shampoo bar that replaces three plastic bottles, featuring fair-trade ingredients and a focus on water conservation.
- 2
ExcellentB CorpVeganCruelty-FreeFair Trade+2 more4.6 (4,200)A zero-waste, plastic-free body cleanser bar that replaces three bottles of liquid soap and uses regenerative fair-trade ingredients.
- 3
ExcellentB CorpCruelty-FreeVeganClimate Neutral+2 more4.5 (5,200)A zero-waste, plastic-free shampoo bar equivalent to three bottles of liquid shampoo, utilizing fair-trade cocoa butter and peppermint oil.
- 4ExcellentB CorpCruelty-FreeVeganClimate Neutral+2 more4.5 (6,400)
A plastic-free, highly concentrated shampoo bar that replaces three plastic bottles, featuring fair-trade ingredients and carbon-neutral shipping.
- 5
ExcellentB CorpUSDA OrganicFair TradeNon-GMO+2 more4.7 (15,420)A world-leader in regenerative agriculture, this adaptogenic tea supports stress relief while revitalizing rural Indian farming communities.
- 6
ExcellentB CorpCruelty-FreeVegan1% for the Planet+2 more4.5 (8,200)An innovative, zero-waste alternative to traditional toothpaste. Bite eliminates plastic tubes and harsh chemicals, offering a dry-tablet format that is travel-friendly and carbon-neutral.
- 7
ExcellentB CorpFSC CertifiedVegan4.8 (22,000)A plastic-free, highly sustainable alternative to traditional wood-pulp toilet paper that donates 50% of profits to global sanitation projects.
- 8
ExcellentLeaping BunnyEWG Verified1% for the PlanetNon-GMO4.5 (850)A pioneer in reef-safe sun protection, Raw Elements offers a high-performance mineral sunscreen that is safe for all ages and the ocean's fragile ecosystems.
- 9ExcellentB CorpCruelty-FreeVegan1% for the Planet+1 more4.7 (12,450)
A high-performance, waterless shampoo bar from a New Zealand B Corp, perfect for carry-on only travel and strictly Halal-compliant with no alcohol or animal derivatives.
- 10
ExcellentB CorpUSDA OrganicFair Trade1% for the Planet+1 more4.7 (1,240)An exceptionally high-quality adaptogenic supplement sourced through pioneering FairWild standards, ensuring both ecological regeneration and fair wages for wild-harvesters.
- 11
ExcellentVeganNon-GMOEWG VerifiedClimate Neutral4.8 (1,240)A budget-friendly, wild-foraged herbal tea blend from the Austrian Waldviertel region, offering Kosher-certified purity and plastic-free packaging.
- 12
ExcellentVeganCruelty-FreeCradle to Cradle4.8 (310)Luxurious, biodegradable sheet masks from the iconic Amsterdam brand, formulated with clean minerals to hydrate skin exhausted by chronic illness treatments.
- 13
ExcellentB CorpUSDA OrganicFair Trade1% for the Planet4.7 (3,200)High-potency adaptogenic support from a brand deeply committed to FairWild sourcing and regenerative agriculture.
- 14
ExcellentB CorpUSDA OrganicFair TradeLeaping Bunny+2 more4.6 (3,100)A highly ethical, multi-use lotion crafted with organic oils and fair trade ingredients, setting the industry standard for supply chain transparency and regenerative agriculture.
- 15
ExcellentB CorpFair TradeUSDA OrganicLeaping Bunny+2 more4.9 (22,500)The gold standard of ethical cleaning. A highly concentrated, multi-surface liquid soap made from organic oils and fair trade ingredients in 100% PCR packaging.
- 16
ExcellentFair TradeUSDA OrganicB CorpLeaping Bunny+2 more4.8 (4,500)An ultra-ethical, multipurpose skin salve made with organic oils and fair-trade beeswax, setting the gold standard for corporate responsibility.
- 17
ExcellentFair TradeUSDA OrganicB CorpLeaping Bunny+2 more4.9 (22,000)The gold standard of ethical soaps, featuring regenerative organic palm oil and a legacy of fair-trade advocacy and radical transparency.
- 18
ExcellentFair TradeUSDA OrganicRegenerative OrganicB Corp+1 more4.9 (8,200)Quite literally the gold standard for ethical sourcing, this coconut oil supports regenerative agriculture and fair wages for thousands of farmers in Sri Lanka.
- 19
ExcellentFair TradeEWG VerifiedCruelty-FreeB Corp4.5 (8,600)A mass-market accessible body wash that funds community empowerment projects in Togo, West Africa, using fair-trade unrefined shea butter.
- 20
ExcellentB CorpVeganCruelty-FreeLeaping Bunny+2 more4.6 (12,500)A fluoride-free, 70% organic toothpaste that leads the industry in fair trade sourcing and activist corporate governance.
- 21
ExcellentFair TradeUSDA OrganicRegenerative OrganicLeaping Bunny+1 more4.8 (22,000)The ultimate multi-tasker for minimalist hosts; one bottle can wash hands, body, hair, and even dishes.
- 22
ExcellentB CorpCruelty-FreeVegan1% for the Planet4.5 (18,500)A zero-waste, plastic-free solution for hair and body, specifically curated for the minimalist traveler looking to bypass liquid restrictions.
- 23
ExcellentB CorpLeaping BunnyVeganUSDA Organic+1 more4.6 (2,100)A high-potency, carbon-extracted rosehip oil designed specifically for sensitive skin, backed by rigorous B Corp standards and organic agricultural sourcing.
- 24
ExcellentFair TradePETA ApprovedCruelty-Free4.9 (850)A hand-crafted, raw wellness balm produced by women’s cooperatives in Ghana, ideal for gluten-free skin nutrition and head-to-toe hydration.
Categories in this swap
Frequently asked questions
Are bamboo toothbrushes fully compostable?+
The handle is; the bristles are almost always nylon and must be removed and binned first.
Is electric or manual more sustainable?+
Manual, on materials — but a good electric brush with recyclable heads wins on gum health, which matters too.