Why bamboo?
Sustainably sourced bamboo is the perfect material for the Truthbrush as it is beautiful to look at, warm to touch and fully biodegradable.
Bamboo is resistant to natural pests, so it is grown organically and needs no extra watering, while the natural antibacterial properties of bamboo means the Truthbrush is hygienic too. We pay a premium for our bamboo so that we can be sure it has been sustainably farmed from forests that are managed to strict environmental, social and economic standards.
Where is the Truthbrush made?
Our brushes are made in China - the natural habitat of fast growing bamboo. Moso bamboo grows up to a metre a day here as it has the perfect conditions to thrive, so it is a very sustainable raw material. We know that shipping has a carbon footprint, although the amount is tiny for each brush. This is why we have chosen to carbon offset shipping both from China to us and from us to you.
Why castor oil bristles?
We would love to find a genuine plastic-free alternative to nylon bristles which could biodegrade. However, after extensive research we realised that the only non-plastic alternative is boar bristles (pig hair), which would be unacceptable to many people. There are also unsubstantiated claims of biodegradable nylon 4 bristles but in reality this is not commercially available. We therefore use bristles which are 100% castor oil, which means less petroleum-based plastic. We are constantly searching for an alternative, but until then, we believe that a biodegradable handle with castor oil-based bristles is much better than a plastic toothbrush.
Will it feel different using a toothbrush made of bamboo instead of plastic?
Yes but only for a short time! For the first few days you may notice the feel of the natural bamboo instead of plastic but soon you won't be able to imagine using anything else. Occasionally a bristle may fall out - don't panic! This is simply a sign that you are using a handcrafted brush made in the traditional way - not with bristles moulded into plastic. Soon you will enjoy the feel of holding something that connects you in a small way to the natural world.
What is the finish on the Truthbrush?
The Truthbrush is dipped in a coloured paint, which has been tested according to REACH legislation. Each brush is then given a coat of plant based oil to give it a beautifully smooth and water resistant finish.
How should I care for my Truthbrush?
We recommend, based on advice from dentists, that you replace your toothbrush every 3 months (although we know the Truthbrush lasts much longer).
After use, please don’t leave standing in water.
To dispose of your bamboo toothbrush, simply snap off the head or pull out the bristles with a pair of pliers and either place the handle in the garden waste bin or home compost. Alternatively, you can send it back to us and we will recycle it through the Terracycle programme.
Or, why not re-use the Truthbrush in any creative way you can. Plant canes and paint stirrers are just a couple of examples of how you can give your Truthbrush a second life.
Will buying bamboo products be detrimental to pandas?
No – we love Pandas! The Truthbrush is made from Moso bamboo, a type of bamboo which is inedible to pandas. The bamboo we use is Forestry Stewardship Certified and comes from sustainably and responsibly managed forests in China.