Introduction – Biodegradable Floss Pick
ShrinkthatFootprint supports efforts and products that increase sustainability, and carbon reduction. Biodegradable items will fit this bill as long as the target landfill of the disposed biodegradable product captures emissions. If there’s no emission capture system in place, a product that degrades into greenhouse gases quickly will lose it to the atmosphere. Conversely and ironically, if it degrades slowly that gives the landfill time to implement technologies to capture emissions. North Carolina State University scientists studied this topic to come to the conclusion.
In this post, we will discuss the top seven biodegradable floss picks on the market today. We’ll go over the pros and cons of each one so that you can make an informed decision about which one is right for you.
What Is A Biodegradable Floss Pick?
A biodegradable floss pick is a type of plastic or metal tool used to assist with dental flossing. It typically has a pointed end to help maneuver the floss in between teeth and a handle for easy gripping. Most importantly it is made from materials that can be broken down quickly by decay processes. The most common type of biodegradable floss pick is made from bamboo, which is a fast-growing plant. This avoids the use of plastics that come from petrochemicals and contribute to a net increase in carbon emissions, and avoids wood that come from slow-growing trees and are a hard-to-replace carbon sink.
We’ve covered bamboo quite a bit on our site. Take a look at this related article on bamboo tissues. It explains why bamboo is a great substitute for wood. Its versatility means it can be spun into fibers to make fabrics and threads.
Other types of biodegradable floss picks are made from cornstarch, which breaks down into sugar, and rice bran, which breaks down into lactic acid. Biodegradable floss picks are an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional toothpicks, which are typically made from plastic or wood.
Main Features To Look For In A Biodegradable Floss Pick
Your product does not have to satisfy every condition. Look for ones that fit as many of these feature requirements as possible.
Made Of Renewable Materials – Biodegradable floss picks are made from renewable materials such as bamboo or cornstarch, making them an eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastic floss picks. These materials are naturally strong and durable, ensuring an effective cleaning experience. The picks also have smooth edges to prevent gum irritation and ensure a comfortable brushing experience. One great example is bamboo for the floss fiber and
Strong And Sturdy Enough For Use – A biodegradable floss pick is strong and sturdy enough to remove food debris from between teeth, making it an effective and efficient tool for cleaning between teeth. The pick is designed to be gentle on the gums, making it a great option for those with sensitive gums.
Smooth Edges To Prevent Tissue Irritation – As well as being strong and sturdy, biodegradable floss picks also have smooth edges to prevent gum irritation. This is especially beneficial for those with sensitive gums, as the smooth edges provide a comfortable brushing experience.
Eco-Friendly Packaging – Often, overlooked, the eco-friendly nature of biodegradable floss picks is further enhanced by their environmentally friendly packaging. The packaging used for biodegradable floss picks is designed to be recycled or compostable, helping to reduce the amount of plastic waste that is produced. Even better, is there a choice that has no packaging at all? This would be closer to a zero-waste solution.
Top 7 Biodegradable Floss Pick
Here are the top 7 sustainable flosser brands that you can use:
1. Vegan Bamboo Charcoal Dental Floss
This dental floss is made from sustainable bamboo charcoal, which is naturally antibacterial and helps to remove plaque and tartar buildup from teeth. The charcoal also helps to absorb bad breath-causing bacteria, leaving you with long-lasting freshness. Plus, the floss is coated in a plant-based wax that makes it super gentle on gums. And when you’re done using it, simply compost the floss pick to help reduce your carbon footprint.
2. TreeBird Dental Floss With A Refillable Glass Holder
Their Dental Floss With A Refillable Glass Holder is not only one of the best biodegradable floss picks on the market, but it’s also easy to use and comes in a convenient glass holder. The floss is made from 100% natural silk plus the refills are just as eco-friendly as the initial purchase, so you can feel good about using this product again and again.
3. The Humble Co. Floss Picks
The floss itself is made from a plant-based polymer and the picks are made from bamboo. The Humble Co. Floss Picks are also vegan and cruelty-free. In addition to being environmentally friendly, the Humble Co. Floss Picks are also very effective at removing plaque and bacteria from teeth. The picks are available in both mint and charcoal flavors, and they come in a recyclable cardboard box.
4. rebEarth Natural Deep Clean Charcoal Floss
This is made from bamboo charcoal, which is a sustainable and biodegradable material. The bamboo charcoal is impregnated with beeswax, which gives it a silky smooth texture that glides easily between teeth. In addition, charcoal helps to remove plaque and bacteria from teeth and gums. rebEarth Natural Deep Clean Charcoal Floss is also vegan and cruelty-free, making it a great choice for those who are conscious of animal welfare.
5. BAMBOOEARTH Mint Dental Tooth Lace Floss
This brand of the biodegradable floss pick is made from bamboo, one of the most sustainable and renewable resources on the planet. The tooth lace is also infused with mint essential oil for a refreshingly clean feeling. Plus, the BPA-free and 100% cruelty-free floss are strong yet gentle, so they won’t tear your gums or leave behind any unwanted residue. Best of all, when you’re done using it, simply compost the tooth lace and floss ball refill!
6. Natural Dental Floss Picks – Plant Based
The material used for the bristles is made from recycled toothbrushes. The handle is made from bamboo, which is a sustainable resource. The floss itself is made from plant-based PLA (polylactic acid), which is a biodegradable plastic. This brand of the floss pick is not only good for the environment, but it’s also gentle on your teeth and gums. It’s also easy to use and comes in a handy travel case.
7. SMARTLIFECO Unflavored Dental Floss Picks
These picks are made from cornstarch and other sustainable materials, so you can feel good about using them without harming the environment. The sharp, pointed ends make it easy to get between teeth and remove plaque and food particles. Plus, the Picks are also coated with a natural beeswax coating that helps to reduce friction and make flossing a breeze.
The picks are available in two sizes, regular and mini. The regular size is ideal for adults, while the mini size is perfect for children. The picks have a smooth, glossy finish that glides easily between teeth. They are also mint-scented to freshen breath.
Conclusion
Choosing a biodegradable floss pick is a great way to reduce your impact on the environment. There are many different brands and types of floss pick available, so be sure to choose one that is right for you. Consider the material, the size, the flavor, and the price when making your decision. And most importantly, make sure to compost your floss pick after use!
