Right now retailers are not selling eco-friendly products, especially toothbrushes, as they believe that there is less demand from consumers. Plastic toothbrushes make up a majority of the aisle and eco-friendly options are not shelved at all. While bamboo toothbrushes with activated charcoal infused bristles are being manufactured, it is sold only through online marketplaces. As these organic and biodegradable bamboo toothbrushes offer health benefits such as antibacterial properties and the charcoal helps remove stains, it is important to make this product available to all the people. Because the majority of the people shop at retail stores, we would like to request all retailers to sell eco- friendly toothbrushes instead of plastic toothbrushes.

 As well as the benefits, the demand for green products and natural items have never been higher. More people are becoming aware of their environmental impact and want to reduce their plastic footprint. According to multiple polls in North America most people want environmentally friendly products. The Barron shows that of the 19000 people ages 18-73  polled,  70% of consumers think it’s important that the product is eco friendly. More polls indicate that a lot of people would buy eco friendly products even if it’s more expensive, and they would pay more for eco friendly packaging. All this shows that consumers are willing to buy and potentially even pay more for environmentally friendly products. Similar to the increasing support for electric cars and reusable grocery bags, the biodegradable toothbrush is wanted by consumers, and as more people are becoming aware of the health and environmental benefits it is sure to increase sales.

With plastic pollution being a major problem that we are facing, and one billion plastic toothbrushes are being thrown away every year in the United States alone, contributing about 50 million pounds of plastic waste to landfills every year in the United States, it is time that we STOP the use of plastic toothbrushes. Retailers must think about the future, and problems caused by plastic toothbrushes. Retailers should be a part of the solution and help consumers to switch from plastic to natural items like bamboo toothbrushes. If you agree, then please sign this petition to show that you join us in requesting all retailers to stock-up, display and sell eco-friendly toothbrushes. Let’s use the power of the consumers for a positive change!