When I finally decided to test them, they turned out to be comfy, comprehensive and eco-sensitive. Not a bad combination. The Original lasts 3x longer than a regular toothbrush; the handle is also made from renewable materials (and have been for 20 years). Their Source toothbrush not only has a handle made from renewable material but also has a replaceable head which uses up to 1/5 the material of a regular brush.

Both brushes have extremely comfortably shaped heads to reach all those nooks and crannies between your teeth and ergonimically designed grips. The Original comes in fun colors, like berry and lime, while the Source has an earthier feel. They range in price from about $7 for a single to $38 for a 6 pack and accomodate righties and lefties.

I know a lot of readers have been wondering what toothbrush I use…ahem. Well it’s a rechargeable one. I like it as I don’t have to buy a new toothbrush each time when the head wears out, but it does use electricity sometimes. I never really spend much time thinking about the “eco-ness” of my toothbrush, but every little thing helps. Now, the Source toothbrush from Radius may have become my new favorite, but why?

Let’s start from the beginning. I was actually sent two toothbrushes by Radius — the Original and the Source — so let’s take a look at them both.

Read more of this story »

]]> http://sustainablog.org/2008/03/17/life-goggles-radius-toothbrush-eco-product-reviews/feed/ http://amystodghill.greenoptions.com/2007/08/31/daily-tip-three-eco-friendly-toothbrushes/ http://amystodghill.greenoptions.com/2007/08/31/daily-tip-three-eco-friendly-toothbrushes/#comments Fri, 31 Aug 2007 15:29:57 +0000 Amy Stodghill http://amystodghill.greenoptions.com/2007/08/31/daily-tip-three-eco-friendly-toothbrushes/
Green Options has covered the benefits of natural toothpastes, but what about the toothbrush you’re putting in your mouth? Do you know where that comes from? We’ve listed three dentist-approved toothbrushes that are good for your teeth and good for the planet.

Radius Original Toothbrush. The Radius original toothbrush has been around for 22 years. This non-traditional design (made for righties and lefties) not only helps you brush better, but the handle is made from renewable resource plastic. Radius also makes a toothbrush line for children.

Radius Source Toothbrush. The Source toothbrush comes with a replaceable head. After all, when you get a new toothbrush, all you really want to do is change out the bristles. The reusable handle is made from a wood fiber blended with corn plastic - both renewable resource materials.

The manufacturing of Radius toothbrushes is also eco-friendly. They are made in a restored mill in Pennsylvania, using well designed, efficient processes that create less waste and save on water and energy use (although much of the production is down at the moment, after the mill suffered severe storm damage in July).

Preserve Toothbrushes. Preserve toothbrushes by Recycline are made from recycled materials (mainly Stonyfield Farm yogurt cups), and are completely recyclable (if you send it back, Recycline will turn your used toothbrush into recycled plastic lumber.)

You can find these toothbrushes at Whole Foods, Wild Oats, and some other specialty or natural foods stores; some major drug stores may carry them as well. While these brushes cost a little more than their conventional counterparts, since they’re better designed, they will actually last a little longer.

Want to clean your toothbrushes the natural way? Soaking your brush in vinegar every two weeks will get rid of most of the germs and bacteria hanging out there.

Got a tip for Amy and Jennifer? Send it to them!

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