Our very own existence, food and clothes all count on one liquid. We all know that apart from the air we breathe, water is the most important resource for us, the liquid of life. Therefore it’s crucial to save and preserve it. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case at all: we pollute and ruin our own world and water sources with oil, plastic and so more, including fashion and animal agriculture industries. Plastics and microplastics are omnipresent, and are often mistaken by fish and birds for food, thus killing them.
Water/Plastic Crisis: Some Facts
Think about it this way: Nearly every single piece of plastic we have used in our life still exists somewhere on our planet.
Over 8 million metric tons of plastic end up in our oceans every year, 91% of it is not recycled. By 2050, there will be more plastic than fish in our oceans! Still, consumption of plastic is only getting higher and ends up in landfills and oceans.
Designed to last forever, plastic has become a target for elimination for many people, including myself: In the past year, I started becoming more aware of my consumption and have slowly been transitioning towards a more conscious lifestyle. I started using a stainless steel straw, added a reusable cup and bottle to my everyday tote and began experimenting more with plastic-free soap bars. Even major corporations like Starbucks have switched from plastic to paper straws, a move that has woken up a debate surrounding the plastic straw, but a new conversation is starting, and this time, it’s about the plastic toothbrush.
Every single plastic toothbrush that was ever produced is still somewhere in the world, and often when walking on beaches around the world, you see at least a few of them. Since plastic releases toxic chemicals and microplastics into the environment, this is a danger to us humans and to all beings on this planet.
Made up of mainly plastic-based materials, toothbrushes have become a tremendous part in the global pollution problem, but luckily, there’s an easy, eco-friendly, fully-compostable alternative that is even better, not only for the environment but for our health: ladies and gentlemen, let me introduce you to the vegan bamboo toothbrush!
I’ve used a few bamboo toothbrushes in the past year and recently was sent two by HYDROPHIL, which turns out to be one of the pioneers in conscious bathroom products.
About HYDROPHIL
HYDROPHIL is a Germany-based brand creating innovative and sustainable hygiene products. “We want to achieve beautiful things with beautiful things. Our common vision: production of a full range of sustainable, water-neutral, vegan and fair bathroom products”.
Whenever possible, HYDROPHIL uses resources which don’t endanger ground or drinking water and don’t require artificial irrigation. This way, they can significantly reduce water consumption and make people aware of it. In order to have a positive influence on our world, the brand’s products are fully vegan and not tested on animals. HYDROPHIL also believes that fair work deserves a fair reward and keep a close eye on their value chain down to the smallest detail, ensuring that their products are produced fairly.
Since the brand is driven by creating a positive change in the world, they donate 10% of their profits to the non-profit association Viva con Agua de Sankt Pauli e.V., which is committed to providing access to clean drinking water for people in countries of the global South.
HYDROPHIL’s Products
HYDROPHIL Vegan Bamboo Toothbrush + Case
HYDROPHIL’s bamboo toothbrush is not only good looking but also sustainable: it’s medium-soft bristles ensure cleansing of your teeth while also protecting your gums. Since it is made from ethically sourced Moso bamboo, it will decompose within 6 months. The biobased bristles are obtained from castor oil, which is processed into the biobased bristles and is free of BPA and petroleum.
From my experience with the toothbrush, it is doing the job well and isn’t too harsh on my sensitive gums, which is always important to me.
HYDROPHIL also sells a handy, minimal toothbrush holder that I really enjoy! If you are traveling a lot, as I do, this toothbrush case would be handy to have.
HYDROPHIL Konjac Sponge
HYDROPHIL’s Konjac sponge is purely botanical: it is made using the bulb of the konjac plant, and excellent for cleansing, exfoliating and massaging the skin. Its moisturizing and alkaline properties are ideal for sensitive or acne prone skin. I’ve used Konjac sponges in the past and enjoyed the concept, especially for exfoliation of my sensitive skin, but have always found it hard to keep the sponge fully sanitized. Any tips would be appreciated!
HYDROPHIL Lemongrass Soap + Pouch
When I opened the parcel from HYDROPHIL, the first thing I’ve noticed, even before the aesthetically pleasing products, was the lovely lemongrass scent of this soap: it is fully biodegradable, natural & plastic free, packaged with a plastic-free, recyclable box and contains rich oils from olives, coconuts & sunflowers, as well as shea butter. The rich, luxurious ingredients allow this soap to be used for basically everything, from your hands to your body and hair.
So far, I’ve used it for my hands and body and enjoyed the fresh scent and effect this soap leaves on my skin, without being greasy or drying. The pouch for me was a life-changer, and I find it to be the best discovery from this brand: it is the best zero-waste alternative to both loofah and body exfoliation: it left my skin super soft and got rid of all the dead skin cells in a very quick and gentle way!
HYDROPHIL Organic Bamboo Cotton Swabs
Looking for the most sustainable alternative to plastic cotton swabs? here it is! these cotton swabs made of bamboo and organic cotton. After using them, the cotton swabs will easily be disposed in the organic waste, compost or wherever.
If you are looking for great, sustainable, vegan and fair-trade bathroom products, I would highly recommend you to check HYDROPHIL out- not only you’ll contribute to a better planet, you’ll also donate money for a good cause and give people access to clean water.
You can find HYDROPHIL on their website and Instagram.
Let me know what would be your first eco-swap in the comments
see you soon!
Noa
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Pictures taken by the talented Liat Bracha Photography
*This post is part of a paid collaboration with HYDROPHIL. There aren’t any affiliate links or codes in this post. All the opinions are mine only. To read more, visit my ethics page.
Sources: United Nations Water, Huffpost, The Telescope, My Plastic Free Life
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