Bamboo Floss: 3 Reasons Why You Should Try It

Bamboo floss: zero waste & toxin-free alternative.

I’m sure you’re with me on this one. When I used plastic dental floss, it felt like such a waste every single time.

Like throwing away a tea bag, you feel slightly guilty for getting rid of something you only used once. Naturally, I asked myself, is there something else I can try? I’d heard of silk floss, but I never really knew the complete differences between flossing products.

If you’re asking yourself the same question, you’re right. There is a better alternative. In fact, there are several alternatives to conventional floss--electric water flossers, toothpicks (plastic or wood), even silk.

But perhaps the best alternative? Bamboo fiber floss.

Here’s the deal.

EcoRoots’ bamboo floss has 3 key advantages.

• Low-Waste bamboo fiber
• Organic wax and ingredients
• Zero waste packaging

This bamboo floss cuts out plastic in the packaging!

EcoRoots highlights bamboo as the low-waste alternative to conventional floss.

 

Why is this significant?

Compared to regular floss made of nylon or Teflon (which are different types of plastic), bamboo floss is completely compostable. It starts to decompose just after 60 to 90 days in a compost pile.

Hint: you can also just dig a shallow hole in the ground and let the product and packaging biodegrade if you don’t compost at home.

More importantly, bamboo is a sustainable resource not just because it’s compostable but because it grows back quickly. To top it off, bamboo farming also uses less water and less energy than making plastic floss products. Even if a product has recyclable plastic packaging, it takes enormous amounts of energy to recycle plastic, so take into consideration that even more resources are wasted--water, electricity, human power, etc.

On the bright side, EcoRoots’ bamboo floss is waxed with candelilla plant wax and flavored with peppermint and tea tree oil.

And bonus: it’s infused with activated charcoal for extra cleaning power. Peppermint flavor isn’t new, but get this: we use organic peppermint oil to remove germs and prevent gum irritation. What’s more, tea tree oil is known to be a strong bodyguard against bacteria and fungus. It’s commonly used in other personal care products like natural facial cleansers, shampoos, and soaps.

On the other hand, you might wonder, is charcoal really good for you? Well, let me tell you. Activated charcoal isn’t just a fad. At least not for us.

Here’s what I mean. Charcoal, as a toothpaste ingredient, helps whiten teeth by scrubbing away stains on the tooth’s surface.

Sounds good, right? In floss, it helps absorb bad odor and attracts plaque, taking your oral hygiene to another level completely.

By contrast, most conventional floss threads are covered with a wax made of petroleum products. They also don’t offer any additional benefits like using organic essential oils or activated charcoal.

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In terms of durability, the fiber doesn’t fall apart or leave little bits of floss like other poorly-made products.

Beyond the ingredients, EcoRoots’ bamboo floss comes in plastic-free packaging. It’s packed in a craft paper box, sure, but it is compostable. The small, refillable (and recyclable) glass jar is covered with a metal lid that doubles as a dispenser. You know--the little opening where you cut the floss to get the right length. 

Wondering how much you should be using each time you brush your teeth? You’ll need around 18 inches when you floss, and this product comes with 30 meters or 33 yards. This means one spool lasts between one to two months depending on how often you floss, but it is recommended to floss at least once a day.

Admittedly, I understand that flossing can be dreadful, especially if you have sensitive gums or tight spaces between your teeth. However, this bamboo floss makes it effortless to start a healthy flossing habit. It’s easy to use, low-waste, and gentle on your teeth and gums.

So if you’ve been searching for the best low-waste alternative for a while or if you’re just starting to get into the routine of cleaning between your teeth, I suggest you try out this zero waste option.

Check out also our new addition: vegan corn floss.

Our eco-friendly floss is made from compostable corn, naturally coated with plant-based candelilla wax and a hint of organic mint & tea tree essential oils to soothe and moisturize gums. This vegan & biodegradable floss glides comfortably between the teeth and is gentle on your gums.

Flossing daily helps to remove food debris and prevent bacteria from the areas that sometimes regular brushing cannot reach.

Additionally, our cruelty-free floss (30 m/33 yds) is packaged in a beautiful, refillable glass bottle with a recyclable metal lid. You can keep and reuse the dispenser for a long time and simply refill with a new eco-friendly floss (refill pack) whenever needed. 

Get the Vegan Eco-Friendly Floss 2-Refill Pack for this glass dispenser here.

100% zero waste, all packaging materials are non-plastic and are either recyclable or compostable. 

Now, let’s dig a little deeper into why using plastic dental floss has so many negative effects. Stay with me as we discuss the production process, the packaging, the trash. Trust me, you’ll be glad you did your research.

Let’s ask ourselves, why is natural bamboo floss the better choice?

As I mentioned above, traditional floss is made of plastics like Teflon and nylon. The wax is where a big problem lies. When you buy waxed or even regular floss that claims it “glides” or “slides” right in between teeth--pay attention. This is really just a nice way of saying, “We’ve coated this floss with highly toxic chemicals just to make flossing a little bit more convenient for you.”

Unfortunately, plastic floss is coated with perfluorochemicals (PFCs), which are substances that give floss that waxed feeling. These chemicals are associated with many health issues and diseases like infertility, hormone imbalances, thyroid disease, and developmental issues. PFCs are also found in other coated products like furniture, non-stick cooking pans, and clothes.

Bottom line? Plastic coating is popular, but it’s also toxic. PFCs end up in landfills and in water sources from PFC-coated products like floss. But you know what else? These chemicals are commonly found in animals, plants, and even breast milk. So why are they used in floss and why are we still using them?

Listen. If something is resilient and persistent enough to make its way into wildlife and waterways, I wouldn’t want to use it on any part of my body.

Think about it. Using something coated in chemicals in your mouth--that’s basically eating it or injecting it straight into your bloodstream.

Similarly, throwing away plastic floss is akin to littering. Even if you use a garbage can. For starters, the product and plastic packaging take over 500 years to break down. When floss gets into bodies of water like the open ocean, animals mistakenly eat them or get caught in the fibers. Sadly, the tough, unbreakable quality we like in floss is dangerous to marine animals. Additionally, PFCs contaminate water, food, and land animals.

Let me explain. You’ve heard of how mercury makes its way into our bodies through the fish that we eat. PFCs work the same way--when we eat plants or animals that ingested PFCs, we absorb them, too. In large amounts. Consider this when you’re buying Teflon or nylon floss. There is other alternatives. Our Corn floss or Bamboo floss is just a few of them, but nevertheless, EcoRoots proudly offers an low-waste option.

My brief research on PFCs and the harmful effects of plastic floss isn’t meant to shame or scare you. It’s simply a wake-up call and a nudge to make healthier and low-waste choices--for yourself, your family, and the Earth.

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