Meet The Business ~ The Good Brush Company
Sunday, June 14, 2020
It is important to look after your teeth, but that doesn't mean it will cost you the planet. Good Brush has set out to reduce the amount of plastic we use for oral care while ensuring people in the UK get a high-quality toothbrush! They will be the focal point for today's "Meet The Business" post and there is even a discount code at the end, so stick around!
Hi there! Could you tell me a bit about yourself and your business?
Hi, I’m Rachel, founder of The Good Brush Company. I’ve worked in marketing for most of my career but stepped into the world of entrepreneurship as I wanted to own my own business. I started a company selling children’s products that donates with every purchase. I still run beargood.com, but with a keen interest in the natural world, I launched Good Brush in 2019.
We retail bamboo toothbrushes – an eco-friendlier alternative to using a plastic toothbrush – online at goodbrush.co.uk, at events and through several health stores. Our mission is to help reduce plastic waste one toothbrush at a time.
Our toothbrushes are made with a 100% biodegradable bamboo handle - meaning that they won’t be bulking up landfill or the sea, they will degrade over time as they are plant-based, whilst our bristles are recyclable.
Why did you decide to start a sustainable toothbrush business?
My children were the reason behind it. We watched a documentary called Plastic Ocean, which was fantastic but awful to watch as it drove home the reality of the plastic problem. After seeing it, we started to look at ways that we could reduce our plastic consumption as a family. I used to always buy a new toothbrush when I went on holiday and throw it away and, after seeing the documentary, I realised I was adding to the problem, which made me think about bamboo toothbrushes.
It was only when I started to research plastic toothbrushes that I realised the sheer scale of the problem. Buying and using a toothbrush is a simple task. All we have to do is pick up a brush, take it home, and put it to good use and when it is finished with you throw it away. But whilst this keeps our teeth in good condition, it’s bad news for our environment.
Every year we produce over 4 billion plastic toothbrushes, most of which will end up in landfill or the sea. To put that number into perspective, if you put one year’s worth of toothbrushes end-to-end, they would circle the earth 18.5 times. Or go to the moon and back. Bamboo toothbrushes provide an excellent alternative to plastic toothbrushes and will reduce plastic waste significantly if it became the norm.
It’s too easy for us to simply throw things away and not see the impact that it has on the world. It’s fantastic that in recent times plastic pollution has become a talking point, but we need to keep the discussions going and start to make a ‘less-waste’/‘zero- waste’ more of the norm for everyone.
What makes your toothbrushes special from others out there?
Our business has been founded on the principle of reducing plastic waste one toothbrush at a time. But we didn’t want to compromise on quality, nor on dental health. After taking advice from a dental friend, we opted to design a shaped head that helps give a great clean, our handles are ergonomic and comfortable. We took time in finalising the finish as research showed us that people associated the bamboo with wood, which put them off (bamboo is actually the fastest growing plant on Earth, and naturally anti-bacterial). Fortunately, as our handles are super smooth those who haven’t tried our brushes are surprised, others who have used bamboo brushes tell us that ours are nicer to use and last longer.
But the really special thing about us is that with everyone that we sell, we donate one to someone in need in the UK.
Related: Georganics Zero-waste Oral Care Products You Need
Related: Georganics Zero-waste Oral Care Products You Need
Why should people be using bamboo toothbrushes?
There are several compelling reasons to ditch the plastic and go bamboo, not just from reducing the amount of the physical product sold, but reducing plastic toothbrush production will help the environment in more ways. Firstly, it will help reduce the amount of natural material we use – polypropylene is made from oil.
A person’s impact is significant too, but we probably don’t realise it. On average, one person will use 300 brushes in their lifetime, more if you change it frequently - and if they’re plastic, current estimates suggest they’ll be degrading for around 450 years. And when I say degrade, I don’t mean they’ll disappear. They’ll shed micro and nano-plastics into the soil and water, for hundreds of years, for generations to come.
And we are not just talking about the physical impact of land or sea pollution, but also the unseen environmental impact. We are hearing more and more about micro-plastics being found in our food chain already, what is it going to be like for our children, our grandchildren, our great-grandchildren? We already have the Great Pacific Garbage Patch that contains about 5.5 trillion bits of plastic, we don’t need more. How is it going to affect not just the landscape they live in, but their actual health? It fills me with dread when you read that by 2050 it is estimated we will have more plastic in the sea than fish.
Good Brush likes to give back, could you tell me about your buy one, give one scheme?
When I was planning the launch of Good Brush, I didn’t originally plan on donating brush for brush. However, our dental friend who was giving us great advice on the design, told us that children's dental health in the UK was worsening. So, we decided that we HAD to make Good Brush a company that worked on a global and local basis.
It’s the thing that makes us unique - we donate to people in need in the UK. You’re probably thinking that the UK doesn’t need our help but we are seeing a rise in cavities, fillings and shockingly, extractions in the UK's children. Yes, diets have changed. But we are also witnessing a rise in the use of food banks, with many living in poverty and not given the basics to keep their teeth clean - food on the table is a priority, naturally.
We are doing our bit to help fill that gap. With every brush you buy, we donate one via food banks, breakfast clubs and the dental charity Dentaid.
 |
| Saving the planet one toothbrush at a time |
What is your favourite part about working for Good Brush?
Working for myself and with my partner, knowing that we are doing some good out there, however small it is!
What challenges have you faced when setting up and running your business?
Overcoming pre-conceived ideas about bamboo toothbrushes, what they feel like, how good they are etc, has been quite a challenge to an average consumer. But we are getting there.
We had planned to develop more products this year, but we paused them when Covid-19 hit. We had to slow things down because of the impact of home-schooling and working at the same time. Plus, some of our customers have been impacted financially by the virus and this has naturally had a knock-on effect.
Is there anything you’re working toward or wanting to achieve?
Yes, lots of things! New products, expanding the range and making bamboo toothbrushes the norm rather than the alternative. I have lots of goals but I’m keeping them up my sleeve for now!
If you could sum The Good Brush Company in 5 words, what would they be?
Caring, quality, purposeful, good, rewarding.
If you gave me 7 words it would be:
The toothbrush that doesn’t cost the Earth!
Thank you for answering the questions! Did you have anything else you would like to tell the world?
If you want to give Good Brush a try, buy two toothbrushes and we’ll give you 10% off your order and free shipping*. Visit www.goodbrush.co.uk and use LoveEm10 is the discount box
*Free shipping only applies to toothbrush purchases.
Social Links:
Twitter ~ https://twitter.com/brushgood
Instagram ~ https://www.instagram.com/thegoodbrushcompany/
 |
| A range of the toothbrushes that you can purchase! |
I want to give a huge thank you to The Good Brush Company for this interesting & inciteful interview! By supporting them, you will also support UK communities and the planet! We need to start making a change for the planet, and this is one simple swap that you can do now. Do you use a bamboo toothbrush? Let me know your thoughts on them in the comments.
29 comments
Love this, it's so true that we need to reduce the amount of plastic we use. I actuallly have a bamboo toothbrush and they are really good
ReplyDeleteI’ve been meaning to get a bamboo toothbrush for ages! I’m due a new one so I’ll have to check these out ��
ReplyDeleteDon't forget there is a 10% discount code for you should you wish to use it! Just add LoveEm10 to the discount box!
DeleteEm x
We should think more about the little things we do and this a great step. I'll check them out 😊 I wish you luck with it all!
ReplyDeleteThank you for reading! I think the little steps are the hardest and most important to make!
DeleteEm x
I love the answers to the questions, it’s high time to start thinking about future generations and how our actions affects them. I love the eco-friendly toothbrush, it looks so simple
ReplyDeleteThank you for reading, it is so simple yet so effective for both the planet and out community! I think what the Good Brush is doing is amazing
DeleteEm x
I've been using bamboo toothbrushes for a few years now. You're meant to change brushes every 3 months so that's 4 plastic brushes less.
ReplyDeleteIt doesn't sound a lot but over the years it is, especially if you think about all your friends and families toothbrushes.
Helen
Tea in the Tub
That is very true! I think it takes lots of little changes to make one big change for the better. Thank you for reading :)
DeleteEm x
Such an interesting post. We definitely all need to start thinking about our plastic use and it's the little things like this that could really help!
ReplyDeleteTash - www.agirlwithview.co.uk
That is very true, we all need to start making little changes for the better! Thank you for reading :)
DeleteEm x
I love this, I find interview-style posts so interesting to read! Plus I love that this company give back to charities as well, so lovely of them x
ReplyDeleteI like these business interviews too! There are so many small businesses that people are yet to discover and this is a fun way to shed some light on them! Thank you for reading :)
DeleteEm x
Great interview and great way to showcase some fab new brands! I love that they give back to charity too. I need to get a new toothbrush actually so I'll be bookmarking these! x
ReplyDeleteJenny
http://www.jennyinneverland.com
That is great, don't forget there is a discount code if you'd like 10% off! I love showcasing new brands as there are so many out there who do amazing things. Thank you for reading :)
DeleteEm x
I made the switch from a plastic toothbrush when I started university 3 years ago and I would never look back!
ReplyDeleteThey are an amazing product to have on hand! Thank you for reading :)
DeleteEm x
I recently started using these toothbrushes and I don't think I have felt more relieved ever.
ReplyDeleteThey are wonderful things. They clean your teeth and help the planet. Thank you for reading :)
DeleteEm x
I have been looking into using bamboo toothbrushes, so this post has come at the right time. It's quite shocking to see how slowly platic degrades and doesn't really leave the system.
ReplyDeleteAnother great meet the business post!
Aimsy xoxo
Aimsy’s Antics
Aww thank you, don't forget there is a discount code should you want to shop with Good Brush! I think it is really scary how it will always be there but as tiny plastic particles. Thank you for reading :)
DeleteEm x
I love this post! What an inspiring story! It powerfully illustrates what one person can do to make positive change in the world!
ReplyDeleteI think it is amazing the things that people are doing to save the planet. I love reading about their stories! Thank you for reading :)
DeleteEm x
what a great idea - I love that more and more products are becoming environmental friendly
ReplyDeleteSo do I, I think it is so important for the environment and the future of out planet! Thank you for reading
DeleteEm x
The number 4 billion really made me stop and reflect but then I guess the number is going to be ridiculously high if we're all changing our toothbrush every few months like we're supposed to. I love that this started from simply a family watching a documentary - it's amazing how ideas can grow like this x
ReplyDeleteSophie
www.glowsteady.co.uk
I have a bamboo toothbrush but its lovely to know that this business was started because of a documentary watched with kids! Love your interviews they're so interesting!
ReplyDeleteTry your best to brush everyday because when you'll not do the proper cleaning of your mouth germs and cavities problems will occur immediately. Also try to visit dentist lake success ny at least once in a week so that they can you can check your teeth properly. Also in this dental clinic you'll get all professional dentists.
ReplyDeleteGotta love companies that are not only advocating less waste/zero waste but also helping out local problems too!
ReplyDelete