FAQ

1. Why does an earth-friendly company send out a new brush every 3 months rather than four at a time? Wouldn't that save packaging?

The American Dental Association recommends that people change their toothbrush every three months for hygiene and effectiveness. Bogobrush’s delivery service encourages proper dental hygiene habits to make your life a little easier and healthier. Packaging is certainly a consideration, and we assure you that like Bogobrush, its packages will not require a landfill. If you prefer to have all four sent at one time, you can always purchase four individual brushes, and keep them on stock yourself.

2. Are Bogobrushes compostable? What is the time frame in which they biodegrade?

Bogobrush’s bamboo handle will biodegrade naturally, as any stick of its size would biodegrade. If average composting conditions are imposed, it is reasonable to assume that Bogobrush’s handle will degrade within several months. Bogobrush’s bio-plastic bristles are made of Polyamide (Nylon) 4. While the science on bio-plastics is still evolving, studies, like those cited in the International Journal of Molecular Science, have confirmed that Nylon 4 can naturally degrade within 4 months.

Ultimately, the time frame of biodegradability for any bio-matter depends on a multitude of factors about the conditions surrounding degradation including temperature, the other ingredients in a compost pile, the number of worms and bugs present, and the stirring or mixing process implemented with the pile. U.S. regulatory standards require claims of compostability to guarantee that a “product will completely break down into, or otherwise become part of, usable compost (e.g., soil-conditioning material, mulch) in a safe and timely manner,” in a typical backyard compost pile. Because of the unknown conditions of individual composting techniques, we do not want to get stuck in a regulatory mess. But, what we can say, with regulatory confidence, is that Bogobrush will completely biodegrade, and so long as it doesn’t end up in a landfill, it will return safely to earth.*

* A note about bio-matter and landfills: Landfills lack the air necessary for safe biodegradation, so when bio-matter breaks down in a landfill, it releases harmful gases. For this reason, we strongly encourage you to avoid throwing your Bogobrush in the trash. Instead, bury it in your backyard...go ahead, you’ll like it!

3. How does the bamboo handle hold up to twice a day use? Does it get nasty or degrade at all?

Bogobrushes will withstand months of regular use. Bamboo is naturally antimicrobial, which makes it perfect for the handle, and the bio-plastic bristles won’t start to break down until long after they wear out. You can feel free to use your Bogobrush as often, and for as long as, any other toothbrush today, and when you’re done, it will take months exposed to natural composting processes to start to break down.

4. Where are Bogobrushes manufactured?

Our goal is to produce Bogobrush entirely in the United States, and the success of our pre-order campaign will help determine how quickly we can begin that process. Until we reach a production volume that allows for viable U.S. production, the next best option is to produce in China, where bamboo is readily available, and we can minimize the environmental footprint of our material sourcing. Regardless of the location of bamboo production, Bogobrush will be bristled in the U.S., at an FDA approved facility.

5. Are you offering Bogobrush for sale in retail destinations ?

Bogobrush will be available in select retail destinations in early 2013, and will be expanding from there. If you are interested in carrying Bogobrush in your store, let us know: contact@bogobrush.com. We’d love to talk with you!

6. Does Bogobrush ship internationally?

Yes! International shipping for single bogobrushes is $5, and therefore international shipping charges for one year of Bogobrush is $20, ($5 x 4 brushes with one sent every three months.) All you have to do is proceed to checkout and our shop will calculate the appropriate shipping for you.

7. How firm, or soft, are the bristles?

Out the gate, all Bogobrushes will come with softer bristles, as recommended by most dentists. With success and growth, we can expand our product offering to include brushes to meet even more needs.

8. Can dentists purchase Bogobrush for their patients?

Yes. If you are a dentist interested in pre-ordering Bogobrushes for your practice, please contact us: contact@bogobrush.com. We will love to talk with you!