bogobrush launches sustainable socially-minded toothbrushes

bogobrush launches sustainable socially-minded toothbrushes
all images courtesy of bogobrush

created by co-founders, siblings, and children of a dentist, ‘bogobrush’ was born out of john and heather mcdougall’s idea that the world deserved a toothbrush that shared their values of simplicity, sustainability, and community. the minimalist brush’s cylindrical shape was referenced by the feel of a paintbrush or artist’s pen in the hand, and is perfectly paired with a stand that displays the brush while keeping it clean and dry. ‘we wanted to rethink the toothbrush, from an object people hide in dirty cups and cabinets, to something you would proudly display in your home,’ explains bogobrush designer and cofounder john mcdougall.

‘naked’ biodegradable brush made from flax and waste plant material

‘bogobrush’s sustainable design is available in either recyclable or compostable materials. in the U.S. alone, more than 450 million toothbrushes end up in landfills, and most of today’s toothbrushes have frivolous grips and gimmicks that make them unrecyclable. colorful, recycled and recyclable ‘bogobrushes’ are available in white, black, and blue, while the ‘naked’, compostable ‘bogobrush’ is made from a bio-composite of plants leftover from american farms.

video courtesy of bogobrush

with manufacturing partners across the U.S., bogobrush can proudly say that every bit of their products are produced within driving distance of their base in detroit. the company first experimented with bamboo brushes, which forced manufacturing overseas. but to get the quality they demanded, ‘bogobrush’ quickly turned their eyes towards home, and with a few improvements to their design, they began american production in 2015. ‘bogobrush’ has a social mission, too: for every toothbrush purchased, one is donated to a person in need. to date, ‘bogobrush’ has donated more than 2,000 toothbrushes through partner health clinics in detroit mi, minneapolis/st. paul mn, and fargo nd.

recycled plastic collection delivered to your door

‘bogobrush’ products are available in select retail shops and dental clinics across the u.s., and online at www.bogobrush.com

‘naked’ biodegradable brush delivered to your door

recycled blue

the stand proudly displays the brush, while keeping it dry and clean.

aesthetics where thought to harmonize with the modern home

the cylindrical shape is specially made to fit in any hand 

the complete bogobrush collection and packaging

american manufacturing

handles ready for bristling

early design sketch

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: juliana neira | designboom