Story
Did you know, in the United States alone, an estimated one billion plastic toothbrushes are disposed of each year, resulting in a staggering 50 million pounds of plastic waste!
Furthermore, plastic toothbrushes contain detrimental phthalates that have been linked to a host of serious health concerns, including breast cancer, obesity, type II diabetes, male infertility, and more.
To address this critical issue, we developed the Ocean Rebuild ReFresh™ toothbrush; a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastic toothbrushes and an improvement on the basic bamboo toothbrushes.
Meet ReFresh™ - Our Solution
ReFresh™ is the toothbrush that is not only sustainable and eco-friendly but also a true game-changer for our planet! Say goodbye to plastic toothbrushes and even bamboo toothbrushes, as ReFresh™ emerges as the perfect alternative.
We understand the struggles faced by bamboo toothbrush users when it comes to composting. The tedious task of pulling out each individual bristle with pliers every three months can be quite a hassle.
That's when we had our "aha" moment, and ReFresh™ was born—a revolutionary solution to make your oral care routine both enjoyable and environmentally friendly.
Why Bamboo?
The Ocean Rebuild ReFresh Toothbrush handle is made of premium Moso bamboo which can grow almost a meter in a single day — even more in warmer climates. Bamboo also naturally has antibacterial properties which are perfect for increasing longevity and reducing the nasties growth.
The Design
After dedicating over three years to this endeavor, we have achieved the pinnacle of toothbrush design—a meticulously crafted, ergonomic handle that fits perfectly in your hand, ensuring comfort, functionality, and effectiveness during every brushing session.
Recognizing the common issue with regular bamboo toothbrushes where the handle retains its quality while the bristles wear out, we set out to create a solution.
Our innovative design incorporates durability that can provide a full year of reliable use.
By evenly applying wax throughout the toothbrush, we effectively reduce the likelihood of mold growth, ensuring a long-lasting and hygienic toothbrushing experience.
We even went the extra mile by adding an indentation on the toothbrush head, effectively preventing any accidental detachment of the bristle heads.
Additionally, to add a touch of personality and practicality, we've included the Ocean Rebuild ReFresh™ toothbrush handle with three playful and distinctive icons—Turtle, Dolphin, and Whale.
These delightful identifiers not only bring joy but also enhance grip, elevating your brushing experience to new levels of comfort.
The Bristles
Now, let's delve into the remarkable removable head section. Our toothbrush bristles are exclusively crafted from 100% castor bean oil, ensuring they are completely free from any fossil fuel content. Embracing an eco-friendly and vegan approach, these bristles are also BPA-free, natural, and non-toxic, guaranteeing a safe and healthy choice for your dental hygiene routine.
The Ocean Rebuild ReFresh™ base is a testament to our commitment to sustainability. Expertly crafted from fermented plant starch, it presents an exceptional and far more sustainable alternative to traditional plastic derived from crude oil.
The Packaging
Of course, we haven't overlooked the packaging. The box itself is crafted from high-quality, premium kraft paper, making it 100% compostable at home, leaving no waste behind.
In each thoughtfully designed box, you'll discover 1x ReFresh™ toothbrush and 4 eco-friendly bristles, each ready to be switched out every three months.
This comprehensive ReFresh™ package is created to last an entire year, ensuring a sustainable and enduring oral care experience.
Each Purchase Removes 1 Pound of Plastic!
At the core of our values lies a deep concern for the planet's welfare. Through our unique approach, each toothbrush purchase translates into the extraction of one pound of ocean plastic.
By participating in this endeavor, you can actively promote the well-being of your teeth while making a tangible difference for the environment.
Great Bundles, Only Available On Indiegogo
Timeline
Story
The journey to create the Ocean Rebuild ReFresh™ Toothbrush began with a desire to raise awareness about the pressing issue of plastic pollution. This realization was catalyzed by the creation of an Instagram page dedicated to the cause.
As I delved deeper into the subject, I became increasingly motivated to make small changes in my own life to help the planet.
One such change was switching to a bamboo toothbrush, however, I soon encountered the challenge of removing the bristles to compost the handle.
In search of a more suitable solution, I experimented with various bamboo toothbrushes claiming to have removable heads, only to find that they lacked the necessary durability and premium feel.
In light of these limitations, I was inspired to create the Ocean Rebuild ReFresh™ Toothbrush, which offers a unique design that allows for the easy removal and replacement of brush heads, while maintaining the environmentally friendly ethos.
Meet The Team
Share it with the world
Help us make this project possible by sharing it with the world : )
Feel free to pick any picture from our social media platforms to share with your community!
Risks and challenges
We have dedicated the past three years to the development of ReFresh™, investing extensive time and effort into numerous rounds of testing, iterations, and enhancements. We spared no expense in making ReFresh™ perfect, from creating the highest quality tooling and working with an incredible supplier who makes toothbrushes for some of the most premium brands in the space to our selection of the best materials, components, and finishes. ReFresh™ is ready to be manufactured and designed to help the planet.
One of our primary hurdles lies in competing with the price points of conventional toothbrushes. Over time, consumers have grown accustomed to disposable toothbrushes being inexpensive, given their utilization of low-quality materials and limited lifespan of approximately three months.
However, our reusable toothbrush surpasses the competition by utilizing premium, high-quality materials that ensure durability and efficacy. Unlike other bamboo toothbrushes, ReFresh™ outlasts them due to its superior craftsmanship. Although bamboo possesses natural antibacterial properties, it is prone to slight molding at the base if not cared for correctly.
Recognizing this concern, we have worked closely with our manufacturer to apply additional wax to the entire toothbrush, thereby enhancing its longevity. While this may result in higher manufacturing costs initially, it ultimately delivers a sustainable solution without compromising effectiveness.
We acknowledge that altering the prevailing belief that toothbrushes should be cheap and disposable poses a significant challenge. However, we firmly believe that it is vital to the health of our planet, and we are dedicated to pursuing this goal. Although we have meticulously prepared for our product launch, unforeseen circumstances may arise despite the world appearing to return to normalcy. Regional upswings in Covid-19 cases, while hopefully behind us, could potentially impact material sourcing, factory operations, and cause shipping delays, both domestically and internationally. However, we have accounted for mild shipping delays in our timeline. Rest assured, we remain fully committed to fulfilling our promises and endeavor to deliver your orders on time, no matter the circumstances.
Environmental commitments
Long-lasting design
ReFresh™ utilizes premium materials throughout, ensuring a significantly longer lifespan compared to standard toothbrushes that typically last only three months.
Reusability and recyclability
The ReFresh™ handle is designed for reusability, with replaceable bristles that can be recycled or composted in appropriate environments. Additionally, both the packaging and handle are home-compostable.
Sustainable materials
We have meticulously crafted the entire ReFresh™ toothbrush using plant-based and sustainable materials, including the bristles, handle, and packaging. This meticulous selection of components results in a perfect product made from low-impact materials, showcasing our unwavering dedication to sustainability.
Environmentally friendly factories
Our manufacturers have multiple certifications and are pioneers in manufacturing with sustainable materials.
Sustainable Distribution
We prioritize sustainability throughout our operations. Our toothbrushes are shipped in compostable packaging, while carbon emissions are offset to minimize our environmental footprint.