# Eco Teeth Cleaning Utensils The Wisdom Tooth Project Aims to Reduce Plastic Waste By Amelia Roblin | Published 2011-05-30 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wisdom-tooth References: [thedieline](http://www.thedieline.com/blog/2011/5/30/student-spotlight-wisdom-tooth-brush.html) Dentists insist that your toothbrush should be replaced on a regular basis, but the Wisdom Tooth project sees this suggestion to have an [environmentally detrimental impact](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/charcoal-toothpaste1). The part of the utensil that may require disposal is such a relatively small fraction of the larger plastic object, which inevitably goes to unnecessary waste. The solution to this problem is a simple one. Communication design student Kirk Summers of Syracuse University came up with the concept for a line of [lumber toothbrushes with detachable bristled heads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/buildabrush-starter). The [wooden handles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wooden-kitchen-tools) can be used over and over again, leaving only the dirtied disposable ends to be used and discarded routinely. A matching timber box accompanies the Wisdom Tooth toothbrush which is filled with replacement heads and enhanced with a suction for convenient wall tile application. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.9/10 - Popularity: 46% | Activity: 63% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Sustainable Oral Care Products:** Consumer demand for eco-friendly oral care solutions presents an opportunity for brands to innovate with biodegradable materials and minimalist designs that reduce waste. - **Modular Product Design:** The Trend of modular product design enables companies to create more sustainable products by providing consumers with customizable and replaceable parts that can reduce waste and increase product longevity. - **Circular Economy Initiatives:** Companies can leverage circular economy initiatives to reduce plastic waste by using recycled and recyclable materials in product design and packaging, which benefits both the environment and bottom line. ### Who This Affects Most - **Oral Care Industry:** Eco-friendly oral care products that reduce plastic waste provide new business opportunities for oral care companies looking to meet increasing consumer demand for sustainable products. - **Consumer Goods Industry:** The trend of modular design and sustainable packaging materials can benefit the consumer goods industry by reducing production costs and appealing to eco-conscious consumers. - **Packaging Industry:** With the rise of circular economy initiatives, the packaging industry can innovate new production methods and sustainable materials to reduce plastic waste and create brand differentiation. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Modular Electric Toothbrushes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sustainable-electric-toothbrush.md) - [Eco-Friendly Toothbrushes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/medicalgrade-stainless-steel-toothbrush.md) - [Sustainable Electric Toothbrushes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bamtoo-koa-v2.md) - [Aluminum Electric Toothbrushes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/suri-sustainable-electric-toothbrush.md) - [Collapsible Titanium Toothbrushes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kif-toothbrush-kit.md) - [Self-Sanitizing Toothbrushes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ultim8-smartbrush-system.md) - [Water-Saving Toothpaste Tabs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/toothchews.md) - [Outdoor Toothbrush Sets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/meguru.md) - [Sustainable Oral Care](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/plus-ultra.md)