Published: 22/04/2025
Hey Tommie, so ALTER/NATIVE by Suma seems like such a natural partner for @BambuuBrush. What made you think, ‘Yep, these are the folks I want to collaborate with’?
We’ve been using Suma products for years, especially after having our first child, Billie. Parenthood intensified our commitment to living as naturally as possible. At @BambuuBrush, our mission is to prevent 1,000,000 kg of plastic toothbrushes from entering circulation. We’re at 165,000 kg so far. When we became B Corp Certified in early 2024, we thought let’s reach out to Suma, as a leader in ethical business, to explore options to join forces. Our missions align closely, and we thought we could achieve great things together.
What inspired you to start @BambuuBrush, and how does it fit into your vision for sustainable living?Rebecca and I (Tommie) are passionate travellers. Rebecca lived in Asia and Australia for 10 years, and my three-month backpacking trip turned into a seven-year journey. During our time in the travel industry, we witnessed the devastating impact of plastic waste on the environment, marine life, and human health. In many rural communities without waste management systems, burning plastic can cause toxic pollution, leading to health issues. This drove us to work more closely with our partners on sustainability initiatives. We saw the impact we were making but wanted to do more. In February 2019, we launched @BambuuBrush and the #1millionby2020 campaign to replace 1,000,000 plastic toothbrushes with bamboo alternatives. We also developed educational workshops for schools and organised community and beach clean-ups. Our mantra, #OneSimpleChange, encapsulates our belief that small actions, when multiplied, can change the world.
What challenges have you faced in scaling sustainable products?
One of the biggest challenges is working with larger brands that prioritise customer experience. Convincing them to adopt sustainable alternatives can be tough, as the general public is so accustomed to plastic products. Our partnership with Virgin Atlantic, where we introduced the first bamboo toothbrush in the skies, has hopefully pushed the aviation industry forward, but there’s still a long way to go in moving away from single-use plastics.
What sets @BambuuBrush apart in the sustainable living market?
Our simplicity. We emphasise that everyone has the power to make one simple change that can inspire others. We’re more than just a brand; we’re a movement inspiring people to learn and take action.
What else are you involved in besides @BambuuBrush?
@BambuuBrush has given me a platform to share our message and inspire change. I’ve had the privilege of speaking about the circular economy at TEDx and COP26. I also consult for organisations like Clean the World, which recycles discarded soap into new bars for vulnerable communities, and Plastic Oceans, the team behind the Netflix documentary “A Plastic Ocean.” I’m passionate about promoting nature-based solutions and driving the circular economy.
How do you see the plastic-free movement evolving over the next five years?
I see it splitting into two paths. First, if a nature-based solution exists that can compete with plastic, we should adopt it—like bamboo. Second, we need to understand that plastic itself isn’t the problem; it’s our consumption habits. We must move toward a circular economy, redesigning products to be recyclable from the start and integrating recycled content into new products.
What motivates you to keep innovating in sustainability?
Two things: the environment and society. Seeing the impact of plastic waste on nature drives us to protect our planet. Socially, I believe people often feel powerless to contribute to big issues like climate change. Our message of #OneSimpleChange empowers people to take action, creating positive ripple effects. This is what motivates us—seeing how one simple change can inspire others and make a difference.
What advice would you give to aspiring sustainable entrepreneurs?
If you genuinely want to make a positive impact, go for it. Make mistakes, learn quickly, and inspire others through action, not just words. Focus on solving a problem and engaging those who aren’t yet involved in sustainable living.
Which of our new products are you most excited about?
Our hero product, the @BambuuBrush bamboo toothbrush, is my favourite. It sends a powerful message: if you can start and end your day sustainably, you’ll likely make more environmentally conscious decisions throughout your day, contributing to a more sustainable future.
Find out more here | Shop ALTER/NATIVE x @bambuubrush online / wholesale