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OUR STORY

The Turtle Tribe was founded in 2018 by Ned Heaton, on a mission to reduce ocean plastics.

Having grown up seeing the issue of plastic pollution first-hand, Ned decided to do something about it.

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Our Impact: Fewer Plastic Toothbrushes, Cleaner Oceans

Reducing Plastic Waste

One toothbrush at a time, it adds up. Since 2018, we estimate The Turtle Tribe has helped avoid more than 550,000 plastic toothbrushes ending up in landfill or our oceans. Our estimate is based on the bamboo toothbrushes we've supplied through aged care, retailers, online orders and community giveaways since we started.

Impact estimate updated August 2026.

Ocean wave with '1% for the Planet' logo and tagline

Funding Ocean Conservation

As an official member of 1% for the Planet, The Turtle Tribe donates 1% of every sale to vetted ocean conservation charities.

Graceville state school

Educating School Kids

Since 2018, we estimate The Turtle Tribe has reached more than 18,000 Australian school children with education about plastic pollution and how everyday choices can make a difference. That estimate is based on the number of copies of our Say NO to Plastic! book supplied to schools, together with our in-person school presentations around Australia.

Impact estimate updated August 2026.

today show

Raising Awareness

The Turtle Tribe has helped bring the issue of everyday plastic waste into the mainstream through appearances on the Today Show, 9Now and ABC Radio, as well as coverage in SmartCompany and Inside FMCG. Our message has always been simple: small everyday changes, like switching from a plastic toothbrush to bamboo, can add up to a meaningful difference.

Watch the interview

Meeting with Hon. Meaghan Scanlon

Creating Change


In September 2022, The Turtle Tribe founder Ned Heaton met with Queensland Environment Minister Meaghan Scanlon to formally submit a petition calling for plastic toothbrushes to be phased out. Progress on broader plastic-reduction policy has been slow, and much of the focus has shifted to international efforts to tackle plastic pollution.

We still believe it matters to make our expectations heard by governments and decision-makers. But change doesn’t only happen through policy. It also happens through the choices we make every day - including choosing to use less unnecessary plastic wherever we can.

Updated August 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

Are bamboo toothbrushes better than plastic toothbrushes?

The biggest difference is the handle. A bamboo toothbrush replaces the conventional plastic handle with a natural, renewable material that can biodegrade or be composted at the end of its life. The bristles depend on the brush you choose. We offer both plant-based nylon bristles and boar bristle brush, so you can choose the option that best suits your priorities.

How long does a bamboo toothbrush last?

Around three months for most people, just like a conventional toothbrush. Replace it sooner if the bristles become worn or frayed. How quickly a brush wears will depend on the type of bristles and how firmly you brush.

Is The Turtle Tribe an Australian company?

Yes. The Turtle Tribe is an Australian family-run oral care brand, founded in 2018.

What happens to the bamboo handle at the end of its life?

The bamboo handle can be composted once any nylon bristles have been removed. For our natural boar bristle toothbrush, both the bamboo handle and bristles are biodegradable, so the whole toothbrush can be composted.