There’s one thing a few sponge that makes any kitchen really feel correctly geared up. You want that spectacular absorbency, that squishy flexibility, that quick-squeeze dryness for sure cleansing jobs that simply can’t be replicated by a dishcloth.
Sadly, the colourful artificial sponges that most individuals have subsequent to their sinks trigger environmental hurt lengthy after their helpful life spans have ended. The primary downside is with the sheer quantity which might be discarded yearly—an estimated 400 million in the US alone.
Sponges are designed to do messy cleansing jobs, which causes them to replenish with germs rapidly. That is why many specialists advise tossing the stinkers weekly—a advice which will assist us when it comes to hygiene, however results in a staggering quantity of plastic trash that can’t be recycled. As soon as in landfill, it might take tens of millions of years for them to interrupt down.
One other downside is that, as a result of the vast majority of these kitchen sponges are created from plastic, they put on out by shedding tiny bits of plastic down the drain. These microplastics are too small to be filtered out by wastewater remedy amenities, in order that they enter waterways, lakes, and oceans.
Go Pure As an alternative
With this environmental nightmare in thoughts, it is a good suggestion to search for alternate options. Pure, biodegradable cleansing sponges do exist, and so they’re a incredible substitute, in a position to take in as much as ten occasions their weight in water. They’re environmentally pleasant, reusable, and created from wooden pulp or plant cellulose, which ensures they’re going to break down totally in an affordable period of time. Listed below are a few of our favourite inexpensive choices, accessible from the Free the Ocean plastic-free store.
Treehugger spoke to Mimi Ausland, co-founder of Free the Ocean, who mentioned, “These plastic-free sponges carry out the very same job as your typical kitchen sponge. (I feel they work even higher.) As an alternative of your sponges ending up as a part of our rising plastic waste downside, you’ll be able to really feel good figuring out this different is created from wooden pulp and is 100% biodegradable!”
Free the Ocean’s sponges include rave critiques from many pleased clients.
“These are THE BEST sponges I’ve ever used, and can solely use these any more. They’re comfy in your hand, too!”—Marina B.
“Wow! So stunned how absorbent they’re and figuring out I’m serving to the atmosphere is a double plus!”—Ruth P.
“These sponges are fantastic!!! Not solely are they secure for the atmosphere, however additionally they final a very long time and take in an unimaginable quantity of liquid. I LOVE THEM!”—Fawn
Give pure sponges a try to you will not be upset. In reality, you’re extra more likely to be pleasantly stunned—and surprise why you didn’t make the swap earlier. Your kitchen and dishes can be as squeaky clear as ever, and all you need to do is toss the sponge within the compost bin if you’re completed with it.
To buy and for extra info, go to Free the Ocean.