There’s one thing a few sponge that makes any kitchen really feel correctly outfitted. 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 drawback is with the sheer quantity which are discarded yearly—an estimated 400 million in the US alone.
Sponges are designed to do messy cleansing jobs, which causes them to refill with germs shortly. That is why many specialists advise tossing the stinkers weekly—a advice which will assist us by way of hygiene, however results in a staggering quantity of plastic trash that can not be recycled. As soon as in landfill, it may take thousands and thousands of years for them to interrupt down.
One other drawback is that, as a result of nearly all of these kitchen sponges are produced 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 therapy amenities, so 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, capable of take in as much as ten instances their weight in water. They’re environmentally pleasant, reusable, and produced from wooden pulp or plant cellulose, which ensures they will break down totally in an affordable period of time. Listed here are a few of our favourite inexpensive choices, obtainable from the Free the Ocean plastic-free store.
Treehugger spoke to Mimi Ausland, co-founder of Free the Ocean, who stated, “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 drawback, you possibly can really feel good understanding this different is produced from wooden pulp and is 100% biodegradable!”
Free the Ocean’s sponges include rave opinions from many completely satisfied clients.
“These are THE BEST sponges I’ve ever used, and can solely use these any further. They’re comfy in your hand, too!”—Marina B.
“Wow! So stunned how absorbent they’re and understanding I’m serving to the setting is a double plus!”—Ruth P.
“These sponges are great!!! Not solely are they secure for the setting, however additionally they final a very long time and take in an unimaginable quantity of liquid. I LOVE THEM!”—Fawn
Give pure sponges a attempt to you will not be disillusioned. In reality, you’re extra more likely to be pleasantly stunned—and marvel why you didn’t make the swap earlier. Your kitchen and dishes can be as squeaky clear as ever, and all you must do is toss the sponge within the compost bin whenever you’re completed with it.
To buy and for extra info, go to Free the Ocean.