Why? Because the ones that are ok for the oceans are only the ones that grow in them.
DIRTY FACT
Each time we use that cheap little sponge, we’re washing tiny particles of plastic into the oceans… swallowed by sea creatures and harming them.
We’ve cleaned up our washing up liquids, after the shock realisation that many harm aquatic life. But what about our washing up sponges? Should we be looking at them too?
Turns out we should.
Most common kitchen sponges are made from plastic and can’t be recycled or composted. Often they’re only used for a couple of weeks, get thrown away, end up in landfill where they’ll contribute to plastic pollution for hundreds of years.
Worse, because they’re made of plastic, they break down with every day use and shed the dreaded microplastic particles into waterways, with each sink of dishes.
What’s more they contain petroleum, bleach, sulphates and a whole slew of nasty chemicals. Long after we’re finished with them, they continue to release these into the soil and atmosphere. And the bacteria-killing triclosan they’re filled with, cause real damage to aquatic ecosystems including fish, birds and coastal wildlife.
All from an unwitting sponge. By the way, we’re ok on quality plastic washing-up brushes from the microbead angle …but there is still the small point of plastic manufacture being a major contribution to climate change, with 99% of it being made from petrochemicals. For those of you who love steel scourers for your pots and pans, they don’t fare much better. Some are made from recycled steel which is good, but they’re uncertain or difficult to recycle and most end up in landfill just like plastic. And get this some of them like the Brillo ones, contain beef tallow. Seriously.
Right, that’s got to stop. So what shall we use instead?
Here are our top picks. Biodegradable, compostable, washable or a combination of those. And all available from the same store.
Will it cost me more?
Yes, they will but they should last longer than the traditional plastic sponge and some, like the Scrubbies pads, are washable so work out cheaper in the long run.
Have something to ask or share with everyone? Please post it in the box below.
And…is there something you’re proud of, big or small (birdbath sploshing, compost peat free…) Email us, so we can feature you on our Weekly Shout Out. It’s a real boost for everyone!
We…
Aimee: I was forever buying those multi-packs of yellow sponges and now I’ve switched to a combo of a coconut scourer, coconut brush and a loofah for things that need a gentler touch. Had them all for ages now and still tip top!
Sonia: I love the Scrubbies. Totally natural, washable and they actually do a really good clean! Bit of a wrench to give up my steel wool scourers which I love for my pans, but that’s next…and now I know some of them actually contain beef (wot) that’s that.
“Sponge bob, you’re pants”
Photo: Volodymyr Hryshchenko