Sponges, while useful for cleaning, are not an altogether green product. Some issues of conventional sponges…
- Most contain polyurethane which as the name might give away is derived from petroleum – which is one, a resource that’s draining, and two, a toxic material.
- Natural sponges; an alternative to petroleum sponges, are maybe better in a non-polluting way, but do diminish a major natural resource.
- Many sponges come wrapped in a layer of plastic, plus a label, which frankly, is way too much packaging for this sort of item.
What to do…
The best sponges are made from wood pulp cellulose. From an eco-standpoint, wood pulp sponges are biodegradable, last along time, and don’t diminish natural resources.
You can also skip the sponge altogether. For tub or sink scrubbing, you can use a natural bristle brush, or a cloth and baking soda, which allows for the same scrubby effect.
Many people use sponges for dishes, but if you rinse right away it virtually eliminates the need for sponges. At my house all we use are old cloths for cleaning, and it works fine.
Lastly, try to buy sponges with the least packaging.
Eco-sponge & cleaning choices:
- Twist Cleaning Kit
- Old cloths, rags, etc.
- Eco-sponge and sponge with walnut scrubber
What are you using to clean with?
Tags: cellulose_sponges, dishes, eco_friendly, health_food_stores, logging_practices, mainstream_stores, natural_sponges, old_rag, old_rags, paper_towels, polyurethane, renewable_resource, something_to_throw, wild_oats, wood_cellulose, wood_pulp
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Pingback from Strategy #5: Spring Cleaning : toeprintproject on March 19, 2009 at 11:29 pm
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