What to use instead of sponges

Sponges aren’t that green. Basically you’ve got three choices:

• Typical cheap sponges made with toxic and non-renewable polyurethane. These sponges won’t biodegrade and will last and last in a landfill.
• Animal derived sea sponges which some people have an issue with because they are living at one point and some don’t.
• Sponges made from wood pulp cellulose. These will biodegrade, and are non-toxic, but some say they encourage logging because they’re made with tree pulp. However, they’re a better choice than polyurethane sponges.

There are better choices:

I used to buy wood cellulose sponges when I did buy a sponge (rarely) and now I haven’t bought one in over a year. They’re just not so necessary. I use old rags to clean with, and old washcloths if I need to wash a dish. Since I have a dishwasher, I really don’t need a sponge too.

Some people worry about how clean you can clean with a cloth vs. a paper towle or sponge, but you can get things clean so long as you use your rags correctly.

If you’re looking for more ways to cut down on sponge use try rinsing your dishes right away (after you eat) which means no scrubbing before the dishwasher. You can also grow and harvest your very own loofa plant – yup right at home.

What sort of sponges are you choosing and why?

[image via stock.xchng]