Why I Stopped Using Plastic Sponges In The Kitchen

Plastic is everywhere, and while we often think of it as a convenient material, its impact on the environment is vast and destructive. As more and more people are becoming aware of the importance of reducing plastic usage, the kitchen is a great place to start. Specifically, cleaning products like plastic sponges can negatively impact the environment, and it’s important to find alternatives. 

What the Data Says 

It is estimated that over 24.6 billion plastic sponges are thrown out to landfills annually from households in the United States alone.

It is difficult to estimate the exact amount of plastic sponges thrown out to landfill in Australia and New Zealand each year. However, it is estimated that around 16 million tonnes of plastic waste are generated each year in Australia alone, and much of this is likely to end up in landfills. Therefore, it is likely that a significant proportion of this waste will include plastic sponges.

Why you should reduce plastic usage in the kitchen 

First of all, plastic sponges take a long time to break down in the environment. Most plastic sponges are made from polyester, polyethylene, or polypropylene, and these materials are durable but don’t easily decompose in nature. This means that when plastic sponges get thrown away, they sit in landfills for years, slowly releasing toxins into the environment.

In addition, plastic sponges are often made from petroleum derivatives, meaning their production pollutes the air and water. All of this adds up to a significant impact on the environment.

Plastic sponges can also be damaging to marine life. Plastic sponges and microparticles often end up in the ocean, where they can be mistaken for food. This can lead to digestive blockages and can kill sea life. In addition, plastic sponges can also entangle sea creatures and restrict their movement, making it difficult for them to find food and survive. 

Kitchen Hygiene

Plastic sponges are not hygienic. In addition to being challenging to keep clean, plastic sponges can harbor bacteria and germs that can spread to other surfaces. This can be a particular problem in the kitchen, where food is being prepared and stored. Furthermore, when plastic sponges are used to clean up food messes, the food particles can get stuck in the sponge and provide a breeding ground for bacteria. 

Fortunately, there are alternatives to plastic sponges that are both more environmentally friendly and more hygienic. For example, natural sponges or cloths made from cellulose and cotton, plant-based materials, are an excellent alternative to plastic sponges.

• Natural sponges are highly absorbent and can be washed in hot, soapy water to kill germs and bacteria. 
• In addition, natural sponge cloths do not contain any petroleum-based materials, and they break down quickly in nature.

Another great alternative to plastic sponges is eco sponge cloths, the Swedish dish cloth made sustainably in Europe. Eco-sponge cloths are made from natural materials like cotton, cellulose, and wood pulp. They are highly absorbent and can be washed in hot, soapy water to kill germs and bacteria. In addition, eco sponge cloths are compostable and biodegradable, so they are much better for the environment than plastic sponges. 

To wrap up 

Overall, plastic sponges can have a significant negative impact on the environment and our health. Fortunately, we can change our shopping and cleaning habits to an eco-friendly alternative, and some alternatives are much better for the environment and more hygienic. Natural sponges made from cellulose and eco sponge cloths AKA the Swedish dishcloth are made sustainably and are therefore an excellent alternatives to plastic sponges.

If you’re looking for ways to reduce plastic usage in the kitchen, switching to natural sponges and eco sponge cloths is a great place to start. Not only will you be helping the environment, but you’ll also be doing your part to ensure a healthier kitchen for your family.