The kitchen sponges so widely and cheaply available are made synthetically from manmade materials, as you can instantly tell by their bright, unnatural colors and unpleasant texture. I disliked these sponges for years.
First, they are wasteful and not a positive touch in the room we use to prepare our gorgeous whole foods. They tend to get dirty, smell, and fall apart quickly. There is really nothing to do then but send them to the landfill, where they will sit for millennia. These synthetic materials do not biodegrade. Second, some of these commercial sponges have chemicals already added to help prevent bacteria from proliferating. But such chemical disinfectants contribute mightily to the development of superbugs and environmental pollution.
Our family experimented with numerous alternatives to plastic sponges. Reusable and washable cloth "sponges" were ecological, but did not clean as well or soak up spills. Washcloths felt too large and unwieldy.
Problem solved on a recent trip to a natural food store. I noticed a display of sponges and other cleaning products all branded as "Twist" and decided to give them a try. As soon as we unwrapped the loofah sponge, we knew we had a winning alternative.
This handy kitchen aid is the same size and shape as its plastic cousin, but the resemblance ends there. The unbleached sponge side - made from natural cellulose fibers - holds up more durably for us and stays cleaner longer. We never notice the unpleasant smell that old plastic sponges develop. The loofah side is great for scrubbing. Loofah is a natural plant material made from tropical and subtropical vines. When the Twist sponge finally wears out, you can compost it.
All Twist cleaning aids are 100% plant-based, undyed, and biodegradable. By using the sponge or bamboo cloths, you can avoid wasteful paper towels. You are keeping chemical dyes out of the environment.
Okay, a kitchen sponge or wiping cloth is a small thing. It won't save the world all by itself. But Twist cleaning products or other natural, recyclable, and reusable alternatives to commercial products will make a difference if we all pitch in and make greener choices. All our actions fit together in an overarching pattern. You will be happier sticking to your values in all things great and small.
Janice Stanger, Ph.D., is a plant-based nutrition author, educator, and speaker. You can read chapter excerpts, find recipe resources, and learn about permanent, hunger-free weight loss on the site for her whole-foods book The Perfect Formula Diet.
Comments
Leave a comment