It’s the ultimate irony: the tools we use to clean our homes are often messy for the planet. Conventional kitchen sponges and scourers are plastic in disguise. Each time you scrub-a-dub-dub, tiny microplastics come loose. These have nowhere to go but down your drain.
In the UK, our wastewater management systems are very effective at removing larger objects. Microplastics however, are so tiny that they often slip through these systems and end up in our waterways. Even the microplastics that are caught end up in sludge, which in turn is made into fertiliser for our fields, where rain can eventually wash the particles back into the rivers.
Meet the Mighty Alternative
Ocean-friendly sponges and scourers are made from cellulose, loofah, coconut husk or wood pulp. They are compostable, long-lasting, and won’t scratch your pans. That’s a mighty little sponge!
First up, we have these soft cellulose sponges from Composty. There's no plastic in sight and they can be composted at the end of their life. They also come flat and expand when you first get them wet, so they're space saving too!
These double-sided sponge scourers from EcoVibe are a great starting point. They tick all the right boxes - compostable, long-lasting, non-scratch - plus they’re washable!
If you need something with a little more oomph to get those stubborn stains off, look no further than this dish brush from Friendly. It's made from bamboo and plant fibre and works just as well as its plastic counterpart.
Bonus Item: These cloths (also known as Swedish dishcloths) are an excellent addition to your household. They're perfect for wiping up spills, cleaning worktops and your bathroom sink!
The Bottom Line
Avoiding plastic when cleaning your home is easier than most people realise. Starting with something you use every day, like a kitchen sponge, is a great way to start building a new habit. We can't avoid cleaning (I really wish we could!) but we can make mindful, intentional choices to avoid using plastic.
Make your first simple swap today.