http://www.care2.com/greenliving/safer-sponges.html
Wipe Out: Buying Safer Sponges
posted by Annie B. Bond Jun 3, 2008 12:00 pm
By Annie B. Bond, Care2 Green Living Executive Producer
Talk about an unwanted gift with purchase: Almost every sponge now sold in U.S. supermarkets is impregnated with a synthetic disinfectant—usually triclosan— that has been registered as a pesticide with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Not only should we be concerned about washing our dishes and counter tops with triclosan, but common disinfectants may contribute to drug resistant bacteria just like antibiotics.
Here’s what you can do:
- Buy only pure cellulose sponges by avoiding sponges in packages that use language such as “kills odors.”
- If your sponges exude the distinctive disinfectant smell, throw them out and search for a source of sponges made of pure cellulose.
- Sterilize sponges by boiling them in a pan of water for three to five minutes, or place them in a dish washing machine and wash with a load of dishes.
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Better Basics for the Home
Simple solutions -- almost 1,000 formulas -- for less toxic living, by Annie Berthold-Bond, Care2.com's green living channels editor.buy nowrelated stories
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add your comment »The link below to the Natural Bath & Body shop didn't work right, after typing in the address, was able to find a bunch of natural sea sponges, and at great prices as well. Try this link to get to the Sponge Store: Natural Sea Sponges
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After reading your article, I did the same, ridding our household of all synthetic sponges. Did some shopping and found a larger selection and better pricing at www.naturalbathandbodyshop.com . They are located in Tarpon Springs, Fl where the sponges are actually harvested and processed. Friendly, helpful customer service and same day shipping as well. www.naturalbathandbodyshop.com
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I would like to offer a "natural" solution to the sponge dilema, not just to promote my product, but for green reasons. Natural sponges are hypo-allergenic, do not retain odors and bacteria, do not mat up, fall apart, and wind up in the local landfill, and last for many months if not years when cared for properly. Also , they are of a fiborous nature, very absorbant, not made from petroleum like the synthetics. Well , seeing is believing, so you might try one. www.apalachspongecompany.com
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I just purchased and received my order of natural sea sponges from apalachicola sponge company, he has a website. I have already started using them and threw out my nasty name brand chemical ones. I highly recommend them, and love them. I asked for the unwashed kind so the colors of the sponges are more a natural tone then a uniform blond color but you can get them either way.
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I have serious doubts that placing a sponge in the dishwasher with your dishes is a sanitary thing to do. It would be impossible for the dishwasher to completely impregnate the sponge with soap and water and then completely rinse it out. There would always be lingering germs. The sponge would be dripping on your dishes. Bad idea.
A better idea is to use cloths. They are washable and sanitizable in the clothes washing machine. You can buy them in bundles of a dozen for as little as one dollar. When they become too ragged or soiled to use as a kitchen wipe, use them a few more times in your "Swiffer" mop. After that I launder them and cut them into strips to use as biodegradable plant ties.
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Shaklee has organic cleaners and sponges and wipes they all work extremely well.
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Shaklee has organic cleaners and sponges and wipes they all work extremely well.
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My last two posts were re: the question on Trader Joe's popup sponges posted earlier. (I apologize for the duplicate post as my computer froze, I wasn't sure it went thru.)
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Trader Joe's has an excellent reputation for selling organic/green items. If it was on their shelf, I would feel comfortable to use them. In fact, I'm heading there next week and will pick up a bunch for myself. Never thought of what was in my sponge - thanks Annie!
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Trader Joe's has an excellent organic and green reputation, I don't think they would sell them if they were not safe.
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