Have you seen the new line of sponges from Scotch-Brite called "Greener Clean?" They are sold in major stores (like Walmart and Target) and look ever-so eco-friendly, with the brown sponges and all.
I've been a bit obsessed with sponges lately, and I have to say that my curiosity started before I even considered eco-friendly alternatives to the scrub sponge. My main complaint was that the standard yellow sponge with green scrubber became quite stinky pretty quickly. I had a feeling (very unscientifically, mind you) that it was partly caused by the synthetic materials. Later, a friend told me about how some sponges are able to compost—and the rest is history. I've been obsessed ever since.
Which brings us back to the Scotch-Brite. I had high hopes based on the packaging wording, such as natural fiber. Upon closer inspection I saw the scrubbing side of the sponge is made with "50% natural agave plant." Which of course begs the question of what the other 50% is made of.
I called the company to find out. They said the other material was polyester. BOO!!
Despite that, I am actually glad the company has made a greener product. Using 23% recycled paper for the sponge side and almost all natural materials is a step in the right direction. The sponges do work well, I just can't compost them. They do have sponges without scrubbers in the same line that are able to compost.
In summary, if you want to compost your sponges, then buy something else. But if you are still using those green and yellow sponges (like most people who took my poll were) then I would suggest giving these new "greener" sponges a try.
* I have photos to post, but am experiencing a camera issue. I'll add them as soon as possible.
(Just a reminder, I do not get paid to write reviews. I write about green issues which I come across daily.)
1 comment:
Just an aside - as scrubbers we use plastic mesh bags that fruit (like oranges) and other things come in. You just scrunch them up and scrub away.
My favorite sponges are Trader Joe's Pop-Up sponges. They are made from vegetable cellulose (so I would guess they are compostable) and come in a package of 12. They last a long time and I throw them in the washing machine to freshen them up when they get stinky.
When I need a scrubber, I wrap a mesh bag around the sponge :)
wendy
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