Do you ever think about your cleaning sponge?
Most of us throw dish sponges into our carts, buy them and go about our washing without ever really considering what they’re made of or where they come from. Our friends at Full Circle want to change that.
80% of sponges are made out of virgin plastics, which break down into microplastics, which wreak havoc. They contaminate waterways, endanger ocean life and even pollute our food supply (that means we’re eating these microplastics!). 400 million sponges a year get thrown away, and then take centuries to break down.
Our small choices can make a big difference.
So what’s the alternative? Natural cellulose sponges. They’re more sustainable and even more effective than virgin plastic sponges, and they break down naturally over time. The ultimate goal: reduce plastic waste. The Start with a Sponge Challenge is simple:
- Step 1: Grab a sponge.
- Step 2: Find a friend to slap some sense into.
- Step 3: Slap your friend with the sponge and slow mo record it on your phone.
- Step 4: Share with #startwithaspongechallenge and tag a friend you want to challenge.
But sponges are just the beginning. Full Circle wants to “inspire thoughtful changes in people’s everyday choices.” This means examining our consumer behavior to choose, use and discard plastic and opt for more sustainable options.
For example, reduce your plastic usage by avoiding bottled water and opting for refillable bottles, making coffee at home or bringing a refillable cup along to the cafe, and by using your own reusable bags at the grocery.
Shop more sustainably as well! Go thrift shopping instead of buying new or shop from local ethical businesses. Most importantly, reduce your shopping overall by using and re-purposing items you already have. Learning basic mending can go a long way. When you utilize existing clothing and other goods, no new resources go towards the creation of the item, and you aren’t feeding into a system of thoughtless consumption.
Our small choices can make a big difference. We took the pledge and so can you.
Learn more at the Start with a Sponge website here.
