Your young children have brains like a ‘sponge’ as they absorb everything they see and hear. So instead of sitting them in front of the television to watch “Sponge Bob”, why not show them what a real sponge looks like and tell them a little bit about it and where it comes from. After all, that is what real life is all about!
Sea sponges naturally prevent bacteria, mold and mildew; whereas, synthetic sponges are made with toxic chemicals and are saturated with a disinfectant containing triclosan.
Triclosan is a pesticide used in household cleaners, liquid soaps, toothpastes and deodorants. It is used as an “antibiotic” as it kills bacteria on contact.
What’s concerning too is that triclosan emits (produces) chloroform gas when it is mixed with chlorine from tap water. So you can see why unbleached natural sea sponges are a better alternative for use in the kitchen and bathroom.
Opposed to artificial sponges, sea sponges hold lots more water. They clean more efficiently and last longer if looked after.
Where to Purchase Unbleached Sea Sponges
Purchasing sea sponges will help with employment and save our environment. The following eBay stores sell unbleached sea sponges.
- Organic Planet ship their natural sea sponges from the U.K. and offer International Shipping. Some online stores may charge you additional postage for each product you purchase. You will receive Free postage, from Organic Planet, on each additional item you buy (which can be shipped) and as long as it’s within the same order.
- Cambridge Greek Corner sell unbleached sea sponges for the bathroom, arts/craft use. Ships from the U.K. International postage offered.
Another Reason for Choosing a Sea Sponge
Sea sponges are sustainable; meaning they are a renewable resource. When the sponges are collected from the ocean floor, part of the sea sponge is left behind to re-grow. Sponge crops are never harvested in the same area year after year. This is because they need to regenerate (re-grow) to their full size which takes a few years.
Life of a Sea Sponge
Sea Sponges are a living ocean dweller. They are not a coral or plant but classified as an animal. Their bodies are hollow which are held in shape by the mesohyl (a gel-like material within the sponge). They mostly rely on keeping a steady water flow through their bodies to get food, oxygen and to remove waste.
They do not have nervous, digestive or circulatory systems. All sea sponges have ostia (ostium) which is a small opening or orifice as in a body organ. Having a vertical funnel-like channel they are able to take in water at the bottom and eject it from the osculum (little mouth) at the top. There is more to a sea sponge than my little summary here. If you would like more information then you can read about them on “Wikipedia”.
Cleaning Your Sea Sponge
Soak your sea sponge in a solution of warm water with a few drops of Tea Tree Oil after cleaning to help keep it free of bacteria. Tea Tree Oil is used in many applications as an antiseptic and will prevent bacteria growth.
Allow the sponge to soak for 30 minutes in the solution for the Tea Tree Oil to be effective. Rinse your sponge well and allow it to air dry completely before using it.
Another method is to wash your sea sponges with warm water and an eco friendly washing liquid when necessary. Then soak the sponges in one tablespoon of baking soda dissolved in one cup of warm water to keep them hygienic. Rinse well.
Natural Body Wash and Hair Shampoo/Conditioner
“The Emu Oil Shop” sell lovely natural body wash and hair shampoo/conditioner at eBay which can be used by the whole family. The Emu Oil Shop ship their products Worldwide from the U.S.
Receive a 50% DISCOUNT on International Shipping by using the DISCOUNT CODE ‘EEL’ in The Emu Oil Shop’s checkout.