Ever notice how quickly you go through dish sponges? They fall apart and get real nasty looking within just a couple of week’s time. Many of these synthetic sponges are also filled with unnecessary chemicals such as Triclosan. Which if you are not at all concerned about carcinogens being absorbed into your skin, I guess there is no issue; however if you are trying to make every effort to put only what is safe and natural on your body, often overlook is this one product, “the sponge”. Maybe the amount of exposure of the chemicals from these sponges are not enough to cause any serious health issues, but what if they are, and why not use a sponge that is chemical free, that last much longer.
I have been using natural sea sponges for over a year now and, just amazed how long a natural sponge will last. I have not had to replace my natural sea sponge from my kitchen sink for over 3 months, and it still looks and feels as good as it did when I first started using it. Natural sea sponges have enzymes in them that prohibit the growth of mold, mildew and bacteria. Depending on which sea sponge you choose, they can last as long as 10 years if properly treated. Harvesting natural sea sponges by no means interrupts the coral reef at all, the ocean naturally contributes to the harvest of sponges as well through tides and currents. These sponges are harvested by professional sponge divers that incorporate crop rotations. Where sponges have been cut, grow back even thicker and healthier than before. Kind of like dead heading and pruning plants, this stimulates new growth.
Over 90% of the world’s natural sea sponges come from Tarpon Springs Florida, right in our own backyard, keeping many local citizens employed during the economic challenges we are currently faced with. So not only are you receiving great health benefits, durability, and saving money when using natural sea sponges, but you are also buying local products supporting local business.
If you are already using natural goat’s milk soap and other natural skin care products you probably are already much aware that your skin is permeable, and only want what is most natural and safe to put on your body. You have already taken the steps to be contentious in choosing natural skin care products; my question to you, is have you stopped there? There are many simple and affordable product switches we can incorporate in to our daily activities that will help contribute to healthier living. The natural sea sponge is just one of these switches to consider.
Did you know that just about all synthetic sponges have the chemical Triclosan in them, which is classified by the EPA as a pesticide? Synthetic sponges do not last as long as natural sea sponges, and within a week they begin to fall apart and become infested with mold, mildew and bacteria. Natural sea sponges are more durable, retain more water and have natural enzymes in them that prohibit mold, mildew and bacteria.
The Pure-N-Simple Soap family has not only switched over to natural sea sponges to do everyday household cleaning , but we are molding these sponges into our natural goat’s milk soap bars as well. The sea wool sponge is one of the softness and most recommended sponges for bathing. We have molded a lot of our unscented and Calendula Orange bars with this sponge, creating a very safe and gentle soap sponge. The sea wool sponge being most recommended for bathing for its softness, and the gentle ingredients in an unscented goat milk soap bar make this a perfect choice for bathing your most precious cargo, that being your children. No harmful chemicals, ingredients you can pronounce, and a sponge that comes from nature.
If you want a more abrasive sponge for exfoliating dead skin, the Loofa sponge is the perfect natural choice. This sponge does not come from the sea, and is actually a gourd that you can grow in your garden.