The Natural Sea Sponge

Many have made smart decisions to go green, eat healthier, and use safer products that contain less or no synthetic ingredients in them at all. One simple little, and very affordable product that is so often overlooked is the sponge. You may have chosen to use a safer soap, but what about that sponge you use to wipe off counter tops, clean dishes, or bathe with. Nearly all commercial bought sponges are synthetically made, containing harsh ingredients such as Triclasan also known as Irgasan and Microban; which is considered by the EPA to be classified as a pesticide. Triclosan has been proven to be effective in hospitals in fighting off infections, but one may want to reconsider using these products on a daily basis after learning of some of the interesting facts recent research is revealing.

Nearly 50% off all soaps on the market today contain some form of antibacterial agent in them. Studies have been conducted with households using antibacterial products, and household who are not using antibacterial products, and there was no reduced colds, sickness or signs of infections than households that do not use antibacterial products. More and more research is showing direct relations from chemicals like Triclosan to cause severe health issues, such a weakened immune system, cancer, birth defects, decreased fertility, skin allergies, and much more. Our skin is permeable and what we put on it will work its way into our bodies.

Nearly 90 % of the world’s natural sea sponges are harvested in Tarpon Springs Florida, where divers incorporate crop rotations of these sponges allowing the sponges to re-grow even thicker and fuller than before the previous cutting.  There is no need to worry about depleting this natural resource, by harvesting these sponges actually helps increase the growth.  Kind of like pruning a plant, each time you cut and deadhead it re-grows thicker and fuller.

These sponges have no synthetic ingredients in them that are harmful to your health, and have natural enzymes in them that help prohibit the growth of mold, mildew and bacteria. Ever notice how quickly your synthetic sponge turns nasty. I have been using the same sponge at my kitchen sink now for several months and the sponge looks and feels as good as it did when I first got it. These sponges are not only safer and more durable, but you will also be saving money as well. Depending on which kind of natural sea sponge you select and how it’s used and treated, can last as long as 10 years!

These sponges make great gifts, especially when you explain to the one you’re gifting a natural sea sponge to all of its benefits, and when they use it for the first time and feel how soft and yet durable it is, will they be thanking you for sure. We actually have started to mold our goat’s milk soap bars into these sponges and they were a huge hit this past summer as we sold them at local markets and as we got close to Christmas time we couldn’t keep up with the orders. Words really can’t explain how awesome a natural sea sponge feels, you just have to see and try for yourself.