Hello, Ambitious Fam! Welcome to the second installment of my Earth Week Product Spotlights. In this series, I am highlighting some eco-friendly products that I have tried over the past few months (if not longer!) to illustrate that sustainability doesn’t have to be hard. Just a few easy product switches of items that you use in your everyday life can really go a long way in reducing your carbon footprint and help the environment! The series began on Wednesday (Earth Day) with a Pela Case review. If you are interested in my thoughts on using a 100% compostable phone case, make sure you check that out here.
Twist: 100% Plant-Based Scrub Sponge
This product spotlight is almost a two-for-one special because it all goes back to my search for environmentally-friendly dish detergent. I scoured the internet and came across a useful guide created by the Environmental Working Group. The EWG is a non-profit organization that grades products (so many products) based on the safety of the ingredients and whether they are good for the environment. I was shocked to learn that many popular “clean” brands did not get particularly high grades. However, I did discover that the Lavender Tea Tree Scented liquid dish soap from Trader Joe’s received an A, in other words, the lowest known or suspected risk to health and the environment.
If you have ever used “clean” dish soap, then you are aware that there are some differences from your average brand of dish soap and it took me some time to get used to. I grew up in a household that used a dishcloth to hand wash dishes, and using the TJs dish soap (and other clean brands that I tried) didn’t do well in those conditions. It created very little to no bubbles and I felt like I had to use both more of the product and more elbow grease to get the clean that I desired. I sought something that could help with this and, after probably an hour of staring at the options, ended up coming across the Twist Loofah Sponge in an aisle at Target.
What attracted me to the Twist sponge was that it is 100% plant-based and therefore, compostable! Upon further research (in the aisle of Target–remember when we could linger in stores!?) I discovered that the sponge is made from natural hemp, agave, and cotton fibers while free of chemical dyes and glues. It’s also hand-sewn and certified biodegradable!
My Review
I have been using the Twist Loofah Sponge for a few months now. Below are a few thoughts that you should consider before purchasing the plant-based sponge for yourself!
Pros:
I love the fact that I found an alternative to other sponges and that I can simply toss this one in with my compost when I’m done with it. All of the environmental advantages aside, I have been very pleased with this purchase! The sponge has single-handedly prevented me from switching back to regular dish soap from “clean” dish soaps. The sponge creates a great lather and it is gentle on dishes.
Cons:
While the sponge contains a scrubber side, you def still have to use some elbow grease on tougher food remains. In addition, once the sponge has had quite a bit of use, it’s not uncommon for bits of the scrubber to break off. It is hand-sewn, so the scrubber starts to detach a bit from the loofah after long time use.
Final Thoughts:
Though the product starts to break down a bit after several (several) uses, the fact that waste is not created from its disposal makes it worth the purchase! I am satisfied with the lifespan of the product and happy that it has helped me wash my dishes more sustainably. You can purchase the sponges at Target or on the Twist website.