Did you know the traditional sponge you use to wash your dishes every day contain microplastics? The green or blue layer is made from polyester and nylon that slowly slough off on in every wash, washing straight down our drains into our waterways.
Most wood pulp comes from trees like spruce and pine, but it can also be made from hardwood trees like eucalyptus and oak. It all starts with chipping, softening, and rinsing trees and from there, pulp is made by a mechanical or sometimes chemical process. In the mechanical process, pulping wood is macerated using machines whereas in the chemical process the chips are heated using “the kraft process,” to separate the cellulose from lignin, resulting in a pulpy mix. The wood pulp can then be used to make paper products and textiles, biofuel, LCD screens, and the waste pulp is made into your favorite Lil'Bit sponges.
Sustainably sourced wood/pulp comes from well-managed forests regulated to control and fight deforestation protecting old-growth forests and endangering the biodiversity they support, tree farms are cultivated, harvested, and reforested to ensure their regrowth and the conservation of their surrounding wilderness.
But, as with every natural resource, there are a few environmental impacts. Chemically processed wood pulp can pollute the air and nearby water sources so look for certifications like FSC and ISO 14001.
My supplier supports managed reforestation for renewable growth while maintaining ISO 14001 certification and are committed to great environmental standards while actively working to reduce energy, water consumption and work with local businesses to upcycle sponge waste!
Unlike plastic wood pulp naturally biodegrades and is 100% home compostable.
Tip: If you sponge starts to get a bit smelly or particularly dirty, pop it in the dishwasher with your next load - it will come out super clean and also extend it's life.
