Plastic-free shower sponges (and exfolating loofahs)
Most shower sponges and puffs are made from nylon (plastic). So when you rinse them, microplastics break off and go down sinks/drains and into the sea.
You could of cause just use your hands (or a cotton flannel). But if you prefer to use a shower sponge to lather up, here are better options.
Use with zero waste soaps/showers gels (unscented for pregnancy/nursing). Avoid natural sea sponges (these are from living creatures, cut away from sea beds by divers).
A pretty reusable shower body sponge
This pretty body sponge is ideal for bath or shower, sold in packs of one or two, with optional matching face cloths and make-up removal pads.
Made in Worcestershire by a small family business, these feature a soft terry towelling side, and the other side (grey and white strip) is a little more exfoliating to buff away dry skin.
Each one has a cotton strap to hang up to dry in between uses. Then at end of life (up to a year), it safely biodegrades back to the earth. Expect slight shrinkage on first wash. Sent in plastic-free packaging.
A linen shower pad set
These linen shower set is made from three layers of the waste leftover from making bath mats. It’s anti-allergy and anti-static, and dries fast to avoid smells or mildew. Two sets included, one for face and one for body. The shower pad has a hanging loop and linen strap for easy storage.
An exfoliating loofah sponge
This loofah sponge is a natural cleansing sponge, made from the fibrous skeleton of the loofah plant (related to cucumbers!) The two sizes are unbleached, and sold with cotton string for hanging to dry. Sent flat to save on postage costs, they puff up to full size on contact with water. Avoid on irritated and/or broken skin.
These can be used to replace plastic shower puffs or body polishers, and create gentle friction to shed dead skin cells. They are gentler than dry skin brushing (avoid both for chest pain, palpitations or dizziness.
You can if wished place loofahs in washing machines (to refresh if not pregnant/nursing, soak in warm water with a few drops of peppermint essential oil to deter bacterial growth). At end of life, just cut up and compost!
