Dishwashing by Hand? Use These 7 Eco-Friendly Tools to Clean With

Is your 2022 goal to live a zero-waste lifestyle? Start off at the kitchen sink by replacing that ancient plastic sponge that’s looking (and smelling) gnarly. Those basic, yellow and green sponges are made of microfibres that makes them resistant to biodegradation, unlike these hardworking kitchen helpers. Now, if only there was a way to make washing dishes fun.

ENEY Natural Eco-friendly Kitchen Sponge

Amazon

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Loofah is Not Just for the Shower

Give stinky plastic sponges a rest. Did you know they languish in a landfill forever? This earth-friendly kitchen helper is made from biodegradable, unbleached loofah. Pro tip: Cutting them in half makes them easier to use. And they work really well. We love them with this refreshing, eco-friendly liquid lemongrass soap. ENEY Eco-friendly Kitchen Sponge, pack of four, Amazon, $37.

Simply Natural Canada

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Beech Babe

Beech wood meets natural tampico (sisal) bristles in this stylish and sustainable pot scrubber. The ethically produced kitchen tool is made in Germany’s Black Forest using traditional methods, dating back more than 140 years. The head pops off when it’s time to replace in six months. Pair it with an organic dish soap bar. Goldrick Natural Living Dish Brush, Simply Canada, $14.

Ten and Co earth-friendly dishwashing cloth

Indigo

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Wonder Wipe

Reusable cloths are a timeless tradition in Swedish kitchens. With its pretty scallop design, this biodegradable product replaces the use of over 17 rolls of paper towel, and all of the plastic packaging to boot. Won’t leave streaks. Pop it in with the paper recycling at the end of its lifespan. Ten and Co Sponge Cloths Greenery, set of four, Indigo, $24.

Plantish dish tools for an eco-friendly kitchen

Etsy

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This is a Set-Up

Bamboo, sisal, beech, cotton, palm. Words to get any friend of the earth excited. This well-priced set comes with every plant-based tool you’ll need to start your zero-waste journey. On the style side it will add a warm, organic vibe to the kitchen. Value Cleaning Tool Kit, Plantish Future, $22.

Zero Waste Outlet

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Spiky Powerhouses

These tactile doughnuts are tough on dishes, but the medium-grade bristles won’t scratch your pots. Made of coconut coir (that’s the fibre on the drupe’s husk) the product’s spaced-out spikes mean it drys quickly and stuck-on food is easy to remove. CocoDonut Scourer Pad, two-pack, Zero Waste Outlet, $8.

Free The Ocean

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Sponge Worthy

For the old-fashioned purist who refuses to abandon basic sponges, we present this duo. They bear a striking resemblance to the sponge everyone is used to – but there’s a difference. They’re made from wood pulp. Bury them in the garden or toss in the compost bin after use. Biodegradable Kitchen Sponges, pack of two, Free the Ocean, $6.

Two Acre Farm

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Real Recycling

Another clever alternative to your typical un-green yellow and green sponge is this handy scrubber made from recycled burlap coffee sacks. Each sponge is machine washable and last 4-6 months with everyday use. And at the end of their (second) life cycle, simply throw them in the compost bin. Two Acre Farm Eco Sponges, set of two, Kinsfolk Shop, $20.