Did you know that synthetic, plastic loofah that most likely hangs in your shower actually stole its name and properties from a plant?!
For as long as I can remember, I have used the generic plastic loofahs to ensure I always left the shower as clean as possible! I never really thought about what it was made of, or the impact it may have had on the environment. That is, until a couple of months ago…
To my surprise the Loofah (or luffa) is actually a plant AND it serves the exact same purpose as the synthetic ones, but better! Without giving too much of a history lesson, here’s the things you should know:
- The plant is actually called the Luffa Gourd
- You can grow it yourself with just a few seeds
- Historically, it has served many purposes including:
- Food
- Sponges
- Engine Filters
Who knew?! Well, I for sure didn’t… However, when I stop to think about it, it all makes sense. We live in a world where innovation moves faster than anything. Every second, something new is being created, and more often than not, it’s actually unnecessary and not all that great for the environment.
I think it’s amazing that we all have the ability to grow our own Luffas! It’s time to say bye to the new and in with the old… Using a synthetic loofah not only harms the environment due to its wasteful capabilities, but it’s also harmful to our health!
Reasons to stop using plastic loofahs:
- They end up in oceans and waterways
- They take hundreds of years to decompose
- When they do, they’re releasing toxic chemicals into our atmosphere, waters, and soils
- They leak plastic microfibers into our drains
- Leads to contamination of local water sources
- Made with cancer-causing ingredients
- And then we’re rubbing them on our bodies and drinking them in our water?!
No thank you.
Still need more reasons to make the switch?
Natural Luffas:
- Are multipurpose:
- Shower sponge
- Wash and exfoliate skin
- Kitchen sponge
- Wash dishes
- Clean the counter
- Shower sponge
- 100% compostable and biodegradable
- Won’t end up in a landfill!
- Ideal for exfoliating skin or scrubbing surfaces clean
- A natural solution to dry skin and rough spots
- Affordable
Well, I’m convinced! As we begin to shift into nicer weather, my goal is to order some seeds of my own! What about you?
If you’re not sold on the whole idea of growing your own, there are places you can buy already grown Luffas! Either way, I hope you’ll consider making this change with me and dig back into our natural roots and history! I don’t know about you, but I’d much rather be exfoliating my skin with materials naturally gifted to us by nature, instead of plastic manufactured in a factory…
Interested in buying some seeds?! Here are some links below where you can start your Luffa growing journey today:
35 Organic Loofah Seeds Luffa Edible Squash Sponge | Etsy
25 Loofah Seeds Free Shipping Organic Heirloom Luffa | Etsy
Skipping the planting for now, but still want to make the change?! Here are some links to places where you can buy your already grown Luffa:
References: History of the Luffa, Loofah, Loofa, Loufa, Loofa, Lufa, Luf Sponge – Luffa Gardens , Natural Loofah vs. Synthetic Loofah [Everything you need to know] – EcoRoots
