One of the most popular bath and shower time accessories, loofah sponges have been a staple in many households for the last few decades and with good reason. Traditional bath loofahs are made from one of two materials: natural fibres or synthetic materials (such as nylon). The best loofah alternative is both hygienic and plastic-free.
Why say no to Plastic Loofahs
Plastic or synthetic loofahs are usually made from materials with a high potential for environmental contamination, such as nylon. In addition, the production of synthetic fibres can be harmful to both the environment and people because it relies on petroleum-based chemicals that release toxic gases into the atmosphere when burned or broken down.
A plastic loofah bath sponge is not biodegradable, meaning it will take centuries to decompose if left in the environment. As a result, plastic loofah sponges are usually thrown away after use and end up in landfills or waterways and eventually break down into microplastics.
These plastics come in varying shapes and sizes, are difficult to recycle, and usually go into the general waste bin, sending it to a landfill or incineration.
Plastic loofahs can increase the risk for bacterial contamination and growth on wet surfaces because they provide a breeding ground that is warm, dark and moist- all three things bacteria need to grow. Finding a material that can be washed easily will go a long way to combatting bacterial growth.
Overall, plastic loofahs are not good for your health or the environment.
This post contains affiliate links.
A Loofah Alternative for Plastic Free Living
It’s essential to make sure you’re looking after yourself by choosing eco-friendly loofah alternatives that don’t cause harm to you or the planet. Let’s take a look at the best option:
1. Natural Body Brush
A natural brush is a perfect loofah alternative that can be used to scrub and exfoliate dry skin. A body brush should only be made with natural materials such as bamboo, wood or reeds, which are all biodegradable.
When choosing an alternative, it’s important to note that it doesn’t just have to be a zero-waste swap for the shower or bath. For example, dry brushing is a great way to exfoliate your skin while you dry off after your shower.
Buy from Etsy
2. Organic Washcloths
Wash cloths are made from various materials such as cotton, hemp or flannel, which means they are eco-friendly. We particularly like Bamboo and Hemp as they are both fast-growing, sustainable alternatives to cotton. But if you do go for cotton, considering organic to combat pesticide use is a great idea.
Even though they might sound old fashioned, going back to basics is often the most eco-friendly choice. When using a wash cloth, make sure that you wash it very regularly to avoid the build-up of nasty bacteria. We’d recommend having a few spare to rotate them through the wash regularly. The great thing about wash cloths is that you can chuck them in the washing machine with your regular load.
Buy from Amazon
3. Exfoliating Loofah Pad Body Scrubber
This Loofah alternative is made from 100% natural Egyptian shower luffa and can be used to scrub your body. Made with a loofah texture, it’s soft enough for the most sensitive skin type but tough enough to remove dead or dull skin cells on elbows, knees and heels.
The Loofah pad body scrubber is also eco-friendly because it can be composted or added to your home garden for nutrients at the end of its life cycle. In addition, it will decompose naturally in most environments.
Buy from Amazon
4. Konjac Sponge
Konjac sponges are a great natural alternative that seems to be taking the world by storm. They have been used for thousands of years in Japan and China before being introduced to the US.
The Konjac sponge is made from 100% organic material, making it an eco-friendly option compared to non-natural Loofahs. They can be composted when they reach the end of their life cycle or added to your home garden for nutrients.
This natural sponge is made from the root of the konjac plant. The plant resembles celeriac, and this natural ingredient makes these so great.
Buy from Etsy
5. Cellulose Bath Sponges
Cellulose bath sponges are eco-friendly sponges made from natural materials like wood pulp, cellulose or bamboo. They can be composted to help make your garden greener.
Cellulose bath sponges are also free of any harsh chemicals.
Buy from Amazon
6. Sisal Bath Glove
If you’re looking for the best loofah alternatives that are good to use in the shower, then a sisal exfoliating glove is perfect. These gloves are made from Natural Sisal, which means they can easily be composted once you’re done with them.
We love these gloves as they provide a gentle skin exfoliation effect while made from natural plant material.
Buy from Etsy
7. Sisal Shower Sponge
Like the Sisal Bath Glove above, this sponge is made from 100% natural Sisal, which is biodegradable and toxin-free. To dispose of these sponges, just chop them up and add them to your garden compost or curbside compost bin. It’s a great alternative to plastic sponges.
Buy from Etsy
8. Natural Loofahs
Loofahs, or more accurately Luffa in their traditional sense, are actually a type of plant. These plants refer to two species, Luffa Aegyptiaca, an angled ridged luffa or Egyptian luffa, which has long ridges running the length of the plant. These plants are distantly related to watermelons, cucumbers and melons. Natural Loofahs are an eco-friendly alternative to plastic loofahs. These eco-friendly Loofahs grow in the warmer parts of North America, South America and Africa.
Loofah sponges are an organic alternative to synthetic products because they can be grown at home with just a tiny amount of care or purchased from local farmers’ markets and grocery stores that sell them fresh.
Luffa plants produce fruit for up to six months and can be harvested at any time during the growing season.
The loofahs will decompose naturally in most environments. If not, you can compost them or add them to your home garden for nutrients. Loofah plants thrive on organic soil.
Buy from Etsy
How to Grow your own Loofahs
Growing your own shower Loofah is something that can be done in your garden with just a tiny amount of care. Loofahs grow well in warmer climates that have a long growing season.
Loofah seeds are readily available online or from local farmers’ markets. Loofah plants produce fruit for up to six months and can be harvested at any time during the growing season once the outer skin has gone brown.
After it’s been picked, you’ll need to peel off the skin and shake to loofah for the seeds to fall out, and you’re good to go.
Closing Thoughts
Whether you’re interested in Natural Luffas or a complete alternative, there are many options to choose from as part of your eco-friendly products or zero essential waste items. But make sure that you keep the bacteria on track by regularly washing and letting your chosen alternative dry completely. To do this, some people even recommend microwaving certain types of products. But be careful as you can start a fire in the process.
Whatever your choice may be – happy shower time!
