How Spruce makes cleaning an eco-friendly process
|Did you know that your favourite detergent and cleaning brand might be adding to plastic pollution? Not just these two products, but everything from shampoo, moisturizers to disposable coffee cups to mineral water which is packaged in single-use plastics is fast turning into a bane for the planet with their propensity to lead to a spike in pollution levels.
Plastic pollution is an ignored truth that is costing the world every minute. The convenience and affordability of plastic usage have led to these products being used in almost every field. However, such reckless use means that most of this plastic ends up in landfills and leads to more pollution. A part of this plastic waste is also thrown away in water bodies, which can endanger aquatic life. The grave concern has spearheaded several unique initiatives which aim to offer more sustainable alternatives to single-use plastic. One of such unique initiatives is Spruce, which helps you keep your surroundings clean in an eco-friendly manner.
Most cleaning products contain toxic chemicals and come with packaging made of single-use plastic. The two products are hazardous for the planet. With Spruce, the company aims at making eco-friendly products that are not only easy to use but are also beautiful to look at. The company aims to remove a kilogram of plastic from oceans for every pledge they receive at Kickstarter.
If you are looking for cleaning bottles, your search ends at Spruce’s Eternity aluminum bottles. Not only are they plastic-free, but also do not contain any toxins. Plus, the bottles are delivered straight to your home. The plastic-free refills are compostable and are safe and convenient. The circular design of the Eternity bottle does away with the need for shipping water.
Once you get the products, you can start using the product in three simple steps which in turn can reduce plastic pollution. All you have to do is take the bottle and pour the refill into it. Next, add water, wait for five to seven minutes and start cleaning. You might notice some foaming. The solution works best with filtered water. It is advisable that one adds water gradually to the bottle once you have emptied the refill into it. Else, you might end up with a watery solution. The product’s longevity depends on how frequently it is used. However, it is designed in such a way that it lasts as long as any store-bought cleaning product. The company currently ships only to the UK, the US and the European Union.
One of the advantages of this product is that it can be used on almost any sealed surface including tiles, countertops and shelves. This is unlike the products offered by several brands that aren’t as easy to use. In fact, most of them contain a harmful cocktail of chemicals like ammonia and chlorine, which when mixed release toxic fumes. Not to forget, they can harm your skin as well. You might have often read about how people are advised to wear gloves while using cleaning products containing ammonia and chlorine.
Spruce’s products are completely vegan and hence do not contain any animal derivatives. The solution can last hundreds of cleanings. The Eternity bottle is made of aluminum, which is the world’s most recycled item. Over 80% of the aluminum being used in the world is recycled. These breakproof bottles won’t leach any toxins into the cleaning solution. The refill pack weighs just 4 grams, which is about 140 times lighter than your regular cleaning solution that weighs around 560 grams. The plant-based surfactants used in Spruce’s formulations are effective in keeping common bacteria and viruses at bay. They do this by dissolving the layer of fatty acids that holds the virus together. In the case of bacteria, they dissolve the organisms’ cell membranes. As these surfactants attack the organisms, harmful viruses and bacteria fall apart and degenerate. The product is more effective than several toxic antibacterial cleaning solutions as they are effective only against bacteria and not viruses.
Spruce’s refills are eco-friendly and contain safe ingredients like citric acid and organic essential oils which are known for their anti-microbial properties. The all-women team behind the Spruce range is led by their CEO Mahira and started working on the project in September 2019. According to the company’s official website, Spruce’s suppliers and manufacturers adhere to all relevant environmental standards strictly. Their partners prioritize their staff’s safety and health. The materials aim at curbing plastic pollution and are sourced responsibly by tapping alternative channels.
The company is based in the United Kingdom and has several organisations as partners which are led by females. The company has made a conscious decision to source all its raw materials from within the European Union so as to keep its carbon footprint as low as possible. The team behind Spruce is aiming to become carbon-negative within the first year of launching its operations.