Random Sponge question

fzjohnson

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Joined
Jan 8, 2016
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Age
50
Lifestyle
  1. Vegan
Quick random question - do vegans use natural sponges in homeware products, or not (because they are animals)? I've not read anything about avoiding them, that's all.
 
This is a really interesting question. Natural sponges are phylum. Some phylum are plant, some animal, it's a very interesting category that is between classifications. In this case, a sponge is an animal phylum. However a natural sponge has no tissues, organs, body symmetry, mouth, heart, nervous system or brain. Without a nervous system, our understanding of existing sentience (and pain perception) is extremely limited. The reason they are classed as animals is mostly because they create sperm-like cells. The natural kingdom is so complex! I suppose it's a bit like asking about yeast - albeit a micro-organism. If I were you I'd read about the functions of a sponge and make up your own mind - or to consider which use is better for the plant (an artificial sponge or a natural sponge).

Stellar question! I found some interesting links where you can read more about it.
http://www.seaspongecompany.com/blo...494353-are-natural-sea-sponges-vegan-friendly
http://govegan.ca/animal-products/natural-sponges/
 
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