One Entrepreneur’s Mission to Revive the Local Sponge Market

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – From the sea to your home, one Bahamian entrepreneur is proving that sustainability and business can go hand in hand, as he taps into the sponging industry to do it.

Andrew Burrows – Owner, My Bahamas Sponge

“The challenge that I’m facing is that, although Bahamians know about sponges, Bahamians don’t really use sponges.”

Speaking on the sidelines of Solomon’s 4th Annual Buy Bahamian Craft Market, Burrows says that despite the belief that the local sponging industry has disappeared, that couldn’t be further from the truth.

Andrew Burrows – Owner, My Bahamas Sponge

“Sponging industry is very much alive, but what I decided to do was, most Bahamians who are in the sponging industry tend to take the raw sponge and ship it out of the country. But I decided that I wanted to have a value-added product.”

While keeping more of the value local and showcasing the versatility of a natural resource found in Bahamian waters, he says he is making sure that the sponges are prepped and ready for immediate use.

He believes education is key to growing the local market.

Andrew Burrows – Owner, My Bahamas Sponge

“We have to do a better job of showing people how it’s really applicable, and how it would enhance their everyday life. I think once we do that, we’ll start to see the turnaround.”

However, education goes beyond on how to use a sponge, as it also includes how it’s harvested.

Burrows says his company follows sustainable practices that allow the resource to continue thriving, ensuring today’s harvest doesn’t come at the expense of tomorrow’s supply.

Andrew Burrows – Owner, My Bahamas Sponge

“We harvest our sponges in an eco-friendly way. By eco-friendly, I mean that we cut all of our sponges in the water, and that allows the sponge to regrow so you can go back and harvest from that sponge at another time.”

Now when it comes to uses, Burrows says the possibilities are nearly endless, from exfoliating the skin, to bathing pets, washing cars, or cleaning around the house.

It’s a gentler, hypoallergenic alternative to traditional washcloths.

Burrows also added that natural Bahamian sponges are both practical and sustainable.