A roommate bought some of these sponges, and I've come to prefer them over all other sponges I've ever used, says the long-lived kitchen user. They are easy on the dishes, nonstick pans and my hands. They stay fresh as long as I rinse them, squeeze them out, and store them so air can circulate around them between uses. And, as plant fiber based, I believe they're compostable in large-scale composting services.
They've lasted a long time, but now I'm looking for replacements, and it's not easy to find these exact products. I'm hoping I'll find some soon...we're busy wearing out the penultimate sponge now.