A clean sponge in the kitchen makes the entire day go better. A used sponge may be clean but it looks dull and dingy. Also the scratchy side looks worn and faded. This makes doing the dishes more of a chore than a joy. A clean fresh new sponge adds a brightness to the kitchen, to washing dishes, and life itself.
If the government really cares about us they will start a program that mails two fresh new sponges to every household in the country once a month.