Why do we have plastic washing-up bowls within our sinks? Why don't we just wash up in the sink?

Richard Buckley, London

• Why do we have plastic tubs within our sinks? Because it's something that is self-perpetuated by the inflexible mind and passed on down to like-minded offspring. The only proper reason to have one is if you have only one sink AND you like to rinse immediately after washing an individual item AND don't mind the silly thing taking up space on your worktop. Other than that, it's totally superfluous. Excuses about the hard plastic being 'softer' is just ridiculous. Besides, it's proven these low-grade plastic tubs are breeding grounds for bacteria. After so many weeks of use, the cheap plastic is degraded by marks and scourings by cutlery which adds to the susceptability of bateria. All people are doing are lining the pockets of opportunistic companies who have created a veritable ecosystem of superflous and self-perpetuating products: Tubs that require replacing, tub cleaning products and add-on accessories! What self-respecting home owner would have an ugly cheap plastic container sitting amidst their designer kitchen? !!!! lol

  Robin, London UK