Eco Child’s Play

Thanks to all who entered-this contest is now closed!

Do you know that Neoprene- that black stretchy material that goes into wetsuits, laptop sleeves, and knee braces, and which encases much of the gear we use to carry our electronics, water bottles, and lunch bags- is quite toxic?

Thanks to GreenSmart there is a non toxic alternative-Neogreene.

• » See also: What Is the Matter with Us? Lead and Other Toxins into the Mouths of Babes
• » Get Eco Child’s Play by RSS or sign up by email.

Before I was contacted by GreenSmart I had no idea that neoprene was full of toxic nastiness- most toxic are the solvents used to glue it to other materials. And that neoprene smell is offgassing VOCs. Formaldehyde, lead, toluene and chlorine are all used with neoprene. 

The people at GreenSmart were determined to find a cleaner, greener alternative. Patagonia created a neoprene alternative that was based on limestone rather than petroleum but  it still requires chemical solvents to bond to other material.

Neogreene is a result of a long, careful collaboration with GreenSmart’s supplier, and is a vast improvement on conventional neoprene materials.

All water based adhesives are used
No Chlorine
Entirely PVC & Lead Free
No Formaldehyde
No VOCs (which means no neoprene stink!)
25% less petroleum than neoprene
25% less energy (compared to producing neoprene
Even the green coloring of the Neogreene is a water based dye (neoprene cannot be dyed)

The first products to be made with Neogreene are laptop sleeves and water bottle totes/holsters. I had the chance to check out a laptop sleeve and I am impressed. Very high quality, same durability- but with no neoprene smell and I know it’s eco.

The first thing you might notice about these products is that something missing. There’s no cardboard packaging framing the sleeves for store display. Just a small fabric loop at top for it to hang in stores, with a paper tag telling you about it, itself recycled and recyclable.

On the outside of the actual products you’ll find something else which is unique: a column of stylized words, describing what is and isn’t inside: No Chlorine. Free of Poisons. People Sensitive. Water-Based. 2x Insulation.

GreenSmart realizes there’s still more to be done to eliminate the use of all non renewable resources, using all recycled materials, and they’re committed to continuing towards that goal. Meanwhile they have a few products that are a great start towards achieving that goal.

And now you have the opportunity to win those products. One lucky commenter will receive a laptop sleeve in the size of their choice and a water bottle tote.

This is great Back-To-School Giveaway sponsored by GreenSmart and the makers of Neogreene.

Please leave a comment and include your contact info. US Shipping only. A winner will be chosen at random on Thursday September 10.

Tweet This Post

You might also like: