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Neoprene, Toxic Off Gassing and a Safer Alternative

August 20, 2009 By 4 Comments



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mobile officeI have a mobile office, which essentially means I’m on the go and always throwing my laptop into my bag and running this way or that way. I never thought of my laptop sleeve as being toxic and full of formaldehyde, lead and off gassing VOCs but perhaps I should have done some research. Luckily, you have me to inform you that it is indeed possible that your laptop sleeve could indeed be a toxic waste if it is made out of neoprene. Neoprene is a black stretchy material which is petroleum based versatile, synthetic rubber. As my good friends from the EWG point out neoprene poses many health risks because of the high toxicity and is another great reason why we need chemical reform! Go figure that this chemical that is technically name “Mixed dialkyl thioureas” has been linked to toxic symptoms such as joint pain, fibromyalgia and fatigue!

laptop sleeve

Good thing I am now aware of this and I’ve been sporting a new laptop sleeve which is a greener alternative! The people at GreenSmart worked long and hard to find a safer, healthier alternative for people and the environment and the result is called Neogreen!

-All water based adhesives
-No Chlorine
-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)

Besides that fact that I love how lightweight and stylish my laptop sleeve is I adore the fact that I am using something with no poisons and toxic off gassing! Brilliant idea! With so many of us using laptop sleeves it’s important to recognize that there is a safer, greener and healthier alternative for all of us. Perfect for back to school time when college students are looking for the messanger bags, laptop sleeves and more! My vote is GreenSmart for eco-friendly and gear! You can also find them on Twitter to stay up to date with their specials, new products and tell them what a great job they are doing!


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Filed Under: Green Goods and Reviews, Green Health Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,
  • http://www.greeneyedblogster.com Kasey

    Thanks for this. I keep seeing those Built NY brand baby bibs and lunch totes on “green” websites. They look like they’re made of neoprene, so I’ve always wondered if they’re healthy or not. I guess they’re just popular because of the re-use factor?
    .-= Kasey´s last blog ..To Meat Or Not To Meat =-.

  • Pingback: Neoprene, Toxic Off Gassing and a Safer Alternative - Go Green - SustainLane

  • http://www.overcoffee822.blogspot.com/ Lena

    I have one of these sleeves and I love it! I also have a purse from them (made from recycled plastic bottles) that I have had for over a year, use every day, and it still looks brand new! I really like this company and the products that they make.
    .-= Lena´s last blog ..My first TerraCycle Brigade Shipment =-.

  • http://www.greenlivingeco.com Green Living Eco

    Very cool product, we will have to check it out. We posted on some other ways to avoid off gassing. It is definitely a real threat to your home’s air quality and the health of your family!