The Feel You Want In A Material You Can Believe In

Ariaprene is the green alternative to synthetic rubber that still gives you all the stretch and compression characteristics.

When traditional synthetic rubber (“wetsuit material”) was first invented, one of its unique properties was the way it could stretch and compress and then return to its original shape. This made it ideal for industrial applications like gaskets, hoses, and corrosion-resistant coatings. In fact, it wasn’t really designed to be worn next to the skin, but its flexibility and insulating properties made it an ideal material for diving suits.

This material is now used in everything from medical devices to laptop sleeves to surfing wetsuits. And because it has a high performance, futuristic feel, it’s become a staple in the fashion industry. It adds a unique element to apparel and accessories.

Unfortunately, most people who like the look and feel of traditional synthetic rubber aren’t aware of its major drawbacks. For starters, it’s proven to be a skin irritant. Another problem is its manufacturing process–a synthetic rubber product begins as a mix of toxic compounds and ends as non-recylable material headed for the landfill.

But fortunately, the technology behind modern materials is beginning to get smarter. Manufacturers are now making eco-friendly materials that don’t sacrifice on fashion. Ariaprene is today’s solution to traditional synthetic rubbers – a material that gives product designers and consumers all the characteristics that make “wet suit material” so cool without the drawbacks.

Ariaprene offers exactly the same stretch and compression properties but in a material that’s green from beginning to end. And for designers and customers who want a cutting edge material, you can’t do better than that.

A Non-Irritating Synthetic Rubber – Yes it actually exists!

Why You Might Not Want Rubber, Latex Or Traditional Synthetic Rubber In An Item Touching Your Skin

As you probably know from junior high Health Class, your body’s largest organ is your skin. One of its most amazing properties is its ability to feel. It’s wonderful when you’re walking barefoot on grass or feeling the ocean breeze on your cheek. But the flip side is that when your skin gets irritated, it can be very unpleasant–not to say unhealthy.

In recent years rubber and latex have been identified as common culprits in skin irritation. Some people have strong allergic reactions when these materials simply touch their skin. But many who don’t normally have a strong reaction to synthetic rubbers, discover their skin becoming irritated when they get wet–especially in the presence of salt water. Somehow water seems to boost the allergen sensitivity levels.

Traditional synthetic rubber, like the kind used in wet suits, mouse pads, and many medical devices, can all have varying levels of skin allergens such as rubber and latex. In 2009 wetsuit material earned the dubious honor of Allergen Of The Year, because of a chemical mixture known as mixed dialkyl thioureas. The North American Contact Dermatitis Group, who did the study, stated that experiments have shown large quantities of thioureas are leached from rubber compounds, and the level of the leached thiourea compounds was found to be sufficient to elicit allergic contact dermatitis.

This can present a real difficulty for people who need medical devices made from traditional synthetic rubber–like orthopedic braces, prostheses, splints, foot supports, and sleep apnea masks. But it’s also tough for them to find non-irritating athletic shoes, mouse pads, and wet suits.

One of the great qualities of Ariaprene is that it contains no rubber or latex. Testing has shown that this toxic free foam is hypo-allergenic and safe to wear next to you skin. So it’s not just a lighter weight performance upgrade, Ariaprene is actually a healthier alternative. Anything you can make with traditional synthetic rubbers, you can make better with Ariaprene.

And that makes people with allergies–and health-conscious people in general–very happy.

Photo by “Mike” Michael L. Baird, flickr.bairdphotos.com

The Training Shoe That “Fits Like A Glove”

Nike’s TR Fit III training shoe for women achieves an amazing fit with Ariaprene’s alternative synthetic rubber

The shoe description says, “Engineered foam construction. Asymmetrical internal structural support system for multi-directional movement.”

But the online comments from women who’ve actually worn the shoe are a little more effusive, with statements like, “I love these shoes! These are like gloves for my feet.”

When the Nike Free TR Fit shoe was developed for women, Nike wanted to create an upper that would hold the foot enough for vigorous cross-training, yet fit so well that wouldn’t cause blisters even after long workouts. The design called for a flexible material that was both lightweight and strong. And the material they chose was Ariaprene.

Not only did our alternative to synthetic rubber meet their rigorous specifications, it also met their goal of using non-toxic, green materials whenever possible. Ariaprene is free of toxins and solvent adhesives, dramatically lessening the environmental impact of the shoe.

Now three product generations later the Nike Free TR Fit III continues to be a best-seller because of its comfort and performance.

We’ve been making Ariaprene for more than eight years, using a patented solvent-free process no other manufacturer can match. And Nike is just one company that’s recognized how Ariaprene can help them to meet their environmental goals while simultaneously producing products with superior fit and performance.

Image credit: Nike.com

By the way, we’re giving away a free pair of Nike TR Fit III Women’s training shoes on our Facebook page this month! All you have to do is click this link to sign up! Good luck!

That “New Car Smell”

Americans love their new cars. Last year we bought 14.5 million of them and this year we’re expected to buy even more.

Why do some people insist that their next car be new? They love the look of brand new paint. Or they love the security of seeing an odometer in the hundreds. But the one way we can all tell when a car is just off the lot is by breathing in that fabled “new car smell.” One sniff confirms that everything from the floor mats to the headliner is fresh from the factory.

Unfortunately, scientific testing has shown that the chemicals responsible for that aroma are not good for you. Chief among them is toluene. It’s a solvent used in adhesives and it’s also a known carcinogen. And if you can smell it, you’re actually breathing it in.

I’m not saying that there’s anything wrong with loving your new car. However sometimes we become so used to smells that we don’t think about where they come from. It’s important to consider what goes into a product, and often our 5 senses can provide clues about how “natural” a product really is.

Toluene is also used in traditional synthetic rubber lamination, like the kind used in wetsuits, sports braces, and even lunch bags. But we’re proud to say it’s an ingredient you won’t find in Ariaprene. You can even do a sniff test to be sure.

When we make our alternative to synthetic rubber, we don’t use any toxic chemicals or processes. And yet Ariaprene still outperforms traditional synthetic rubber for things like insulation and coloring. Better for you and better for the environment. That’s kind of amazing.

Give The People What They Want: Why Ariaprene And Like-Minded Manufacturers Are Succeeding

There’s been a growing trend among manufacturers to create new products using “safer” materials and methods–eliminating toxins, using less energy, and incorporating recycling into the product life.

“When the people lead, the leaders will follow.” – Mahatma Gandhi

One reason for this trend is that consumers are looking to buy truly green products. They want to know that what they’re purchasing is not going to have a negative impact on their own health or the health of the environment. Greenpeace has been focusing this consumer influence to get fashion brands to go non-toxic in their materials as part of their Detox Campaign.

And they’re being specific. Greenpeace is pushing companies to set dates on when they’ll eliminate certain toxins from their products. Read about how this campaign worked on the manufacturer of Uniqlo, Benetton and Victoria’s Secret.

But the grassroots movement is just half the story.

”If I’d asked customers what they wanted, they would have told me, ‘A faster horse!’” – Henry Ford

The other reason the green trend is growing is that manufacturers are taking the lead. Consumers often don’t know what’s possible with the latest technology or what’s feasible in the manufacturing process. Will the eco-friendly shoe fall apart after a few 5K runs? So it’s up to innovators to create the solution that’s even better than what the customer could have imagined.

At Ariaprene we’ve invested years of research into making the alternative synthetic rubber that uses a water based lamination process (reducing harmful solvents), has scraps that can be easily recycled, and still gives customers superior performance.

We applaud consumer organizations like Greenpeace and industry pioneers like Nike whose new Fly Knit process is not only simpler, but eliminates cutting waste. Together we’re all making a difference.

What Makes Ariaprene A Perfect Fit For Camelbak Hydration Systems

You probably know that Camelbak makes the world’s leading, high performance personal hydration systems. They’re the preferred way for explorers, elite athletes, and even military to make sure they’re getting enough water in extreme conditions. But do you know how Camelbak was invented?

In the late 1980s paramedic and bike enthusiast Michael Eidson was competing in a 100 mile road race in the middle of summer in Texas. It was aptly named the “Hotter’N Hell 100.” And for this race, getting enough water between the few hydration stations wasn’t just a good idea, it was a matter of survival.

To solve this, Eidson filled an IV bag with water and slipped it into a white tube sock. Using a clothespin, he clamped the thin IV hose to front of his jersey, then stuffed the rest of the contraption down the back of his shirt. The ingenious, hands-free Camelbak hydration system was born.

Fast forward twenty years and Camelbak, now used by athletes all over the world, is looking for a material to replace the synthetic rubber in both their hydration pack and water bottle carrying systems. It must be durable, light weight, a good insulator, and non-toxic.

Ariaprene was a perfect match. Our material is not only strong enough and light enough for the extreme conditions a Camelbak system must endure, but it actually provides 30% better insulation than traditional synthetic rubber. Not to mention our toxin-free and recyclable properties.

We’re proud to say we’ve now replaced the tube sock in Eidson’s invention. Ariaprene now helps Camelbak users ride farther, hike longer, and run harder all while keeping their water cool and pure.

Dangers of Synthetic Rubber

When Ariaprene was created, about 7 years ago, it was with the intention to create a higher performance foam for footwear, something lighter weight than the traditional synthetic rubber foams typically used. The inadvertent result was that we discovered a way to create an environmentally safe product as well.

Many people aren’t fully aware of the pollution caused by synthetic rubbers. Back in the early 1900s, rubber was a commonly used substance. However, as innovation progressed, so did the need for more durable materials. Synthetic rubbers were invented and developed to have a high tolerance to heat and oil for the automotive industry. The material was so durable and it worked so well, that soon, many other applications were discovered.

Today, synthetic rubber is used in making shoes, laptop sleeve, apparel, wetsuits, cup coozies, lunch bags, sporting equipment… you name it. Its greatest benefit is also its Achilles heal. As I mentioned, synthetic rubber was built to withstand high heat and to not break down. Guess what this means when you throw your old laptop sleeve away and buy a new one every year? That laptop sleeve can take 100s if not 1000s of years to break down! Synthetic rubber can require temperatures of up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit to break down, and when it does, it emits toxic gasses that contribute to global warming. In addition, the solvent adhesives used in this material have been found to leach into nearby groundwater. Clearly we can’t keep using the same material and expecting to get away with it.

As consumers, we need to start expecting safer products. Innovation is happening and it’s allowing us to find new solutions for not just more eco products, but higher performance products as well. Let’s embrace change!

3 Toxic-Free Alternatives for Nail Polish

Nail polish or nail varnish is a lacquer that is applied to the nails of both the fingers and toes, usually cosmetically, but also as protection for the nails.

When you go the store to buy nail polish, one of the most important factors for what you purchase is the color. Is this the right shade? How will it look on my nails? However, hidden to most women, most of the popular nail polish brands, especially the brands used in salons, contain three toxic and carcinogenic ingredients.

A carcinogenic ingredient is an ingredient that has been shown to cause cancer. The three carcinogenic ingredients in nail polish are toluene, formaldehyde, and dibutyl phthalate (DBP).

Toluene is a clear, colorless liquid that is also found in paints, thinners, and inks. It makes nail polish smooth and makes it dry quicker. When toluene is released into the air it causes headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and irritates the eyes, nose, and throat. It has also been shown to be toxic to the liver and kidneys. It is especially dangerous to pregnant women because it is transferred from mother to fetus through the placenta and through breast milk.

Formaldehyde is a carcinogenic preservative and is used in nail polish as a nail hardener. It also keeps the polish from chipping. Breathing in formaldehyde fumes irritates the lungs, eyes, nose, and throat. It also causes headaches, fatigue, dizziness, and immune dysfunction.

Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) is found in plastics, personal care products, paints, and pesticides. It’s used as a plasticizer that makes plastics soft and flexible. In nail polish it acts as a binder to make the nail polish last longer. Phthalates are also known carcinogens, are known to cause birth defects, and damage the reproductive organs. Particularly, it has shown to cause underdeveloped genitals in newborn boys and long-term fertility problems. It has also shown to be toxic to the liver, lungs, and kidneys. One can absorb phthalates through inhaling it, touching it, or even eating it.

Since ingredients in nail polishes have been shown to be harmful, carcinogenic, and toxic a good thing to do would be to switch to a non-toxic nail polish.

Below are reviews of 3 toxic-free nail polish brands.

1. Suncoat Products Inc.
Perhaps you’ve seen Suncoat nail polish in your local health food stores. Suncoat is the best nail polish on the market for those who are particularly chemical sensitive. Not only is Suncoat nail polish toluene, formaldehyde and phthalate free, it is also free of alcohol and acetones and acetates. The nail polish is also water-based and naturally colored with earth pigments. Their nail polishes do not contain any FD&C dyes. They paint on smoothly and dry very quickly. Suncoat offers an array of about 32 different colors will coordinate with any woman’s lipstick beautifully.

2. Honeybee Gardens Nail Enamels
These are also water-based, odor-free, toluene-free, xylene-free, formaldehyde-free, and dibutyl phthalate-free. They are also colored with natural pigments and do not contain FD&C colors. While the color selection is not as large as Suncoat’s–only 20 colors presently offered–they are absolutely gorgeous. Honeybee Gardens Nail Enamels offers a wide selection of gorgeous shimmer tones and a few matte colors, all of which match their natural lipsticks. My personal favorites are the San Francisco frosty peach color and the Manhattan red shade with flecks of gold. These colors are so wonderful and odor-free for sensitive people that there’s no reason you shouldn’t give them a try.

3. Acquarella
Acquarella is odor-free, water-based, and free of carcinogenic ingredients, it is not advertised as being made with natural pigments. The company recommends that you first apply their nail conditioner for 4 to 5 days to return the natural moisture your nails so that the nail polish adheres better. They offer about 21 different shades that cost a bit more than the other nail polishes at $18 rather than $6 or $10, but they offer a few blue shades and you may be able to find the color you’re longing for but couldn’t find elsewhere here.

Photo credit: Zitona / CC 2.0

Chemicals Toxic To Pets

Written by Guest Blogger Victoria Aja of ConsensusLife.com

Common household chemicals can make your pets very sick, and can also be fatal.

The following common chemicals should not be used around dogs & cats:

Cleaning products that make water “cloudy” such as pine oil based, Lysol, Mr. Clean, etc. They leave a residue that is picked up on your pet’s paw pads, then are transferred orally when pets groom themselves.
Medications. That pill dropped on the floor may be harmful to you pets.
Food. Raisins & grapes are toxic to dogs. Chocolate, chewing gum, etc. can be fatal.
Furniture polish leaves a residue of petroleum distillates that are extremely toxic to cats. This includes any oil based polish (such as lemon or orange).
Mothballs. Avoid usage both indoors & outdoors.
Pesticides (including ant killers, “roach motels, etc). There really isn’t a safe pesticide except for Diatomaceous Earth.
Isopropyl alcohol. Lysol contains alcohol, which leaves a residue.
Ethyl alcohol (alcoholic beverages, bread dough)
Bleach & mildew cleaners. Highly toxic, as well as toxic when inhaled.
Solvents: paint strippers, nail polish remover, paint thinner (home & artist), hair spray.
Pool chemicals (contain chlorine & bromine)
Fertilizer (chemical based). Read instructions, it may not be safe for pets.
Antifreeze. Fatal to both dogs & cats.
Gasoline & petroleum products. Be aware if your pets spend time in the garage. The oil left on concrete is toxic as well.
Room deodorizers & carpet deodorizer. Contains chemicals ( & fragrance) that is harmful to pets.
Synthetic carpet. Many indoor carpet companies routinely apply a fire repellant that can cause thyroid cancer in cats. New carpeting is most harmful, and may “offgas” formaldehyde into the air as well.
Latex paint residue & fumes.
Lawn chemicals (insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, fertilizers)

If you suspect that your pets have come into contact with a toxic substance, you can call the ASPCA Poison Control Center (available 24 hours a day toll free) at 888-426-4435.

For more information, including a FAQ about poisons and a list of poisonous household and garden plants visit the ASPCA online.

About Victoria

15 years of simple, low impact living with an emphasis on a healthy & happy stress-free lifestyle. Victoria has written for a variety of magazines and newspapers and enjoys sharing her tips of what she’s learned along the way. Read more articles by Victoria on her ConsensusLife.com website.

A Push in the Right Direction

Portland Oregon recently outlawed single use plastic bags in grocery stores, something I’m glad to finally see implemented. It took me a long time to get used to bringing my own bag, however when I was in Europe, I learned really quickly due to the fact that they’d charge you for a bag if you forgot to bring your own. My friend recently told me about walking home from the grocery store in the pouring rain with paper bags because he forgot to bring his own. You can probably guess that he ended up with groceries all over the sidewalk – I’d guess he’s much more likely to remember to bring his own bag next time.

While I’m not going to get into politics in this blog, I do think that sometimes government gets us motivated to start moving sooner than we were on our own, helping us to grow up and start taking more responsibility. Like with the plastic bag issue, sometimes individuals and corporations alike need a little push to start making big picture changes.

This is happening in California with Prop 65, a proposition that is geared at raising awareness of potential cancer causing chemicals in the products we use daily. Not only are consumers warned of potentially harmful products, but also companies are suddenly getting much more aware of what they put in their products. Even from a marketing perspective- having to carry a Prop 65 Warning label in your store, as is seen in the image taken from a California Starbucks, can seriously motivate companies to change their policies and begin carrying more consumer friendly goods.

Ariaprene is a much safer alternative to the common materials used in standard lunch totes, laptop bags and even a lot of footwear materials. Many of these items use solvents and have toxins and metals embedded in the very essence of the material. Its good that there are slowly more and more measures that are giving consumers access to product information, but it’s time for transparency to really take it’s full effect, and for companies to begin giving consumers all the information they need to make informed decisions.