Biodegrading in Memphis

Zeal-MemphisWhile you can be walking in Memphis, you can know that the new Zeal Optics’ Memphis sunglasses won’t last forever. These are part of the company’s Crafted series of biodegradable sunglasses, and are made of acetate based on Italian-grown cotton.

“Taking its hints from the retro classics, Memphis stands as a piece that transitions from suit and tie to an afternoon on the boat and is wearable by all,” said Zeal director of marketing Joe Prebich. “Subtle eye shape with a flat bridge on the brow of the glass allows for a closer, more comfortable fit. Lightweight sculpted temples help to increase comfort as well, for a long-term wearable sunglass.”

The Crafted Collection includes the Memphis, Ace, Fleetwood and Dakota models, and all are biodegradable, designed in Colorado and made in Italy.

Zeal Optics Official Website

Biodegradable Board

BiomSurfboards hit the waves, but if a board breaks or pieces chip off those can remain at sea for years and years. However, designers from Netherlands – not exactly a region thought of for surfing – has created the Bióm, the world’s first certified 100 percent biodegradable and 99 percent biodegradable bio-based surfboard foam. The material is produced via locally abundant sugarcane biomass that is polymerized and expanded into rigid foam, while the foam further boasts the ultra-eco use of benign CO2 as the sole blowing agent in the expansion process.

This foam will be used in stand up paddleboards, wakeboards, skimboards, kiteboards, and other types of watercraft.

Bióm Official Website
[Via Surfer Today: The world’s first 100% biodegradable surfboard foam]

Breakdown Shoes

01M-shoesMost shoes will break down in time, but the 01M shoes are designed to biodegrade in months. The Spanish-made footwear, which offers a true minimalist design that could be ideal for barefoot running when you still want some coverage on the feet, are made of a vegetable-based plastic material. This means when the shoes start to show wear they can go in the compost bin and won’t end up a landfill.

01M Official Website
[Via GearJunkie: Shoe Made of ‘Vegetable Plastic’ Can Biodegrade in Months]

Potato Plastic Fantastic

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Those disposable plastic rain ponchos come in handy, but then they pile up as waste. There’s a bioplastic alternative from a company called Equilicua, based in Spain. The company creates a spud raincoat made from bioplastic derived from potato starch and other natural, renewable resources.

Continue reading Potato Plastic Fantastic