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It s thrilling to see activewear brands leading the eco-charge with environmentally friendly, sustainable and ethical clothing. This is my pick of stylish kit that will impact your health, not the planet
Review: Fourth Element Surface Wetsuit
When I heard that Fourth Element released the Surface wetsuit towards the end of 2020, one aspect in particular really caught my eye: it is completely eco-conscious. The Surface wetsuit is part of Fourth Element’s OceanPositive line, which means that it uses a 100% plant-based alternative to neoprene called Yulex Pure™. This is an important point for eco-warrior divers out there considering that manufacturing neoprene takes such a heavy toll on the environment.
Yulex Pure™ is an ultra-pure, natural, plant-based rubber harvested from trees grown sustainably in the USA. Plants are grown without artificial irrigation systems, and the waste left over from the rubber extraction process is used as biomass fuel for generating electricity. Furthermore, the seams are blind stitched, fabric linings are produced from post-consumer recycled plastic bottles, and the glues and prints are water-based. Even the packaging, a reusable organic cotton draw
New ways with naturals While diverting plastic waste from oceans and landfill – and reducing the need for virgin nylon – is an important step, recycled nylon is still plastic, and will still release microfibres during swimming and laundering. These small pieces of plastic never biodegrade and are consumed by fish (and, in turn, us). There are also not many recycling options once swimwear reaches the end of its life cycle, although some brands are initiating recycle and repair options. London-based social enterprise
SLO Active is one brand offering consumers the chance to repair and recycle swimsuits, while supporting conservation charities and educating consumers on plastic pollution.