It’s about time – literally. Sprout® Watches are my new favorite fashion accessories. Not only is the design smart, they are made almost entirely of bio-degradable materials. And they are durable and super comfortable.
I know confession is supposedly good for the soul. I confess I am a bit of a “watch-aholic”. I haven’t yet sought out a support group because up until now I’ve been able to control myself. But Sprout® has me going.
Ashley Jones, spokes-person (and fellow watch-aholic) from Sprout explained the green concept behind these little beauties, “The Sprout collection was designed to reduce our environmental impact on the planet. The watch is approximately 86% bio-degradable by weight and constructed from earth friendly, sustainable materials: corn resin (case and buckle), bamboo (dial), mineral crystal (lens), organic cotton (strap) and contains a mercury free battery! Retail price for this affordable eco-collection is only $30! Also, the packaging (created from at least 80% post consumer materials) contains a grass card that can be watered to create your own mini grass garden for your desk or dresser!”
The eco facts:
Eco-Friendliness
The small size Sprout® watch is 80% eco-friendly (by weight)
The large size Sprout® watch is 86% eco-friendly (by weight)
Compliance
All Sprout® watches are in compliance with the CPSIA and are lead and phthalate free. The corn resin they use is in full compliance with the American ASTM D6400 as well as the European EN13432 standards for compostable material.
Materials:
Corn Resin
The shelf life of corn resin is similar to synthetic plastics. It will not break down during regular wear and use. In a composite environment, corn resin is 99% biodegradable to carbon dioxide and water within 365 days. Since it’s made from corn, it comes from a renewable resource. Conventional plastics use an estimated 200,000 barrels of oil a day in the United States alone but because corn resin is bio-based, it therefore uses no oil resources in production.
Organic Cotton
The majority of cotton is grown with toxic chemicals. Conventional cotton requires the use of enormous amounts of pesticides - 25% of all insecticides and 10% of all pesticides - which have a huge environmental impact. It is one of the most environmentally damaging crops to grow, as about 84 million pounds of pesticides are sprayed on US cotton crops alone in one year. Some of these chemicals are considered to be the most toxic chemicals in the world. Organic cotton is grown using methods and materials that have a low impact on the environment and is grown without the use of toxic pesticides and synthetic fertilizers.
Bamboo
Bamboo is considered eco-friendly based on its properties as:
1) a natural (non-synthetic) fiber
2) a quick-growth plant (it's in the grass family) that sequesters greenhouse gases
3) a renewable plant that can grow back after its three to five year harvesting period. It largely doesn't need chemicals, pesticides, or fertilizers to grow.
Mineral Crystal
Most lenses in the medium price range of watches are made from plexiglass, a type of synthetic plastic. Sprout® lenses are made from Mineral crystal which is a type of glass made from sand. It can technically be recycled.
Mercury Free Battery
Mercury is actually a neurotoxin, which is harmful to both animals and humans. Exposure to even small amounts of mercury over a long period may cause negative health effects including damage to the brain, kidney, lungs and a developing baby. Sprout® watches use only Mercury Free batteries.
Recycled Fibers
Sprout® packaging is made from at least 80% post consumer fibers. It is both recycled and recyclable.
Be still my heart. Unfortunately you missed my birthday but Christmas is coming sooner than you think. Shop early and shop often. I want the black one and the green one and the blue one and...
Go to Sprout watches website and see all they have to offer. Their website is almost as cool as their watch collection.
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