Thursday, August 13, 2009

GreenSmart Neogreene Review & Giveaway

In April I featured a giveaway from GreenSmart for a laptop jacket. What is so great about them is that all of their bags are made from recycled plastic PET bottles. I just love that they turn trash into cool products! Well now they have come out with an eco-friendly version of neoprene called Neogreene!

Hold on a minute. What is the problem with traditional neoprene you ask?

"Few people are aware that neoprene (polychloroprene) is a synthetic rubber, which uses 1930s technology to form a material that is almost impervious to other chemicals. Neoprene requires multiple manufacturing steps, including ulcanization, which makes neoprene wonderful for industrial applications like gaskets where strength and durability are critical. For consumer product application, gluing fabrics to the neoprene requires aggressive solvent adhesives which can form a bond with the neoprene. These adhesives can contain a wide variety of potentially harmful chemicals depending on the supplier; from toluene to formaldehyde, which can be easily noticed by the distinctive “chemical smell” of neoprene, the VOCs."
Neogreene looks and feels like traditional neoprene (stretchy and cushioned) but with none of the toxins. It also uses 25% less petroleum and 25% less energy to manufacture. There is so much more to being a green product than simply materials used - so I love that production of Neogreene is more efficient. At the moment, GreenSmart has laptop sleeves and bottle totes available in Neogreene and should be branching out to include even more products in 2010. They were generous enough to not only send me both a laptop sleeve and bottle tote to test out, but even a stainless steel water bottle.

First I was sent a 160z Innate stainless steel water bottle along with the short Neogreene bottle tote. I have to say that this water bottle is my favorite of any others I have tried, and I have a few. My favorite thing about it is the little pop-up top. I've used others with pop-ups that it was a struggle to get the water out of. Not the case here, the water flows effortlessly. My biggest gripe with stainless steel bottles is that since they aren't insulated, the water warms rather quickly and then you are also left with condensation all over the outside. I brought my bottle and tote with me to pick up W at preschool on a hot day. After about 1.5 hours the ice was all melted but the water was still nice and cold. I would say it kept it at a nice cool drinking temperature for a good 2 hours or so. Without the tote, I'd be lucky to get 30 minutes (in my past experiences). And while the bottle did still sweat and had condensation, the tote served as a barrier so there wasn't a puddle of water in my car. Oh and it will also help keep warm beverages warm - it is just too hot for that here right now though. I also love the carabineer clip because you can hook it on just about anything - like a stroller!




I was also sent a Neogreene laptop sleeve, that fits 13.3in. to 15.4in, to test out. I was so excited about this as I previously had nothing to protect my best friend laptop. This sleeve is super soft and squishy (I love the squishiness) and is waterproof. Such a plus in a house with 3 kids. The walls are 4mm thick for protection and the cool green mesh interior also serves as an insulator to help cool down your laptop. It is available in a variety of sizes so it is important that you measure your laptop!


Overall i am so very happy with my Neogreene products. I actually want to get myself the larger Innate bottle with the larger bottle tote because I chug water like crazy and W has been eyeballing my small one. Little stinker. I look forward to seeing what other Neogreene products are offered in the future.

Shop
You can order all Neogreen products from the GreenSmartDirect.com online store. They may also be purchased at various online retailers. Currently, GreenHome is having a sale of 20% Neogreene laptop sleeves - this week only.

***Giveaway Closed***

Win
GreenSmart will send one lucky winner the small Innate water bottle along with the short Neogreene bottle sleeve!

Mandatory Entry
Visit GreenSmart and tell me something that you learned about the company and what other products of theirs you like. You must complete this entry before you can submit additional ones.

Extra Entries
- Follow me on Blogger or subscribe to my RSS feed
- Subscribe via e-mail. Your email must validate or it will not count.
- Blog about this giveaway with a link to Green Mama's Pad and GreenSmart. Please leave link in comment.
- Add my Green Mama's Pad button to your sidebar or add Green Mama's Pad to your blogroll. Leave your blog link.
- Follow GreenMamasPad and GreenSmart on Twitter and and tweet this giveaway. You can tweet once daily. Leave link to tweet in comment. You may use this text if you like: Win a Neogreene bottle tote and Innate water bottle! http://bit.ly/13M2bA @greenmamaspad @begreensmart
- Fave me on Technorati and comment with your ID.
- Stumble this post and comment with your ID.
- Become a fan of both Green Mama's Pad and GreenSmart on Facebook.
- Leave a comment on any non-giveaway post and let me know which one.

This giveaway is open to US Residents 18+ only and will end on Thursday, August 27th at 11:59pm EST. One winner will be chosen at random using Random.org. Winner has 48 hours to claim his/her prize otherwise a new winner will be picked. You must leave your e-mail address in all of your comment(s) so I can contact you. I will not share your e-mail address with anyone, it will strictly be used to notify you if you win. Good luck!

This review is based solely on my opinion and experience with these products. You may have a different experience than myself.

123 comments:

  1. I learned that they started using green practices and making better decisions in 2006.

    I like the messenger bag!

    Stef
    cunninghamfamily at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  2. They converted their supply chain to green processes, green materials, and greener thinking in 30 months.

    And I love their messenger bag.

    heather[dot]mcdougle[at]gmail[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  3. You are a favorite on technorati- craftysweetpea

    heather[dot]mcdougle[at]gmail[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  4. I'm a fan of yours and greensmart on facebook

    heather[dot]mcdougle[at]gmail[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  5. What I learned is that Plastic bottles (PET #1) are one of the biggest environmental disasters today. In the United States alone, 230 bottles per person go to landfill per year. That is enough crushed bottles to fill the Rose Bowl Stadium in California every two weeks. That is just so crazy to me! I love how this company addresses the plastic bottle issue as it is a big one.
    I really like the laptop jacket and so does my husband as I just showed him:)

    ReplyDelete
  6. I have your button added to my blog sidebar at:

    http://julieahtlhyliving.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  7. the messenger bag is nice mverno@roadrunner.com

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  8. I thought this was cool: "Each yard of finished fabric has consumed approximately 18, 16 oz. bottles and saved 10,000 Btus from manufacturing; enough power to light a 17 watt compact fluorescent light for 15 hours." Also, I really love the Messenger Bags!

    spitfyr323 at hotmail dot com

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  9. I'm a subscriber!

    spitfyr323 at hotmail dot com

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  10. I learned that each yard of finished fabric uses approximately eighteen 16 oz. bottles. Wow!

    I like the messenger bags.

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  11. Their neogreene uses 25% less electricity and 25% less petroleum. I like the Commuter Black #21311 brief.

    dangotmail AT yahoo DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  12. The company started to convert to green practices in 2006 and took 30 months to complete the conversion.

    bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  13. I subscribe via email.

    bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  14. I learned that their primary objective with every product and material they make or use is eco-progress. I like their "Horizontal Messenger" product.

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  15. I received some products for review also and I really love them!

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  16. I learned that they only make green products. Neogreene is a great idea. Their story is amazing and you should all watch it.

    I like the Vertical messenger bag


    lkish77123 at gmail dot com

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  17. email subscriber

    lkish77123 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  18. I learned that 230 bottles per person go to landfill per year. Wow!
    My favorite item is the Messenger bag.
    Thanks so much.

    ReplyDelete
  19. I like the messenger and they have no toxins.
    jswandrn @ gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  20. The company only makes "green" products. My favorite item has to be the horizontal messenger.

    brandon_ralston@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  21. I learned that in the United States, 230 bottles per person go to landfill per year and they believe that the cumulative effect of small efforts can have a significant effect on the planet.
    I like their vertical messenger bag in olive.
    drellis500(At)gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  22. email subscriber.
    drellis500(At)gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  23. follow on twitter and tweet 8/14.http://twitter.com/drellis500/status/3309060253
    drellis500(At)gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  24. tweet 8/15. http://twitter.com/drellis500/status/3327456809
    drellis500(At)gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  25. 8/16 tweet. http://twitter.com/drellis500/status/3344546221
    drellis500(At)gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  26. I learned that each yard of finished fabric uses approximately eighteen 16 oz. bottles!

    I love the messenger bag!

    thanks
    bleatham(at)gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  27. I follow your blog!
    bleatham(at)gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  28. I subscribe via email
    bleatham(at)gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  29. following both on twitter and tweeted
    http://twitter.com/sleatham1/status/3357329191
    bleatham(at)gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  30. fan of both on facebook as shelly leatham
    bleatham(at)gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  31. tweet 8/17. http://twitter.com/drellis500/status/3360080471
    drellis500(at)gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  32. I learned how a bottle is made into a bag and I love the messenger bags!
    swest2@triad.rr.com

    ReplyDelete
  33. I learned that they've been around since 1995. And I think the messenger bags are great!

    ReplyDelete
  34. i like that they have a GreenSmart Supplier Code of Conduct doctrine which all of their suppliers must adhere to, and i think the Horizontal Messenger bag is cute -- thank you!!

    ranmel(at)televar(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  35. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  36. i'm an email subscriber!

    ranmel(at)televar(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  37. i commented on your "my celebrity twin?" post -- thanks again!(c:}

    ranmel(at)televar(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  38. I've never heard of Neogreen . . . For the last few years, I've been trying to find a stainless steel water bottle that my kids and I love -- from your review, this one sounds really good. I like that the water flows and the insulated holder sounds like a real plus as well.

    ReplyDelete
  39. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  40. This company is creating an awareness for a healthy living by going green and using nontoxic products made out of recycled products. I like the laptop bag!
    angelinajose@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  41. Woah...I learned that per person in the us, 230 bottles go to the landfill a year. That's crazy! Even though I use recyclable bottles, though, I can almost imagine I go through that many at other events, or on days I forget my own bottle.

    ReplyDelete
  42. You know, I really need something like the carry cruiser. I live in a city and I don't have a car, so I have to carry things a long distance from the grocery store. But I just can't bring myself to use one of those old lady carts. This could be my compromise...

    ReplyDelete
  43. tweet 8/18. http://twitter.com/drellis500/status/3380677810
    drellis500(at)gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  44. The statistic about the bottles in the landfill was staggering. I had no idea it was that high.

    ReplyDelete
  45. I learned that one of their core goals is to make products out of green materials. I love the Vertical messenger bag.

    speechforme gmail

    ReplyDelete
  46. tweet: http://twitter.com/speech_hero/status/3399627754

    ReplyDelete
  47. I faved on Technorati: neonfish

    ReplyDelete
  48. I commented here: http://www.greenmamaspad.com/2009/08/wordless-wednesday-think-cool-thoughts.html

    ReplyDelete
  49. tweet 8/19. http://twitter.com/drellis500/status/3403633577
    drellis500(At)gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  50. I learned how plastic bottles become bags!

    ReplyDelete
  51. They kept 500,000 bottles out of landfills the first year.

    I like the messenger bag.

    ReplyDelete
  52. tweet 8/20. http://twitter.com/drellis500/status/3425909920
    drellis500(AT)gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  53. tweet 8/21. http://twitter.com/drellis500/status/3447984188
    drellis500(At)gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  54. They've got horizontal and vertical messenger bags, like the stone color best.

    ReplyDelete
  55. tweet 8/22. http://twitter.com/drellis500/status/3470725042
    drellis500(at)gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  56. tweet 8/23. http://twitter.com/drellis500/status/3494048545
    drellis500(At)gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  57. I learned that they advocate both big and small steps to diminish their impact on the earth.

    ReplyDelete
  58. I follow both on twitter and I tweeted: http://twitter.com/qwills2cats/status/3501013065

    ReplyDelete
  59. tweet 8/24. http://twitter.com/drellis500/status/3510957565
    drellis500(at)gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  60. I love their neogreene product and that it doesn't have the chemicals of the typical neoprene so it doesn't smell. I love that they are socially responsible and seem to be passionate about what they do.

    I love the messenger vertical bag.

    ReplyDelete
  61. Neogreene has twice the insulating value of neoprene, so your beverages will maintain their temperature longer. Id din't know that and makes me want this even more !

    ReplyDelete
  62. following you on twitter under name of @nankani

    ReplyDelete
  63. http://twitter.com/Nankani/status/3523979949

    TWEETED

    ReplyDelete
  64. they have a GreenSmart philosophy which they apply to their business. NIce to know they aren't just Green washed...

    I like the laptop sleeve...but sadly my 'puter rarely moves from it's home near the couch...

    ReplyDelete
  65. The laptop sleeves are available in 17" - yeaaa
    My kids weren' thrilled with moving from desktops to laptops when they entered college phase so they opted for the fullsize keyboards and widescreens of larger models. So many times I've checked out accessories only to find they didn't cover the big 17" size. These laptops travel to the lab, the library/study sessions and need smart protection that lets the heat dissapate.

    ReplyDelete
  66. tweet 8/25. http://twitter.com/drellis500/status/3533228459
    drellis500(At)gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  67. facebook friend of both
    betty dennis

    ReplyDelete
  68. I learned that 230 plastic bottle per person in the US go into landfills per year! That's crazy. We can do so much better.

    ReplyDelete
  69. I like the Ultralight Black Brief

    ReplyDelete
  70. i love this part:
    Each yard of finished fabric has consumed approximately 18, 16 oz. bottles and saved 10,000 Btus from manufacturing; enough power to light a 17 watt compact fluorescent light for 15 hours.

    the messenger bag in stone was my fave product.thanks!

    melissa
    morojo1770@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  71. Their phlosity is From the designs we create, to the materials we use, to how we manufacture and ship our products, we put everything we do through our GreenSmart filter. I like the messager bags.
    erma.hurtt@sbcglobal.net

    ReplyDelete
  72. tweet 8/26. http://twitter.com/drellis500/status/3554337398
    drellis500(At)gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  73. I learned that All fabrics used for the GreenSmart Bottles 2 Bags are derived from certified 100% post-consumer recycled PET water and soda bottles. I really liked the messenger bags.

    dunmees@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  74. I learned that they sort the bottles then compact them into bales. One bale contains over 6,000 bottles and can make 350 yards of fabric!

    We love the brief!

    ReplyDelete
  75. I'm a blog follower :)

    thanks for the great giveaway!

    ReplyDelete
  76. I love this part of their philosophy: We believe that even the smallest of positive actions every day can result in big changes toward a better product and a better environment in the long run.

    ReplyDelete
  77. Learned that In the United States alone, 230 bottles per person go to landfill per year. The Messenger bags look great!

    ReplyDelete
  78. I learned that all fabrics used for the GreenSmart Bottles 2 Bags are derived from certified 100% post-consumer recycled PET water and soda bottles! HOW COOL is that?!

    I love the Green Smart messenger bags they have so much room in them!

    ReplyDelete
  79. I'm subscribed via email! (kidazy.com)

    ReplyDelete
  80. I'm following you and GreenSmart on Twitter!
    http://twitter.com/Kidazy/status/3570276995

    ReplyDelete
  81. I Faved you on Technorati! (Kidazy)

    ReplyDelete
  82. I'm a Facebook fan of you and GreenSmart! (Amy B)

    ReplyDelete
  83. I learned that Neogreene has all the benefits of Neoprene but none of the toxins. Yay!

    I like the Ultralight black brief, it'd be great for travel

    ReplyDelete
  84. I'm a subscriber. tylerpants(at)gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  85. I learned that you can make custom bags!

    I also like the horizontal messenger!

    ReplyDelete
  86. tweet 8/27. http://twitter.com/drellis500/status/3577482501
    drellis500(At)gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  87. I like their verticle messenger bag also. Great mission statement " we approach success with 3 criteria in mind: people, product and planet.

    ReplyDelete
  88. I learned what neoprene is and why it feels squishy/smooth and has stretchto it and thats because it is made without any of the toxins.
    I really like the messanger bags they have.
    sewitupjulie@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  89. I subscribe to you via email thanks! ;-)
    sewitupjulie@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  90. I follow you and Green Smart and tweeted this giveaway

    itsallnew2meWin a Neogreene bottle tote and Innate water bottle! http://bit.ly/13M2bA @greenmamaspad @begreensmart
    sewitupjulie@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  91. I am fans of both Green Mama's Pad and GreenSmart on Facebook
    sewitupjulie@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  92. I read your review on How to Wean Your Toddler From a Pacifier. Being a granny I been through it and twice now from caring eachday for my grandson while his parents work. He had a rough time giving up his too. With my daughter one day I let hers just fall out the car window which worked fine she said its gone and as long as she had her little doll blanket she was fine but my grandson was a differant story, I just took his out right after he feel asleep at nap time and did not let it be laying around visable so much and he was cranky for a week or so but then did good without it. Great review you did on the subject! ;-)
    sewitupjulie@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  93. i like the messenger bag, i learned that greensmart makes their bags out of recycled bottles

    ReplyDelete
  94. I learned that all GreenSmart fabrics are made from 100% certified post-consumer PET bottles.

    ReplyDelete
  95. I learned that Neogreene has all the benefits of Neoprene but none of the toxins. I like the Horizontal Messenger in Stone. garrettsambo@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  96. GreenSmart had a total "renovation" of their business practices and operations in 2006 from which point they became an eco-friendly company. I love the messenger bags. Thanks for introducing me to this company and for the giveaway.

    lmarston AT yahoo DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  97. I subscribe to your RSS feed.

    lmarston AT yahoo DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  98. I'm an email subscriber. Thanks!

    lmarston AT yahoo DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  99. Faved you on Technorati (mamandetrois)

    lmarston AT yahoo DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  100. I stumbled the giveaway post (trebucher).

    lmarston AT yahoo DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  101. I'm a fan of both Green Mama's Pad and GreenSmart on Facebook. Thanks!

    lmarston AT yahoo DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  102. I follow you and GreenSmart on twitter and tweeted:
    http://twitter.com/MamandeEDS/statuses/3595349161

    lmarston AT yahoo DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  103. They have been making bags since 1995!!
    I like their laptop jackets :o)

    sallylynnsara@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  104. I learned that GreenSmart had a total "renovation" of their business practices and operations in 2006 from which point they became an eco-friendly company. The messenger bags look very nice!

    lilyk@mail2world.com

    ReplyDelete
  105. I subscribed by email.

    lilyk@mail2world.com

    ReplyDelete
  106. I became a fan of both Green Mama's Pad and GreenSmart on Facebook.

    lilyk@mail2world.com

    ReplyDelete
  107. their intentions are To help educate and influence others through our products and practices.
    I like the vertical messenger bag

    tiramisu392 (at) yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete

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