Greensmart’s Bottle Totes: Keep Heat Or Cold In, Toxins Out Of Your Drink

PRLog (Press Release) - Dec 13, 2009 -
GreenSmart announces its new line of eco-friendly, user-friendly koozies. These bottle carriers (variously called cozies or totes) keep beverages cold or hot, whether they’re in stainless steel bottles or PET soda or water bottles—and are easy to carry, too. GreenSmart, a global brand of eco-friendly bags and cases, has expanded its application of lab-tested, non-toxic Neogreene from computer transport and storage to lunch bags and now drink carriers.

While GreenSmart’s koozies keep drinks hot or cold, they also protect the user’s hands from extreme temperatures and uncomfortable condensation. The “v-neck” design means frustration-free loading and unloading, while the cinch collar accommodates bottles of different neck sizes. The totes come in three sizes as well as four color combinations to match the lunch bag collection. Each comes equipped with a carabiner for hanging the beverage on a belt, backpack, or storage unit.

Neogreene is GreenSmart’s revolutionary solution to the problems with neoprene. Neoprene, well known as the wetsuit fabric, has excellent insulating qualities but an offensive smell because of its powerful toxins like formaldehyde and toluene, now linked with cancer and developmental problems. Neogreene is not only refreshingly absent the telltale “chemical” smell; it also has twice the insulating value of neoprene, so beverages stay hot or cold longer.

Created with water-based adhesives, Neogreene offers the stretch, cushion, and durability of neoprene, but uses 25% less petroleum and 25% less energy in manufacturing. It is also 50% lighter, reducing transportation costs. Because it uses closed-cell rather than open-cell (sponge-like) construction, it cannot absorb moisture, resulting in a hygienic, mold- and mildew-resistant, washable fabric. It easily compacts for storage, so the koozie can be stuffed into a backpack or briefcase.

GreenSmart’s commitment to global wellbeing extends beyond the environment to include the humans along the supply chain. GreenSmart’s Supplier Code of Conduct, which can be viewed on their website, provides for the health and safety, fair wages and benefits, respect and dignity, and other protections for each individual involved in their products.

“I love how it insulates [and] protects my stainless steel bottles from the everyday bumps and bruises they can sustain…a perfect combination of function and appearance,” says blogger Northern Mama, http://northernmama-northerngirl.blogspot.com. “Like the Neogreene laptop sleeve, [my] bottle tote is sophisticated black with just a hint of green and in an understated way voices the importance of environmental thinking!”

GreenSmart is the first western Nevada County, Calif. business to be green certified by Keep the Sierra Green. Keep the Sierra Green has recognized GreenSmart’s “valuable contributions to reduce waste, increase efficiency, and protect the health and vibrancy of the Sierra Nevada.” The designation also makes responsible choices easier for the customer, with so many businesses calling themselves “green” that the term has lost meaning.

GreenSmart, based in Grass Valley, Calif., has been making bags and accessories since 1995. Under the name Shoreline, they initially made the products by the same methods as other suppliers, switching to eco-conscious materials in 2006 and introducing Neogreene in 2009. Their laptop bags, briefcases, and other items are sold nationwide through college bookstores and luggage and specialty stores, as well as at numerous e-tailers online. Interested consumers can learn how GreenSmart’s products are better for the planet by visiting www.GreenSmart.biz.