I never really thought much about how much neoprene we’re surrounded by on a daily basis. I mean it’s everywhere: laptop sleeves, iPod cases, cycling shorts, ankle and wrist braces, etc. It’s hard to find a lot on the internet about how neoprene is made, but the process is much like making any other synthetic products: lots and lots of chemicals. Still, neoprene is useful for its insulation and cushioning abilities, which could conceivably be considered a green notion (save energy by keeping heat or cold where you want it to be).

I didn’t really know what benefit I’d be getting out of test driving a water bottle tote and laptop sleeve from, a company that specializes in making a more eco-friendly kind of neoprene that it calls neogreene. According to GreenSmart, neogreene is considered toxic-free because there are no phthalates, VOCs chlorine or metals that traditionally are used to create neoprene.

My job requires me to be outside a lot this time of the year in the middle of the afternoon when the Southern heat and humidity are at their peaks. I’ve long had a Sigg bottle which I shove in my purse day in and day out, but I find it sweats a lot and loses it’s cool temperature quickly in the hot sun. I thought GreenSmart’s bottle tote would be useful. It was more than that though.

I tested the smallest bottle out, and it clipped nicely to a hook on the side of my messenger-style bag without adding a lot of weight. The bottle (made of food-grade stainless steel and without bisphenol A, which likes to leach bad things) stayed cold in the hot sun for at least an hour, though by then I’d finished the water. I guess that means it had done its job? The bottle has a wide opening, which means it’s easy to add ice or clean, and an easy-to-use lid. Having the bottle clipped to my purse rather than shoved inside sure makes the bag a whole lot less crowded, which is always nice. I’ve kept the sleeve clipped there for the past few weeks as a reminder to bring a bottle of water to drink.

The neogreene sleeve worked too. The last eco-friendly sleeve I tested out was made with recycled materials. It may have succeded in the eco-friendly department, but it lacked any sort of insulation. The GreenSmart sleeve works as it should — it keeps my computer insulated, is waterproof and makes for a good resting mat for my computer as I’m using it.

And I love that the GreenSmart website is up-front about how its products are made. There are photos/descriptions on its website in case you’re wondering. The prices of some of the items can seem expensive, but remember you’re paying some for the process of creating neogreene.

You can purchase GreenSmart items at Amazon, where they have listed a number of bags and messengers as well. I’m already thinking of ordering a large water bottle/sleeve for the days when I’ll be out in the sun for an extra hour. You can find retailers here.