News

Weezle Diving goes green

Published

2 years ago

April 10, 2019

When Weezle Diving (www.weezle.co.uk) launched their first product in 1998 it was green. Literally. A bright emerald one-piece ‘Extreme’ undersuit. What was equally innovative was the packaging the Weezle Extreme came in. It was green too. This time, environmentally green. The Extreme undersuit was packed in a lightweight durable material sack, that could be compressed to save on space.

The fact that Weezle set out to be as environmentally friendly as possible from day one was no happy accident. In LBW (life before Weezle), Paul Child – Weezle’s co-founder – worked in the packaging industry, and as such was exposed to some interesting ideas that influenced his ecological thinking.

The compression sack set a trend and Weezle introduced draw-string fabric bags for their long boots and unbleached cotton duffle bags for bigger products. They switched out plastic barbs and replaced them with small metal safety pins to secure cardboard product tags to their Russian Hats and base layers. “Although this solution is more labour intensive, we knew it was the right thing to do”, stated Paul Child.

Weezle also “did the right thing” when it came to sourcing the insulating material for their undersuits. “Thanks to the likes of the Women’s Institute and their plastic soup campaign the public are now learning about the environmental impact of microplastic fibres” stated Paul Child. “Our man-made filling has longevity and unlike Fleece this hydrophobic material does not break down into microfibres. It can also be successfully washed in cold water.”

All these small steps have helped Weezle Diving adopt the ‘Green Achiever’ scheme and achieve their aim of being 100% single-use-plastic free. This system works to improve day-to-day company operations. All aspects of the company are holistically evaluated. Typical audit questions include “do you have an environmental policy? Do you know your carbon footprint? Where do your drains go? How do you dispose of plastic, wooden pallets, oil rags and fluorescent light bulbs? Do you take back old and redundant products from your customers? What forms of energy to you use (electricity, gas oil, renewable?) Does your company car fleet use biofuels? Do you source supplies locally?

“We reviewed our ancillary despatch materials because this is one area that everyone routinely overlooks”, stated Paul Child. “This year we have been sourcing packaging that can be composted. Bubble wrap is not an option, the obvious solution is corrugated cardboard. But what about the ‘documents enclosed pouch’? Traditional pouches used by the likes of UPS, Fedex etc are made from plastic and the backing paper that is removed to stick the pouch to the package can’t be always recycled either. After much searching we have sourced a pouch manufactured from oxo-biodegradable polythene. We have also switched out our packing tape for a compostable one that uses a water-based glue and all our cardboard boxes have already been previously used. In addition we have reached and agreement with our suppliers that if they dispatch us something that we cannot reuse or recycle, they have agreed we can return it to them for disposal.

Being awarded this Green Achiever certificate has been a real pat on the back! We have now joined Mission 2020 and will continue to use biodegradable, compostable packing materials, and recycle and reduce our ecological footprint where possible.”

For more information please visit the Weezle Diving website by clicking here.

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SCUBAPRO CARES – Step by step for the protection of our oceans

Published

2 hours ago

April 20, 2021

Team Scubaverse

For over 50 years Scubapro has been committed to diving and marine conservation. From optimising materials and manufacturing techniques to sponsoring conservation organisations and the work of the Deep Elite Ambassadors, Scubapro is committed to helping preserve the oceans.

The goal is to create awareness for the oceans and encourage divers to get involved in environmental protection. Scubapro has partnerships with Mission Blue, Galapagos National Parks, Conservation International, WWF, Antinea Foundation, San Diego Oceans Foundation, REEF, National Marine Life Center, Sharkproject, SOS Sea Turtles, Ozeankind, Yaqu Pacha and many more.

SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTS

Scubapro divewear is the greenest – or bluest – in the industry. In 2012, Scubapro was the first manufacturer to use X-Foam neoprene. In 2017, again as the first manufacturer, the solvent-free Aqua Alpha glue followed in Everflex suits. Today, all Scubapro dry suits, wetsuits, shortys, hoods and gloves thicker than 1.5 mm are made with this solvent-free glue. In addition, the standards for neoprene include the use of only environmentally beneficial doped-dyed yarns, carbon black components from recycled tyres and 100% petroleum-free limestone

“Scubapro was one of the first brands to stop using petroleum-based neoprene and to start using neoprene that was gained from Limestone instead. By developing the Everflex 3/2mm no zip, we have tried to produce a natural-based neoprene suit. We have also used solvent free glue for the fabric production and suit assembly which complies to REACH regulations for pollutant free production processes. Having had the chance to spend time with the workers on the production chain, I can tell that this is a serious milestone for ensuring their health and developing an eco-friendlier level of neoprene.”

– Nicolas Vincent, Scubapro product manager Dive Wear & Bags

RESPONSIBLE PACKAGING

As part of its Responsible Packaging program, Scubapro is gradually reducing the use of plastic packaging. Some measures that have already been implemented:

Recycled cardboard boxes or protective containers for masks that can be used sustainably for transport and storage of accessories.
Boots in fabric bags that can be used for transport and storage as well as a wash or shoe bag.
Headbands, neoprene mask straps, gloves and other accessories are delivered on recycled label cards as packaging.
Regulators, computers, and regulator maintenance kits are shipped in cardboard packaging without plastic.
Fins in recycled cardboard boxes or in mesh bags that can be used for transport and storage or as bags for marine debris when diving.

The complete elimination of plastic and the reduction of total packaging are the goals of the Responsible Packaging program. Innovative packaging solutions for more products will be introduced
in the near future.

Further information: www.scubapro.eu/scubapro-cares

Marine Life & Conservation

The IMPERFECT Conservationist, Episode #4: Think Like an IMPERFECT Conservationist – Why ‘imperfect’ is important (Watch Video)

Published

3 hours ago

April 20, 2021

Mehgan Heaney-Grier

Why does “Imperfect” matter when it comes to conservation? In this video I explain how being imperfect is important especially when it comes to conservation. This is a view into the mindset of being an Imperfect Conservationist.

This is “The IMPERFECT Conservationist” – Episode #4, a between the scenes Special Edition. In this series I take the big concepts of conservation and break them down into easily digestible bite-size pieces that can be applied to everyday busy life. In each video you will get your dose of “Conservation Empowerment” with ways to THINK like an IMPERFECT Conservationist and EASY – AFFORDABLE – IMPACTFUL conservation action that fits into your life. We can’t do it all, or do it perfectly but when it comes to being part of the solution, we can always do something! Be inspired, inspire others, do something good. Don’t forget to hit that subscribe button, and the bell so you know when my new videos post! More on my website and social channels too.

Subscribe HERE for weekly episodes of The Imperfect Conservationist!

Find out more at www.mehganheaneygrier.com

RED SEA LIVEABOARD : Wall to Wall : May 2021

Expires on:

Explore the amazing triangle of Red Sea Reefs - The Brothers, Daedalus and Elphinstone on board the brand new liveaboard Big Blue. With an option to add on a week at Roots Red Sea before or after.

Strong currents and deep blue water are the catalysts that bring the pelagic species flocking to these reefs. The reefs themselves provide exquisite homes for a multitude of marine life. The wafting soft corals are adorned with thousands of colourful fish. The gorgonian fans and hard corals provide magnificent back drops, all being patrolled by the reef’s predatory species.

£1475 per person based on double occupancy. Soft all inclusive board basis, buffet meals with snacks, tea and coffee always available. Add a week on at Roots Red Sea Resort before or after the liveaboard for just £725pp. Flights and transfers are included. See our brochure linked above for the full itinerary.

This trip will be hosted by The Scuba Place. Come Dive with Us!

Call 020 3515 9955 or email john@thescubaplace.co.uk

www.thescubaplace.co.uk

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ITINERARY