As consumers, we have the power to give our support to companies working to help save our planet and producing sustainable products. I've always loved buying from companies with a mission to save our oceans such as Puravida, Cape Clasp, and 4ocean. While all of these companies are creating a positive change for our oceans, it's important as buyers to know the sustainability and impact of these products just like their cost and quality.
Puravida
The “Save The Sea Turtles!” bracelet from Puravida is a very inexpensive way to contribute to ocean conservation. Coming in at only $6.00, this bracelet is 100% waterproof, adjustable, and sent with a free pack of Puravida decals. The best part is, 10% of the net sales of this bracelet are donated to the Sea Turtle Conservancy which works to help recover sea turtle populations through research, education, advocacy, and protection of their natural habitats. When it comes to the sustainability of this bracelet, the packaging used is described as biodegradable on puravidabracelets.com but is still sent in a plastic mailer. However, the bracelet will come in a canvas carrying bag too and when you send back 10 of these bags, in an effort to reduce waste, you get a bracelet free. Another sustainable element of the “Save The Sea Turtles!” bracelet is the use of soy-oil based ink to color the bracelet. Soy-oil based ink uses less energy than traditional petroleum ink and is environmentally friendly. In addition, when this bracelet is constructed it is made by and provides a steady income for artisans worldwide. I’ve had this bracelet for about two years now and it has maintained its original high quality.
Cape Clasp
I recently purchased the “Manta Ray Clasp” bracelet from Cape Clasp because of their stunning designs, high quality of work, and profit donations. This bracelet was on the more expensive end at $29.99 due to the metal design. However, I feel this price is justified when you look at the durability of the Marine grade accessory cord and metal. I wear my “Manta Ray Clasp” everyday, even in water, and it is still in perfect condition. Additional characteristics of this bracelet is that its adjustable, waterproof, and made in the USA. My only wish for this bracelet is for it to be made with recycled materials, something the company’s new Tikos bracelet collection is made from. That being said, I love that their packaging is made from 100% recycled post-consumer materials. Each package comes with two decals, a handwritten thank you and canvas carrying bag. Lastly, I commend Cape Clasp on donating 15% from every Manta Ray Clasp directly to Blue Sphere Foundation. This non-profit works to protect threatened habitats and marine species such as manta rays.
4ocean
The “Leatherback Sea Turtle” bracelet made by 4ocean has such a unique design and mission. The beads and cord on this bracelet are made with recycled ocean glass and plastic recovered by 4ocean employees, earning it a Green Circle Certification for being made from post-consumer recycled materials. By purchasing a 4ocean bracelet, you will remove one pound of trash from the ocean & coastlines. 4ocean has pulled over two million pounds of trash from the ocean and coastlines since the company was founded in January 2017. In addition, this 4ocean bracelet is waterproof, adjustable, and comes with free decals and a canvas carrying bag. All packaging is also made from 100% recycled post-consumer materials. 4ocean creates a limited edition bracelet every month and donates to an ocean conservation organization with that cause. This month they are donating to Florida Atlantic University Marine Research Lab that helps fund the study and care of endangered leatherback sea turtle hatchlings prior to their release back into the ocean. This year, 4ocean is donating a flat rate of $25,000 to each cause they partnered with! I have two 4ocean bracelets and they are still in the same condition even when being worn while swimming, working out, and showering. For only $20.00, it's amazing to see all the good that comes from this bracelet!