When petroleum-based neoprene hit the market decades ago, people loved it because it was low cost, durable and warm. Now we know better. Neoprene production is harmful to people and the environment.
More recently, some brands have turned to the false promise of geoprene, a non-renewable material extracted from mines with deep harm of surrounding ecosystems.
Neoprene is a petrochemical and produced from non-renewable fossil fuels.
Petroleum is non-renewable, generates pollution, fuels climate change, disrupts wildlife, and damages public lands set aside for the benefit of all people.
One region where neoprene is produced is known as Cancer Alley (La Place, Louisiana, USA), with risks of cancer at 50 times the USA average.
Neoprene lasts forever. It does not biodegrade.
Geoprene, pitched as a green alternative to neoprene is not so green. It is sourced from limestone mines with detrimental impact to the environment.
