Diving has become a common pastime for people today. There is an inherent draw to explore the depths of the deep blue sea. Hence, the need for wet suits has grown over the years. We have heard of the usual brands, such as Body Glove and Matuse. Not far behind in the lineup is Patagonia, which makes use of neoprene derived from limestone, rather than petroleum, in the manufacturing of their suits.

However, the manner of producing the Patagonia wet suits has become an eco-friendly concern due to the laborious and wasteful process of mining limestone. The process has been likened to drilling for oil, and thus, is now the subject for a study on how to make it more eco-friendly. Patagonia is actively searching for a better alternative to better adhere to the true eco-friendly practices and standards set forth today.

“The carbon footprint from mining and heating limestone is comparable to drilling for oil,” says Jason McCaffrey, director of surf for Patagonia. “It may be easier to clean up than an oil spill, but there is no eco-friendly wet suit.”

The company is experimenting with recycled neoprene and hoping to test a prototype within six months.

“What I like about Patagonia is that they admit that they’re not happy with the limestone and they want to make a greener wetsuit,” says Chris Mauro, editor of Surfer magazine. “They were eco before it became fashionable.”

(Source) Los Angeles Times