Environmental Issues

[Deleted User 5375]

Sooner or later, those of us who like plastic, PVC and nylon will find it very hard to purchase items made from fossil fuel processes. The
latex fans might get away with it, but the rest of us will probably be vilified as the “diesel cars” of rain protection. So does anyone know of new materials coming along that feel as good, or as near as possible, as those we love, but made from environmental and renewable sources? Most clothing made from recycled plastic ends up having no lovely vinyl qualities and are usually indistinguishable from boring materials. I have seen a jacket on TV on a programme on environmental issues that was made from recycled bottles, and looked like a sheer nylon material - but that is very rare as fare as I can tell.

[rubbermackintosh]

With the side effects weatherwise waterproofs, rubber boots and even waders are soon going to be wardrobe essentials. Maybe we should all be thinking of stocking up before the prices go through the roof. PVC may become a political no no but at least rubber is more of a renewable material being as it's a natural resource tapped from trees without chopping them down.

Who will be the manufacturer who will be brave enough to introduce SBR macks and sou'westers etc again?

[Deleted User 5375]

I wonder how easy it would be to create recycled material that looks and feels like PVC, possibly not even from recycled plastics. Bamboo? Protein chains extracted from Brazil nut shells?

Or the cynic in me could just suggest getting some labels made up that say “Recycled Rainwear Inc.” with a suitably fake logo to put on clothing items to fend off any environmental mafia.

But seriously. Although my own rainwear collection is very small, and it takes a huge amount for me to dispose any beloved macks, even when clearly on their last legs. But should we consider the environmental impact or are we so few in number that our purchases are a drop in the ocean compared to other man made material usage?

[bethbennett202]

I've got a transparent raincoat made from EVA and it's better for the planet

[Rainworshipper]

The real problem lies with our throwaway culture coupled with an obsession with cheap mass produced clothing

You are dead right there, but it's a sad fact ot life that price sells but quality does not.

[Deleted User 5375]

I've got a transparent raincoat made from EVA and it's better for the planet

How is it better for the planet? I thought EVA was just another form of plastic polymer that is no better than any other.

Also all the EVA raincoats I have come across have a disappointing papery feel with a rough surface, not smooth.

[spitfire617]

I've got a transparent raincoat made from EVA and it's better for the planet

How is it better for the planet? I thought EVA was just another form of plastic polymer that is no better than any other.

Also all the EVA raincoats I have come across have a disappointing papery feel with a rough surface, not smooth.

Yes I thought it was papery to??

[annabell-cagoule]

Can’t get as environmentally friendly than hunting charity shops for cagoules and rainwear to give new life to

[Rainworshipper]

Can’t get as environmentally friendly than hunting charity shops for cagoules and rainwear to give new life to

Good point, but these days there seem to be very few rainwear bargains to be had in charity shops.

[maidjenny]

I work in a charity shop and it is rare to get plastic or pvc macs coming in and if they do i try to be the first in the queue lol