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Cold Weather and EV Charging a Closer Look

Electric vehicle plugged in charging in cold temperatures.
EV plugged in charging in cold temperatures.

The Impact of Cold Weather on EV Charging and Cost Dynamics in Key Markets

The electric vehicle (EV) landscape is undergoing rapid transformation, fueled by technological advancements, environmental considerations, and shifting consumer preferences. As more consumers embrace EVs, various factors, including weather conditions and regional energy markets, play pivotal roles in shaping charging costs and patterns. This article delves into the influence of cold weather on EV charging and examines charging costs during peak and off-peak times in four key markets—California, New York, Florida, and Texas. Additionally, we explore the potential implications of increased EV adoption on off-peak times and energy demand.

Cold Weather and EV Charging: A Closer Look

Cold weather conditions significantly impact energy consumption patterns, particularly for heating homes and facilities. As temperatures drop, the demand for electricity surges, leading to potential strain on energy grids. In regions experiencing colder climates, the increased energy needs for heating can indirectly affect EV charging costs, especially if charging occurs during peak demand periods.

Charging Costs Across Key Markets

California:

In California, the cost to charge an EV varies based on several factors, including utility providers and rate plans. At 8 am on a Monday morning, when demand is typically high, peak electricity rates could range from approximately $0.20 to $0.30 per kilowatt-hour (kWh). However, off-peak rates might offer more competitive pricing, emphasizing the importance of time-of-use (TOU) rate plans for cost-conscious EV owners.

New York:

Similarly, New York’s EV charging costs during peak hours could range from $0.15 to $0.25 per kWh or higher, depending on the utility provider and rate structure. Off-peak hours, often during late evenings and early mornings, may provide more favorable rates, aligning with utility-driven efforts to incentivize off-peak charging and manage grid demand effectively.

Florida:

In Florida, the cost dynamics for EV charging reflect the state’s energy landscape and utility policies. Peak electricity rates might range from approximately $0.10 to $0.20 per kWh, with off-peak hours offering potential savings for EV owners. As in other markets, specific rates and timeframes can vary based on location, utility providers, and rate plans, highlighting the importance of individualized research and planning.

Texas:

In Texas, EV charging costs during peak hours could range from $0.08 to $0.20 per kWh or more, depending on the specific utility provider and rate plan. Off-peak hours, typically late-night and early morning periods, may present opportunities for EV owners to capitalize on lower rates and optimize their charging schedules.

Evolving Off-Peak Times and Energy Demand

As the adoption of EVs accelerates, the traditional off-peak and peak hours within energy markets may undergo transformation. The influx of EVs could potentially shift demand patterns, leading to increased electricity consumption during previously off-peak periods. This shift could necessitate adjustments in utility rate structures, infrastructure investments, and demand management strategies to accommodate growing EV charging needs effectively.

Moreover, as more consumers embrace EVs, utilities may face challenges in balancing grid demand, ensuring reliability, and maintaining affordable electricity rates for all consumers. Collaborative efforts among stakeholders, innovative solutions, and adaptive policies will be crucial in navigating these complexities and fostering a sustainable, efficient, and resilient energy ecosystem.

Conclusion

The intersection of cold weather, EV charging dynamics, and regional energy markets presents multifaceted challenges and opportunities for stakeholders across the EV value chain. Understanding the impact of weather conditions on energy consumption, analyzing charging costs in key markets, and anticipating evolving demand patterns are essential steps in shaping a sustainable and equitable energy future.

As consumers, policymakers, and industry leaders collaborate to address these challenges, innovative solutions, technology advancements, and adaptive strategies will pave the way for a more integrated, efficient, and resilient energy ecosystem. By fostering collaboration, embracing innovation, and prioritizing sustainability, we can navigate the complexities of the evolving EV landscape and shape a brighter, more sustainable future for all.

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From Woodstock to Electric Daisy Carnival: The Evolution of Music Festivals and Eco-Friendly Initiatives

Music festivals have a rich history of bringing people together to celebrate their love for music and create unforgettable memories. Over the years, these events have evolved in various ways, from the iconic Woodstock festival in 1969 to the globally renowned Electric Daisy Carnival. In this article, we’ll explore the fascinating journey of music festivals, their commitment to sustainability, and we’ll also uncover the top three EDM music festivals based on attendance.

Woodstock: A Glimpse into Music Festival History

In the summer of 1969, a dairy farm in Bethel, New York, became the epicenter of a cultural revolution. Woodstock, originally known as the “Woodstock Music & Art Fair,” was a festival that defined an era. Beyond the music, Woodstock symbolized the counterculture and social movements of the late 1960s.

Woodstock was famous not only for its iconic performances but also for the challenges it faced during setup. It was originally planned for Woodstock, New York, but logistical issues led to a last-minute change of location. Setting up the festival proved to be a race against time. Organizers worked tirelessly to build the stage, set up food and medical services, and create the necessary facilities for the massive crowd.

The cleanup after Woodstock was equally daunting. An estimated 20 to 40 tons of trash and debris were left behind. It took weeks of effort and a strong community spirit to restore the site to its original condition, underscoring the commitment of both organizers and attendees to leaving no trace.

Eco-Friendly Initiatives at Music Festivals

Modern music festivals are embracing sustainability and eco-friendly initiatives. One significant trend is encouraging attendees to bring their own reusable cups and containers. This practice reduces the use of disposable items like plastic cups and minimizes the environmental impact of these events.

Some festivals offer incentives for attendees to participate in these eco-friendly practices. These incentives can include discounts on drink refills, special access to designated areas, or even commemorative merchandise. Such initiatives not only benefit the environment but also enhance the overall festival experience.

Beyond reusable containers, music festivals are implementing various other eco-friendly practices:

Waste Reduction: Festivals are working to minimize waste through improved recycling and composting systems, in partnership with local organizations that ensure responsible waste management.

Transportation Options: Some events encourage eco-friendly transportation options like carpooling, public transit, and biking to reduce the number of vehicles on the road and lower the carbon footprint.

Sustainable Food: Festivals are offering a range of sustainable and locally sourced food options, reducing the environmental impact of food production and transportation.

Green Energy: Certain events are transitioning to the use of renewable energy sources to power stages and festival infrastructure.

Educational Initiatives: Music festivals are incorporating educational components on sustainability and environmental awareness, helping raise attendees’ consciousness about eco-friendly living.

The Top 3 EDM Festivals by Attendance

Now, let’s shift our focus to the top three EDM festivals based on attendance:

Tomorrowland: The Enchanted Wonderland of EDM

Tomorrowland, originating from Boom, Belgium, stands as one of the most renowned EDM festivals in the world. It consistently attracts hundreds of thousands of attendees from across the globe.

Tomorrowland is not just about music; it’s a journey into a fantasy world. Elaborate stage designs, immersive storytelling, and a diverse lineup of the world’s top DJs create an otherworldly experience. Tomorrowland has redefined what an EDM festival can be, drawing fans from every corner of the Earth to experience its enchanting wonder.

Ultra Music Festival: Miami’s EDM Extravaganza

The city of Miami, with its vibrant nightlife and cultural diversity, provides the perfect backdrop for Ultra Music Festival. This EDM extravaganza consistently ranks as one of the most attended festivals globally.

Ultra Music Festival is a sensory overload. Iconic stages, intense pyrotechnics, and a lineup featuring the world’s leading DJs and producers make it an essential event for EDM enthusiasts. Surprise performances and exclusive collaborations ensure each edition is a unique experience, further solidifying its reputation as a must-attend festival.

Sustainable Efforts at Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC): Pioneering the Green Rave Revolution

Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC) is not only a celebration of pulsating beats and electrifying performances but has also emerged as a frontrunner in promoting eco-friendliness and sustainability within the realm of music festivals.

Building on the historic legacy of Woodstock and inspired by the enchanting worlds of Tomorrowland, EDC has embraced a new mission that extends beyond music and lights – a mission rooted in harmony with the environment. Recent years have witnessed a paradigm shift in how EDC approaches its ecological footprint, with a renewed focus on health, wellness, and sustainability.

In a recent letter from Pasquale Rotella, the visionary mind behind EDC, he not only reflected on the festival’s journey but also outlined a forward-looking vision that includes a robust commitment to mental health care. This initiative extends not only to the duration of the events but transcends them, recognizing the profound impact festivals can have on attendees’ well-being.

A Green Revolution: Insomniac’s Eco-Friendly Initiatives at EDC

Beyond the pulsating music and the mesmerizing lights, EDC is making waves with its sustainability initiatives, spearheaded by Insomniac, the company behind the festival. Pasquale Rotella is actively steering initiatives that prioritize mental health care, ensuring the well-being of festival-goers extends far beyond the beats.

One of the central themes of this sustainability drive is the reduction of single-use plastic, a commitment reflected in the addition of refill stations strategically placed across festival grounds. In 2019 alone, these refill stations poured almost 63 million ounces of water, equivalent to just under 4 million single-use plastic water bottles. EDC has taken the initiative to actively discourage the use of disposable plastic, aligning with a broader movement to minimize the environmental impact of large-scale events.

Rotella’s letter also revealed the hiring of a full-time sustainability manager, emphasizing the festival’s dedication to green initiatives. This dedicated professional will focus exclusively on implementing sustainable practices and finding ways to lessen EDC’s impact on the planet.

The commitment doesn’t stop at plastic reduction. EDC is exploring solar options to power its festival stages, a move that signals a shift towards cleaner and renewable energy sources. In addition, the festival will be using biofuels to power generators at select events, showcasing a holistic approach to adopting eco-friendly practices.

Pasquale Rotella summed up the dedication succinctly in his letter, stating, “Simply put, we need to do more… and we will.” This commitment to continual improvement aligns with the ethos of festivals evolving not only in their musical offerings but also in their responsibility towards the planet.

A Symphony of Music, Lights, and Green Initiatives

In the grand symphony of music, lights, and shared experiences, Electric Daisy Carnival is harmonizing with the evolving expectations of its attendees. The commitment to sustainability is not just a trend but a fundamental shift in the way EDC approaches its role in the world. From reducing single-use plastics to exploring renewable energy sources, EDC is setting the stage for a new era in festival culture.

As we dance under the electric sky, surrounded by beats that transcend time and lights that paint the night, we’re also part of a movement towards a more sustainable and eco-conscious future. EDC is not only shaping the sound of the future but also leading the way towards greener pastures, reminding us that the magic of music can coexist harmoniously with a deep respect for our planet. In the rhythm of the beats and the commitment to sustainability, Electric Daisy Carnival is not just a festival; it’s a revolutionary force, echoing the sentiments of Woodstock’s past and Tomorrowland’s enchanting future. It’s a celebration that goes beyond the music, a movement that resonates with the heartbeat of a planet in need of care. Join the dance, feel the energy, and be a part of a green revolution that starts with the pulsating heart of EDC.

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The Lifecycle of Materials in Green Energy

Promoting Sustainability and Environmental Responsibility

As the world increasingly adopts green energy systems, it is important to understand the lifecycle of the materials used in these technologies. From solar panels to wind turbines and batteries, responsible management and recycling of these materials are crucial for reducing waste and promoting a sustainable energy future. This article explores the environmental impact of green energy materials, their recycling potential, and the challenges involved.

Lowering Carbon Emissions for a Greener World To combat climate change, a holistic approach is needed. By focusing on energy efficiency, transitioning to renewable energy sources like wind and solar power, promoting electric vehicles, and implementing carbon pricing mechanisms, we can effectively lower carbon emissions. These collective efforts from individuals, businesses, and governments play a vital role in mitigating the greenhouse gas effect.

Environmental Impacts of Green Energy Materials While green energy technologies offer cleaner alternatives, their production and disposal have environmental implications. The extraction of materials like rare earth minerals and the manufacturing processes for solar panels and wind turbines can contribute to land degradation, water pollution, and habitat destruction. Addressing these concerns is essential for a truly sustainable energy transition.

Recycling and Reuse: Closing the Loop Fortunately, many green energy materials can be recycled and repurposed, reducing the need for virgin resources and minimizing waste. Solar panels, lithium batteries, and carbon fiber from wind turbines can undergo recycling processes to recover valuable components. These recycled materials can be utilized in the production of new products, reducing the environmental impact associated with their manufacturing.

Overcoming Challenges and Promoting Responsible Management Recycling carbon fiber, in particular, poses unique challenges due to its complex nature. However, innovative recycling technologies are being developed to maximize its recovery and reuse. Proper disposal methods and waste management practices are vital to prevent soil and water contamination while minimizing greenhouse gas emissions. Government support and industry collaboration are crucial in driving sustainable solutions and advancing closed-loop systems.

Understanding the lifecycle of materials used in green energy systems is essential for building a sustainable future. By adopting energy-efficient practices, transitioning to renewable sources, and implementing responsible waste management, we can minimize the environmental impact of green energy technologies. Through recycling and repurposing, we can reduce waste, conserve resources, and contribute to a more sustainable and greener world. Let’s embrace these practices to ensure a cleaner and brighter future for generations to come.

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Struggles of being Eco friendly, cool or not cool?

Deciding to be eco friendly takes work. These last few months, I’ve made a conscious effort to be as eco friendly as possible. Also working diligently to enlighten close friends on the practice. My circle of friends consists of a small group. From outdoor manly men to “GQ” creative “manscaped” men. Finding a gentle, non-intrusive way of communicating my eco message takes some finesse and massaging. Finding the right balance to intrigue my friends vs. turning them off from the message is the key to success. Some early feedback from my group of friends especially the guys have been, “so you’re going to be one of those guys?”. Of course, this is done in a more jovial tone. We’ve always given each other a hard time when someone from our group has a new hobby or tries to adopt a new trend. All part of our social behavior as “tough” guys.

 A few things I’m experimenting with currently, are buying simple but effective items that almost everyone can use daily. Two examples of this are reusable tumblers (pic) and reusable straws (pic). I’ve realized over the last few months my exposure to plastic straws and plastic bottles are the two largest non eco friendly things in my routine. If you live an active lifestyle, like me there’s a good chance you have similar habits. I’d buy a 12 pack of water bottles to take to the beach or out on the boat for the day. As you can imagine this can result in quite a bit of personal waste daily. Also, I found out that dining out regularly plastic straws are freely given out with little thought on their  eco impact. Overcoming these bad habits can be challenging and educating friend and family may not appear cool and may be even more difficult. But If they see you’re making the effort, it might influence them to be more aware of their habits. It’s these little changes that ultimately will create the wave of change needed for future generations.

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5 Eco resolutions to make an impact in 2019

As we enter a new year, many will partake in renewing New Year resolutions. For most, these resolutions might be to lose weight, stop smoking, consume less alcohol or spend more time with family. In 2019, mine will be focused on making changes to my personal use of single use paper and plastic.

Over the last few months, I’ve become more enlightened to the increasing stress that single use products put on our ecosystem. With companies like 4Ocean and Parley working hard to remove ocean plastic, I felt compelled as an individual to assist in reducing my use of these items. One person making simple changes may not seem like much, but if we can multiply this by 10, 100 or 1000 people by sharing this practice, we can make a significant impact for our future.

Below are 5 practices, I believe to be simple but extremely impactful in reducing ocean plastic. 

1.       Stop using paper towels and use cotton hand towels around the home. Not only do these single use paper towels create unnecessary waste by using them, but through their life cycle create a single use waste trail. They’re packaged in single use plastic and ship in single use corrugated boxes to a distributor or retailer.

2.       Use Tupperware or Pyrex for food storage and transport verses plastic storage bags. Finding a way to eliminate single use plastic storage bag consumption with multiuse storage containers may be one of the most important eco friendly practices on the list.

3.       If dining out, ask for no straw or stir to be used in your drink order. Ask for a metal spoon or stir if you intend to mix in any artificial sweetener. If you think about the number of straws distributed in this manner, the numbers are dizzying. In almost every drink sold you receive at least one straw. If you get a refill there could be two or more in one sitting. All which end up in the trash. If you’re like many and absolutely need to use a straw, there are quite a few companies now offering eco friendly multiuse straw options. One in particular is Current Straw, they make a stainless steel reusable straw which can easily be transported in the supplied bamboo sleeve.

4.       One common practice is the consumption of single serve bottled water. Almost every city in the US offers safe drinking water. Still many consumers opt to purchase single serving “Spring” water from their local grocery store. While researching data on plastic water bottles I stumbled upon an Interesting article written for Business Insider in 2011 on the bottled water industry. While we understand this is a personal preference, most likely due to the taste of their city water source. We suggest a slightly more eco friendly option of buying water in bulk containers. This along with the use of a multiuse stainless steel water bottle (pictured below) reduces single serving plastic consumption significantly. This is a welcome new trend emerging in the last 12 months. 

5.       Lastly, and it’s a big one. Use multiuse shopping bags made from burlap or other ecofriendly material for groceries or trips to dept. stores. For this step, you’ll want to make sure you keep one or two of these bags close by, in the car glove box or back seat pocket works best.

In summary, some of these simple changes may seem challenging to remember every time. as we’re presented with single serve plastic and paper quite often in our daily lives. But if we can share and encourage these simple ecofriendly habits, we can make great progress towards reducing the problems future generations face with plastic pollution.

This blog only covers 5 simple eco-friendly changes and we love feedback, so if you have more ideas you’d like to bring to light and contribute, please feel  free to comment below. 

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Adidas Parley running the show in 2019!

Adidas Ultraboost Laceless Parley

Many Adidas fans are probably aware by now Adidas has announced they’ll be moving completely away from virgin plastic by 2024. While many eco warriors might question why it would take till 2024, most don’t realize the scope of work required to make such a transition. There’s a balance that needs to be maintained while executing such a large-scale transition. With their recent partnership with Parley and introduction of several popular Adidas brands (Ultra Boost, Deerupt, Terrex, Adizero, Alpha Bounce, and most recent NMD-R1) it’s apparent they’re moving swiftly in the transition. They’ve even begun converting apparel to the recycled ocean plastic by Parley, more on this in future blogs.

As a conscious consumer, I’ve begun the transition to more ecofriendly brands and products and in my last blog covered the Costa “Untangled” sunglass series, Compelled by the quality of the sunglasses, I decided to look a comparable brand of shoes. My second most important fashion item next to sunglasses.  Most people who know me well, can confirm both sunglass and kicks (shoes in general) have been my kryptonite. I buy way more than I need and outpace my girlfriend by 8 pairs to 1 over the last 22 years. When I became aware of the Adidas Parley partnership and saw the first few series of shoes using the recycled ocean plastic, I loved the concept but not the initial product offerings. It wasn’t until recently that I found a few pair that I really liked the shape of and color options. The two pair I’ll be reviewing today, Ultra Boost Laceless and NMD-R1


are both made with Parley material and are constructed of woven Primeknit. Nike first introduced me to the knit sock design (Flyknit) and I really loved my first pair made with this flexible shoe material.

Now when I saw there was an Adidas/Parley Primeknit (lace less) shoe that caught my attention I had to purchase a few pair to try out.

I purchased these primarily for cardio on a treadmill and lifting and was more than exited to give them a go and see how they performed. My initial impression upon unboxing both pairs I could tell quickly I preferred the design and construction of the Ultra Boost over the NMD-R1. The Ultraboost Primeknit weave had a much firmer construction vs. the NMD-R1 as well the sole of the NMD-R1 vs. Ultraboost just doesn’t look to be as well made and may not wear well over time.

I really wanted to love both pairs but after trying both on and evaluating comfort and quality I decided to return the NMD-R1 and purchase another pair of the Ultraboost.
I have to say the Ultraboost Laceless are a well-designed pair of running shoes, cardio sessions I see no arch fatigue or shin pain. I’ve been wearing them for a few weeks now and even during intense leg training sessions they offer a solid stable base for squatting. I’m extremely optimistic about the future if more legacy brands like Adidas adopt the use of recycled materials. From my experience in just the two brands I’ve explored, both offer fashionable, top quality products in the eco friendly sector. The more popular this category becomes we’ll see larger brands take notice of this emerging eco friendly trend. Hopefully, we’ll see more tier 1 brands partnering with Parley in 2019 across more categories?

You can to lean more on Adidas commitment to sustainability in the link below:

https://www.adidas-group.com/en/sustainability/compliance/environmental-approach/

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Costa’s “Untangled” series are they worth the price?

 

Costa Pescador sunglasses with side skirt and box, part of the "Untangled" eco-friendly series
Costa Pescador sunglasses with side skirt and box

If you’re an outdoor enthusiast who enjoys spending time outdoors and can appreciate a quality pair of sunglasses, these might just be for you. Costa Del Mar recently partnered with Bureo and launched their “Untangled” series of optics.  Introduced in summer 2018 the “Untangled” series is Costa’s first step in exploring eco friendly materials. I’d like to commend Costa on being one of the first major sunglass brands to explore more eco friendly materials. The eco friendly concept of re-purposing used or discarded commercial fishing nets is a great idea. This series features 4 different styles of optics, Pescador (one reviewed), Victoria, Baffin, and Caldera. To learn more about Costa’s “Untangle-our-ocean” initiative you visit can the link below to lean more: https://www.costadelmar.com/us/en/inside-costa/protect/untangle-our-oceans

First I’d like to say no compensation has been paid by Costa for this blog review. I’m a sunglass junkie and the “Untangled” eco friendly message is one that spoke to me. I’ve had several pairs of Costa sunglasses over the years and enjoy their quality, mostly used for light fishing and boating their polarized lenses are top quality. Being a sunglass “connoisseur” I bought my first pair of Oakley Blades back in middle school and would estimate I’ve owned more than 50 different pair of glasses over the last 20 years. 

Mostly active lifestyle brands such as Oakley, Dragon Alliance, Spy, Revo, & Costa Del Mar, to fashion brands like Gucci, Prada, Ray Ban, and Chrome Hearths. I’ve always appreciated a nice pair of shades and have noticed the quality in craftmanship decline with some brands these last few years. I’m a big fan of Spy Optics and love their Happy Lenses which haven’t been as resilient to scratches as the 580’s. But still I enjoy the crisp clear view from behind their Happy Lenses.

To be fair, I wanted to wait a few months so I would have a chance to see how the Costa’s performed when I boated, fished and bicycled with them. I do quite a bit of leisure boating but wanted to put them to the test while being more active. While they weren’t the most affordable pair of Costa glasses I’ve purchased the messaging on the “Untangled” series is on I wanted to support.

  1. My initial impression upon unboxing, the appearance of the Pescador look similar to a 90’s style Ray Ban but with the recycled material and a detailed routed rim. They’re lightweight yet feel fairly solid. One concern I had upon checking the fit was the lack of rigidity in the ear arms, this may be due to the use of recycled materials vs. virgin plastic. This may be an issue with wear over time and might need to be addressed by Costa. Maybe inserting an aluminum core to reinforce and allow forming if needed. As you can see I have a large cranium and need a solid ear arm to wrap and add grip for my noggin. To resolve this issue I purchased a pair of Cablez for $14.99 to make sure they didn’t slip off my face while bending over attempting to land that 16lb snapper.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          In Costa defense they did attempt to combat this potential issue by inserting a form of rubber composite in the tail end of the ear arms and nose area.
  2. 580 Lenses, can’t say enough about these lenses. Crystal clear polarized lenses that so far haven’t had any issues with scratching. I’m a sunglasses junkie and notoriously drop and scratch glasses after only a few weeks. I’m guessing the Cablez lanyard will keep these scratch free for longer than my typical pair.
  3. Blackout side skirts, I know these are an additional option but if there’s one area that needs to be improved it would be here. As I grow older I look for glasses that give greater coverage and this pair looked promising. I’ve been wearing Spy Optics for years and absolutely loved their Touring model (whitewall color) because of the coverage. The Costa side skirts are made from some type of material that feels like a dense crape fabric with a wire frame. After only a few weeks of wearing them in humid Florida weather and a few fishing days they’re already showing signs of separating at the seams, and exposing the wire. If these were made of a textured hard recycled plastic it would definitely improve the lifespan. One thing to note as well these side skirts don’t come as a standard with the glasses and boast a pretty hefty upgrade cost of $50.

Summary – I really appreciate Costa’s progressive thinking by partnering with Bureo with this eco friendly net recycling concept. Be on the lookout for more progressive moves across different industries. One thing I think would be good for Costa to implement with this initiative is actual data on fisheries net waste and how often fisheries replace nets. It would also be great info if Costa were to track how many pounds of netting equal X amount of “Untangled” sunglasses. Also, what portion if any of the sale they contribute to technology to improve this this type of waste recycling? There are new materials available today that weren’t available in the past which are more eco friendly, could these materials be options vs. current netting material? The Costa “Untangled” collection definitely comes with a premium price tag (like many eco friendly products), there should be some opportunity to invest some of the resources into developing netting with some of the new more eco friendly materials