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Coghlan's: Rectangular Stainless Steel Signal Mirror (3 1/4" x 4 1/4")

Coghlan's: Rectangular Stainless Steel Signal Mirror (3 1/4" x 4 1/4")

Regular price $4.99 USD
Regular price Sale price $4.99 USD
Sale Sold out

See yourself clearly with our rugged, pocket-sized mirror.

Crafted from durable stainless steel, this mirror is built to withstand your adventures. Its compact size fits perfectly in your pocket, purse, or backpack, making it ideal for on-the-go touch-ups. The highly polished surface delivers a crystal-clear reflection every time.

Key Benefits:
Unbreakable stainless steel construction
for long-lasting durability
Compact size fits easily in your pocket or bag
Highly polished finish for a clear reflection
Rectangular shape for optimal viewing
Coghlan's - a trusted name in outdoor gear

Whether you're hiking, camping, or simply on the move, this mirror is your reliable companion.

What We Love

1. Lightweight and Compact: Its slim and lightweight design makes it easy to carry, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts or emergency kits
2. Infinitely Recyclable Material: Made with 100% recyclable stainless steel, contributing to eco-friendly practices and reducing waste
3. Affordable and Sustainable: Priced reasonably for a durable, sustainable product that’s built to last in extreme conditions
4. Long Life Expectancy: Designed to endure tough environments, this mirror will remain a reliable tool for years to come

ASSESSMENT AS OF: JANUARY 2024

Sustainable Features

Price Point

Estimated Life Expectancy

What We'd Like to See Improved

Savings & Benefits for Switching from Conventional Options

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Unbreakable and compact. Highly polished stainless steel. Specifications: - Size: 3 1/4" x 4 1/4"

Size: 3 1/4" x 4 1/4"

BrandCoghlan'sRoom TypeLiving RoomShapeRectangularProduct Dimensions4.25"L x 3.25"WFrame MaterialStainless Steel

Summary

Plastic signal mirrors, while often inexpensive and readily available, come with significant environmental drawbacks. Plastic products contribute to the growing issue of plastic pollution, which affects ecosystems, wildlife, and human health. Over time, plastic signal mirrors may break down into microplastics, which persist in the environment for centuries, harming marine life and contaminating water sources. Additionally, the production of plastic involves fossil fuels, contributing to carbon emissions and environmental degradation.

A stainless steel signal mirror is a durable, long-lasting option that minimizes environmental harm. Stainless steel is highly resistant to corrosion, meaning the mirror can withstand harsh conditions without deteriorating. Its longevity reduces the need for frequent replacements, cutting down on waste. Unlike plastic, stainless steel is fully recyclable, meaning that at the end of its life cycle, it can be repurposed without adding to landfills or contributing to pollution.

Stainless steel is free from harmful chemicals that are often present in plastics, such as phthalates and bisphenols, making it a safer option for both users and the environment. This material's durability and recyclability make it an ideal choice for those committed to sustainable living.

In summary, the switch from plastic to stainless steel signal mirrors is an easy but impactful decision that benefits the planet. With its durability, recyclability, and chemical safety, stainless steel offers a clear advantage over plastic, aligning with long-term environmental goals and reducing plastic waste for a healthier future.

Country of Origin:

  •  China

Sustainability Explanation:

1. Manufacturing: 5/10

  • Not made close to the target market

2. Distribution: 5/10

  • Not made close to the target market

3. Cost: 8/10

  • Often cheaper than competing acrylic mirrors

4. Packaging: 6/10

  • Has some blister packaging-related plastic

5. Effectiveness: 7/10

  • Ideal for the bathroom where it breaks and shatters when dropped

6. Lifespan: 10/10

  • Virtually indestructible, can be repolished with cleaning if it gets foggy

7. Fun: 10/10

  • Easily fits in your hand and can be brought closer to your face as needed for those who use the mirror in the shower and wear glasses

8. Relevance: 10/10

  • Perfect for all sorts of bathroom applications - would be better if it came with a stand, Italian military signal mirrors will often have a steel prop stand

9. Disposal: 10/10

  • Is stainless steel and will not emit microplastics at end of life

10. Recycling: 10/10

  • Is infinitely recyclable

Coghlan's Rectangular Stainless Steel Signal Mirror Benefits:

1. Durable and Long-Lasting:  

  • Stainless steel is highly durable, reducing the need for frequent replacements, which helps minimize waste

2. Eco-Friendly: 

  • Fully recyclable at the end of its life, ensuring minimal environmental impact

3. No Harmful Chemicals:  

  • Stainless steel is non-toxic, making it a safe choice for long-term use without risk of chemical exposure

4. Plastic-Free:

  • By opting for stainless steel, you avoid contributing to plastic pollution and microplastic shedding

5. Low Maintenance:

  • Simple to clean and maintain, adding to its long life and reducing resource use over time

Plastic Soap Dish Drawbacks:

1. Shorter Lifespan:  

  • Plastic soap dishes tend to break or wear out more quickly, leading to more frequent replacements

2. Microplastic Shedding:  

  • Plastic products can degrade over time, releasing microplastics into the environment

3. Non-Recyclable:

  • Many plastic soap dishes are made from non-recyclable materials, contributing to landfill waste

4. Potential Health Risks: 

  • Plastic soap dishes can leach harmful chemicals such as BPA and phthalates, especially when exposed to heat or moisture

5. Environmental Impact: 

  • The production of plastic products uses fossil fuels and contributes significantly to carbon emissions and pollution

How to Start Using Coghlan's Rectangular Stainless Steel Signal Mirror:

1. Purchase: 

  • Find a retailer or online platform offering the stainless steel mirror, ensuring it fits your needs

2. Switch Gradually:  

  • When your current plastic products wear out, replace them with stainless steel alternatives instead of buying plastic again

3. Maintenance:  

  • Clean regularly with water and a soft cloth to maintain the mirror’s clarity and prolong its life

4. End-of-Life Plan: 

  • When the mirror is no longer usable, recycle it at a local facility that accepts stainless steel to ensure a sustainable disposal

5. Share the Knowledge: 

  • Encourage friends and family to switch to durable stainless steel products by highlighting the eco-friendly benefits

Summary

Coghlan's Stainless Steel Signal Mirror offers a lower lifetime cost and dramatically reduces plastic consumption compared to a typical plastic soap dish. While the plastic soap dish may seem like a budget-friendly option initially, its long-term impact on both costs and environmental sustainability tells a different story. Over a 50-year lifespan, the plastic soap dish incurs higher overall expenses and significantly increases plastic waste.

The stainless steel signal mirror, on the other hand, is designed to last, requiring minimal replacements over its lifetime. This results in reduced costs in the long run, making it a more economical choice despite the initial investment. Additionally, the stainless steel construction ensures that the product remains free from harmful chemicals, unlike plastic soap dishes, which may release toxins over time. This makes the stainless steel signal mirror a safer and healthier option for daily use.

From an environmental perspective, plastic soap dishes contribute to ongoing plastic waste, adding to pollution and environmental degradation. In contrast, Coghlan’s stainless steel mirror aligns with sustainable living practices by reducing plastic usage and supporting long-term efforts to minimize environmental harm.

In conclusion, Coghlan's Stainless Steel Signal Mirror is a superior choice for anyone looking to reduce long-term costs and plastic consumption. Its durability, absence of harmful chemicals, and positive environmental impact make it a more responsible and sustainable option than a plastic soap dish.

Lifetime Plastic Avoided

Coghlan's Rectangular Stainless Steel Signal Mirror

1. Lifespan Estimate:

The typical lifespan of a high-quality stainless steel signal mirror can be around 50 years, given its durability

2. Number of Purchases Over 50 Years:

Since the signal mirror is expected to last 50 years: 

Number of purchases =1

3. Plastic Content Estimate:

The mirror itself is stainless steel with minimal plastic, mainly from the packaging. Assume the packaging contains about 10 grams (0.01 kg) of plastic.

4. Total Plastic Consumption Over 50 Years:

Total plastic consumption = 1×0.01 kg = 0.01 kg

Plastic Soap Dish  

1. Lifespan Estimate:

The typical lifespan of a plastic soap dish is around 5 years

2. Number of Purchases Over 50 Years:

Given a 5-year lifespan: 

Number of purchases = 50/5=10

3. Plastic Content Estimate:

Assume each plastic soap dish weighs about 50 grams (0.05 kg)

4. Total Plastic Consumption Over 50 Years:

Total plastic consumption = 10×0.05 kg = 0.5 kg

Switching Savings/Costs

Coghlan's Rectangular Stainless Steel Signal Mirror

Total Cost Over 50 Years:

Assume the cost of one Coghlan's Rectangular Stainless Steel Signal Mirror is $10: 

Total cost =1×10 = $10

Plastic Soap Dish

Total Cost Over 50 Years:

Assume the cost of one plastic soap dish is $5: 

Total cost = 10×5 = $50

Chemicals Avoided

Coghlan's Rectangular Stainless Steel Signal Mirror

  • Chemicals: Generally free from harmful chemicals, made from stainless steel, which is considered safe and durable

Plastic Soap Dish

  • Chemicals: Over time, plastic soap dishes can wear down and potentially release microplastics and chemicals. Plastic soap dishes can contain various chemicals used in the manufacturing process, common harmful chemicals include
  1. Plasticizers
  2. Stabilizers
  3. Phthalates
  4. Bisphenol A (BPA)

References:

  1. Environmental Working Group (EWG) for chemical safety information
  2. General product lifespan and cost assumptions from typical market observations