The Garmin Descent series has always been one of the most popular compact units among our customers, and now, there's a new addition to the family that brings an ecological perspective to the table - the Garmin Descent G1 SOLAR Ocean Edition. While the Mk3i 51mm dive computer, with its stunning 1.4-inch AMOLED touch screen, is an excellent choice for scuba diving enthusiasts, we've noticed that clients who prefer a more compact device often opt for the smaller Garmin Descent Mk3i 43mm version. However, those who engage in multiple sporting activities or partake in tactical fitness routines have found an ideal match in the Garmin Descent G1 Dive Computers. The Garmin G1 models boasts a 23 mm monochrome screen with a backlight. It's an excellent choice for anyone seeking a robust, fully-equipped scuba diving computer with a compass, navigation features, and extended battery life. It caters perfectly to individuals with active lifestyles who may be concerned about risking large displays during extreme sports. My personal experiences with the Garmin G1 Dive Watch during mountain biking, paddleboarding, skiing, and freediving reinforce that its size is a remarkable fit, providing a balance of functionality and comfort.
Garmin Descent G1 Solar Ocean Edition
The Garmin Descent G1 SOLAR Ocean Edition is the latest addition to the popular line of watch-style dive computers from Garmin. Building upon the success of its predecessor, the Garmin G1 Descent, this watch brings solar-powered technology to the forefront, aligning with the growing emphasis on sustainability and environmental consciousness in today's world. The G1 SOLAR Ocean Edition isn't just designed to meet the needs of divers—it's also crafted to minimize environmental impact. The watch harnesses solar energy through a Power Glass™ solar charging lens that captures sunlight and converts it into usable power. This eliminates the need for frequent charging, freeing you from these hassles while also minimizing waste and promoting a greener lifestyle. Moreover, the G1 SOLAR Ocean Edition's eco-friendly design extends to its material composition—it's made from recycled ocean bound plastics that would otherwise end up in the oceans. This initiative not only supports clean oceans but also contributes to reducing the volume of plastic waste in our environment.
A Sustainable Solution: Repurposing Ocean-Bound Plastics
The ubiquity of polymers in modern products, particularly in smartwatches, is an undeniable fact. Once hailed as marvellously versatile, these plastic materials have recently gained notoriety for their detrimental environmental impact. Plastics take an alarming 20 to 500 years to decompose, and even then, they simply break down into smaller particles, resulting in harmful microplastics.
A particularly problematic type of waste is ocean-bound plastic, predominantly composed of nylon fishing nets. These materials, while harmful to our oceans and aquatic life, possess a robustness that makes them an ideal raw material for durable watch housing. The challenge lies in converting this problem into a solution.
In an effort to transform this ocean waste into new, useful products, collected ocean-bound plastics undergo a rigorous recycling process. They are sorted by colour, thoroughly cleaned, and dried. These materials are then transformed into a pelletised resin, combined with glass fibre, and ultimately moulded to create the watch housing, bezel, and buttons. This innovative approach not only addresses the pressing environmental issue of plastic waste but also results in a robust and eco-friendly product that consumers can feel good about using.
Garmin Descent G1: Embracing Solar Power
The Descent G1 Solar – Ocean Edition takes the commitment to sustainability a step further by integrating solar power technology into its design. It's not just the watch's housing that's eco-friendly; the watch itself harnesses solar power to extend its battery life. Under optimal solar conditions, the Descent G1 Solar – Ocean Edition significantly enhances the battery life of the watch.
As the name suggests, this innovative diving watch features a solar charging lens, which boosts battery life. Users can enjoy up to 25 hours of battery life in dive mode and an impressive 124 days in smartwatch mode with solar charging. The Descent G1 Solar – Ocean Edition is not only a high-performance diving watch but also doubles as a dive computer with extended run times thanks to solar charging.
Furthermore, the Descent G1 Solar – Ocean Edition is not limited to underwater adventures. It's packed with multisport and smartwatch features that support an active lifestyle on land and water. Whether you're cycling, running, or hiking, the Descent G1 Solar – Ocean Edition has got you covered. It's a testament to how technology and sustainability can work hand in hand to deliver a product that's not only beneficial to the user but also kind to the environment.
Recycling at Garmin: working towards greener future
In the big blue world of dive computers, your favourite Garmin G1 Solar Ocean Edition watch is designed to deliver reliable performance over several years. Considering the watch's price point of around £550, this significantly justifies its value for providing round-the-clock service for all scuba diving, outdoor and fitness adventures. However, inevitably, a time will come when the battery life begins to dwindle, signalling the end of its life cycle.
Recycling has long been a core focus at Garmin. They have seen firsthand the positive impact of promoting reuse and recycling among their staff, leading to minimized waste and enhanced recycling efforts within their facilities. In 2022, Garmin managed to collect and recycle an astounding 4,336 metric tons of materials. Among these were various elements such as paper, cardboard, plastic, and electronic waste originating from their facilities. Notably, Garmin managed to recycle over 794 tons of electronic waste in 2022 alone.
In summary, the Garmin Descent G1 Solar – Ocean Edition is an attractive option for every diver who cares about the ocean and sustainability. The innovative integration of solar power technology and recycled ocean-bound nylon plastics creates a product that is not only high-performing but also environmentally friendly. Its ability to harness solar power extends battery life significantly (in the right weather conditions), while the durable watch housing, made from recycled ocean waste, addresses the pressing environmental issue of plastic pollution. Therefore, the Descent G1 Solar – Ocean Edition is a compelling embodiment of how technology and sustainability can coalesce to deliver a product that benefits both the user and the environment.
