Where does your play sand come from?
What’s in your sandbox?
Chances are that your first answer is a home improvement store like Lowe’s or Home Depot. But where did it come from before you picked it up at the store? That is likely a question that many of us do not know the answer to. Most standard play sands on the market are from a quarry where large rocks are blasted from the earth and trucked away to be further crushed into a sand-like product. The sand grains are usually rough and angular to the touch after processing. This process is also energy intensive and has a large carbon footprint.
Additionally, these rocks are usually silica or quartz based, which can be hazardous. Crystalline silica is a known carcinogen. It is respirable and can cause a dangerous condition called silicosis. Silicosis is the scarring of the lungs from inhaling silica which causes breathing problems. In California companies are required by law to label products that contain carcinogens. This is why you often see Proposition 65 warning labels on these sands. Does this really sound like something you want your child to play in? Unfortunately, this is the type of sand most home improvement stores sell. However, there are safe alternatives on the market. One of which is oolitic aragonite sand.
Oolitic aragonite sand is a unique type of calcium carbonate that is naturally created on the banks of The Bahamas on a reoccurring basis. This makes it a renewable and sustainable resource. It looks very much like sand, but it is different. Oolitic Aragonite grains are naturally smooth and round in texture and contain no quartz or silica, whereas regular sand is rough in texture and is typically silica and quartz based. It’s also been dried and screened to ensure a uniform grain size and no dust, which is the only processing oolitic aragonite endures. Minimal processing means minimal dust and a minimal carbon footprint. It’s safe for both indoor and outdoor use. When moist, it’s perfect for building sandcastles. Oolitic aragonite is a non-toxic, safe, and environmentally friendly alternative to standard play sands that are on the market.
In today’s day and age, it’s important to know where you are sourcing your everyday products. Sourcing from responsible and safe resources is valuable not only your own health, but for our planet’s health. Calcean is striving to provide that much needed positive alternative and to be a name that you can trust.
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Colored Play Sand Options Now Available!
All natural, safe color that won’t leach when wet or come off on your hands and clothes. It will keep its vibrant color in all elements; sun, rain, snow etc.
Click below to see our colored play sand options!
0.20 cu ft Colored Baha Play Sand
Available in: Sunset Red, Aqua Blue, Orange Sherbet, Black Forest, and Onyx Black. More colors coming soon!