eco gear
You might have put some eco friendly toilet cleaner, organic meat or recycled toilet paper in your basket at the supermarket recently.Everyday necessities, but isn't it far more exciting going out to buy new snowboard gear? Well, with the influx of 'green' snowboard products on the market you can go buy new gear and still be mindful of the environment. Here are just a few environmentally conscious companies and their products.
 |
| '09 Cypress Jacket |
Holden is one company that sits at the top of the eco company list. They produce a specific eco line but their environmentally sound materials go beyond one specific line and are used throughout their range.
The
Their use of Hemp fabric is in its third season, in this time they have worked on improving the texture and waterproof ness of the hemp fabric. As well as applied a flouro-carbon free durable water repellant to its surface. Water-based laminate glue used to laminate the hemp, which is much more environmentally friendly.
Cocona is also used in these pieces, and in many of the other garment linings in the range. Cocona is a coconut-shell-based fabric technology with excellent evaporative cooling, odor absorption, and UV protection qualities.
These are all packaged in fully biodegradable, acetate ethylene bags, which take a mere six years to decompose, even without sunlight. How's that for Eco friendly!
Check out www.holdenouterwear.com for this year's products.
ARBOR
|
|
|
09 Arbor Womens Board Range
|
The grand daddy of environmental snowboard companies, has been around for approx 12 years. In that time they have become well known for their range of snowboards made from sustainable materials.
They have led the way in the use of natural wood veneers, sustainalble timbers and bamboo cores. Also, their womens all mountain Cadence board uses Sintruted Poly-Ethlene as a base material - created by extruding the remenant material that is leftover from the production of sintered bases into a new type of base material, rather than throwing this petroleum-based waste into land fills. Genius!
 |
| Arbor Bamboo blend Mythos T-shirt |
It doesn't stop there, the Arbor clothing range also features, Ts, Hoodies and Jeans made from bamboo based fabrics and 100% organic cotton.
For more info on the companies eco technologies and all their products go to www.arborsports.com
BURTON
Maybe not your first thought when you think of environmental snowboard companies, but the snowboard giant released an eco focused line called the Green Mountain Project in '08.
An outerwear and layering collection that uses recycled materials and eco-friendly weatherproofing technology. The Green Mountain Project (GMP) jackets, pants, fleece and gloves.
The shell fabrics of the GMP jackets and pants are made from recycled fibres, which are created from everyday products like plastic PET bottles.
Burton 'GMP' Chopper Jacket '08
In addition, the trims, linings and insulations of all GMP products utilize as many recycled and low-impact materials as possible – even the shock cords, elastic, fleece pocket liners and labels contain recycled materials.
The collection is available at Burton Flagship stores and select
For more information on the Green Mountain Project, head to www.burton.com
ELEMENT
|
|
|
Geo Birds 100% Organic Cotton T. Australian Winter Range 08/ |
Not really a snowboarding company, but they have some great skate/streetwear and have recently introduced their Element Organics Program which features ethically created garments developed from 100% organically grown cotton.
These pieces are the first offerings from element to create an alternative to traditionally manufactured cotton.
They plan to expand the organics line and encourage others to wear fabrics whose creation has a lesser environmental impact.
This Geo Birds T is from the Australian Winter 08 range, but check out the website for seasonal ranges for your region http://www.elementeden.com/
THIRTY TWO/ETNIES - SOLE TECHNOLOGIES
 |
| 09 Thirty Two Boots |
Thirty Two sits under the Sole Technologies umbrella, an ardent advocate of the environment Sole Technologies is committed to becoming an environmental leader.
|
|
|
Etnies SEED Project - Bernie Shoes. |
The Thirty Two range of snowboard boots aim to be the most eco-friendly boot on the market by keeping the boots PVC-free and using natural and recycled materials.
In addition the Etnies SEED Project is a unique collection of apparel and footwear made of sustainable and recycled materials that reflect our responsibility to give back to the planet.
With the purchase of these products, one percent of the proceeds will be donated to benefit environmental organizations that etnies believes will plant the 'seeds' for the future of action sports, humanity and our planet.
VENTURE
 |
| Venture Zephyr '08 |
Venture snowboards, based in Colorado believe that its "only natural that we should strive to protect the wild places that inspire us".
Because of this belief Venture has a dual focus: to improve the quality and performance of our boards while minimizing environmental impact. The company began with this belief and it and continue to maintain these values.
They build all their boards with sustainably harvested wood, and low impact materials. At a higher company level, they have also implemented a recycling program, a lean business model. Probably the biggest statement has been converting their entire operation to wind power, incorporating solar features and using sustainable materials in their Silverton production facility. The most recent development has been becoming a member for 1% For the Planet, an association of businesses that pledge one percent of sales to the natural environement. Venture does not make a female specific boards, they say "We don't make "women's-specific" boards for good reason: there's no such thing. Sex is of no consequence when choosing a snowboard. The factors that matter are height, weight, boot size, and riding style. The rest is just marketing hype".
They do however offer three different widths in every model. This means ladies can get narrower, more responsive boards, and maximum power for carving turns, stomping landings. For more info check out www.venturesnowboards.com SALOMON Salomon snowboards have will be launching two new boards for 09 featuring bamboo technology, for more info on the Sick Stick and the Answer boards check out Lorene's blog post. HOWIES UK UK Higher quality product will invariably last longer, allowing it to perform as it was designed for longer before it needs replacing. And so over its lifespan it will have consumed less valuable resources than an inferior product that will have been replaced many times. They have a wonderful range of summer dresses and skirts as well as more tech items such as Fleeces and Base Layers. Visit their online store at www.howies.co.uk POM POM Wax
Howies "High Places" T shirt.
POM POM Slush Rush Spring Wax
Super cute company Pom Pom is a female focused wax and accessories company. POM POM’s waxes are made withsoy wax instead of petroleum based paraffin. Altogether kinder for the environment.
Pom Poms creator Sarah Cameron says that POM POM’s biggest mission is “to encourage and empower girls learn to wax and tune their own board."
Also believing that its connected to their 'eco-mission' saying “Probably the most “eco” thing you can do when it comes to buying a new snowboard is making the one you’ve got last longer. Waxing protects your base and keeps it smooth & fast and can add years of life to it."
POM POM Lip Bom
They have currenty got two snowboard waxes available, Slush Rush - you guessed it for spring conditions and Sonic Boom for all temperatures.
Oh yeah and they also have handy pots of lip balm too to keep your lips in tip top shape. Transworld Female Rider of the Year, Marie France Roy is part of the POM POM team so it must be good stuff!
For more news, product info go to www.iheartpompom.com to buy online contact the company via their website or log on to online stores Shredding Betty or Miss Boarder.
EKA
Organic cotton Moose Hat and Mittens
British snowboarder Gilly Seagrave is behind headwear company Eka, a Fair Trade brand that is committed to producing high quality, lovely accessories for the concientious buyer. Hand made in Auroville, India. Proceeds from trade go to develop the town and surrounding landscape.
The 07/08 collection has an extended range of ORGANIC cotton styles and a lot more hat/mitten/scarf colour sets.
Check out http://www.ekawear.com/eka/
