It took awhile, but Ski and snowboard manufacturers have finally begun to see the irony of relying on optimal winter conditions, while doing everything to contribute to its destruction.<\/p>\n
This EUREKA moment has inspired some companies to make sustainability a priority. These innovative businesses develop solar-powered factories, research sustainable materials, participate in carbon offset plans initiate rainforest preservation programs.<\/p>\n
A synthesis of wood, foam, fiberglass, plastic, steel, aluminum and carbon fiber comprises almost every ski and snowboard. The finished product is a sandwich of these materials. To keep this \u201csandwich\u201d from falling apart, manufacturers chemically bond the skis and snowboard with an epoxy resin, which is \u2013 unfortunately \u2013 impossible to separate or recycle. Once the skis are no longer functional, their disposal clutters up the landfills.<\/p>\n
A number of environmentally conscious ski and snowboard manufacturers have addressed at least part of the issue by using sustainability grown and harvested wood for their ski and snowboard cores. Here are a few examples:<\/p>\n
Specialty Sports Venture<\/a>, a retail subsidiary of Vail Resorts<\/a>, is the first ski and snowboard retailer in the United States to provide skiers and snowboarders with a free program for recycling their old skis, snowboards, bindings, boots and poles. The program represents a collaboration with SnowSports Industries America’s “Keep Winter Cool: Snow Sports Recycling Solution” campaign.<\/p>\n The company delivers used ski and snowboard gear to a facility south of Denver. After undergoing a shredding process the material are transformed into a vast array of household products, including composite decking, flooring and furniture.<\/p>\n