Okay, I love snowboarding even though it isn't the most environmentally friendly activity. In writing this post I feel a little like I'm trying to justify driving a Hummer by filling the tank with supreme gas that has higher octane, resulting in it burning cleaner, in an attempt to reduce the impact of the beastly vehicle.
While looking at ways to reduce the impact of my sport on the environment I came across an Ecoholic article titled
Winter fun green-style. The article mentioned a couple of companies making boards out of sustainably harvested wood and have had good reviews,
Venture Snowboards and
Arbor (who also make skateboards). It is great to see companies present clearly stated environmental policies or philosophies right off their main navigation menu, rather than having a
fluff statement.
I'd really like to get a hold on one of those Arbor snowboards. They look great, and their topsheets can be kept in better shape than laminated top sheets. If I got one I'd have to use
Bio Glide. Minds out of the gutter, it is a soy based wax that has been proven in labs to out perform leading snow sport paraffin based waxes which are not natures friend. Bio Glide comes at half the price, works better, doesn't admit toxins while waxing or hard to decompose wax on mountains (bio-degradable), and smells like peppermint. If your looking for a gift idea for the
snowboarder on your list, I'm sure he/she would love to give it a try.
If your interested in more green articles
NOW has weekly column done by the "Ecoholic" with tips of advice for throwing boulders of granola through our American way of "Life & Style". If you really want to be the
eXtreme Granola Athlete, you could try being an Organic Athlete.
