If you’re eager to embrace a more eco-conscious lifestyle, even when it comes to your skateboard, you’re in for a treat! This article explores the top skateboard brands that prioritize sustainability and eco-friendly practices. You’ll discover how these companies are revolutionizing the industry with innovative materials, ethical production processes, and a genuine commitment to minimizing environmental impact. Get ready to ride the wave of change and make a difference, one skateboard at a time! Do you love skateboarding but also care deeply about the environment? You’re not alone! Many skateboarders are now looking for brands that prioritize sustainability and eco-friendly practices. In this article, we’re going to explore some of the best skateboard brands that are doing their part to protect the planet while still providing quality gear for skaters. Let’s dive right in!
Why Sustainability Matters in Skateboarding
Skateboarding, as fun and thrilling as it is, has a significant impact on the environment, from the production of decks made of Canadian maple wood to the chemicals used in wheels and bearings. Choosing eco-friendly skateboard brands is a small step each of us can take to make a big difference.
Environmental Impact of Skateboarding
Every skateboard deck typically requires about seven plies of Canadian maple wood. This demand leads to deforestation, and this valuable hardwood is being depleted at an alarming rate. Additionally, many skateboards aren’t recycled, leading to more waste in landfills. Choosing sustainable options helps combat these issues.
Benefits of Eco-Friendly Practices
Choosing eco-friendly skateboard brands not only helps reduce deforestation and waste but also supports innovation in sustainable materials and practices. These brands often use recycled materials, alternative woods, and even biodegradable products to lessen their environmental footprint.
Criteria for Sustainable Skateboard Brands
Before we dive into the specific brands, it’s crucial to know what makes a skateboard brand sustainable. Here are some key criteria to consider.
Use of Sustainable Materials
Brands that prioritize sustainability often use recycled or sustainably-sourced materials. This can include recycled maple wood, bamboo, or even alternative materials like hemp or cork.
Eco-Friendly Manufacturing Processes
Sustainable brands ensure their manufacturing processes are eco-friendly. This might involve using non-toxic glues and resins, renewable energy sources, or processes that reduce water and energy consumption.
Ethical Business Practices
Brands committed to sustainability also focus on ethical business practices. This includes fair labor practices, giving back to environmental causes, and maintaining transparency in their operations.
Top Skateboard Brands that Prioritize Sustainability
Now that you know what to look for, here are some skateboard brands that stand out for their commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly practices.
1. Arbor Collective
Arbor Collective is renowned for its commitment to sustainability. Founded in 1995, Arbor focuses on producing high-quality skateboards and snowboards while prioritizing the environment.
Features:
- Uses sustainably-sourced materials like bamboo, bio-plastic, and recycled glass.
- Maintains eco-friendly manufacturing processes.
- Partners with organizations like the Hawaiian Legacy Reforestation Initiative to plant trees and restore forests.
2. Bureo Skateboards
Bureo Skateboards is a trailblazer in using recycled materials. Their decks are made from recycled fishing nets, which are one of the most harmful types of ocean pollution.
Features:
- Uses 100% recycled fishing nets to create their decks.
- Partners with communities in Chile to clean up ocean debris.
- Offers eco-friendly accessories like sustainable grip tape and wheels.
3. Globe International
Globe International, an iconic name in the skateboarding industry, has taken serious steps towards sustainability. They are shifting to more eco-conscious materials and production methods.
Features:
- Implements low-impact dye processes.
- Uses water-based glues and recycled packaging.
- Introduced a line of decks made from sustainable wood certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).
4. Bamboo Skateboards
As the name suggests, Bamboo Skateboards uses bamboo instead of traditional maple wood, which is a much more sustainable resource due to its rapid growth time.
Features:
- Uses sustainably grown bamboo, which is stronger and more flexible than maple.
- Ensures eco-friendly manufacturing processes.
- Supports various environmental causes and initiatives.
5. Loaded Boards
Loaded Boards focuses on creating high-performance longboards and skateboards using sustainable materials and practices.
Features:
- Uses bamboo and basalt fibers instead of traditional materials.
- Employs eco-friendly manufacturing techniques like vacuum lamination.
- Actively involved in reforestation projects and environmental education.
Comparison Table of Sustainable Skateboard Brands
Here’s a quick comparison table to help you understand how these brands stack up in terms of their sustainability practices:
| Brand | Sustainable Materials | Eco-Friendly Manufacturing | Ethical Practices |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arbor Collective | Bamboo, bio-plastic | Yes | Partners with reforestation initiatives |
| Bureo Skateboards | Recycled fishing nets | Yes | Community-focused cleanup programs |
| Globe International | FSC-certified wood | Yes | Recycled packaging |
| Bamboo Skateboards | Sustainable bamboo | Yes | Supports environmental causes |
| Loaded Boards | Bamboo, basalt fibers | Yes | Involved in reforestation projects |
Other Noteworthy Sustainable Skateboard Products
Even if you can’t switch out your entire skateboard for an eco-friendly option, there are smaller changes you can make to be more sustainable.
Eco-Friendly Wheels and Bearings
Traditional skateboard wheels are made from urethane, which is not biodegradable. Look for wheels made from recycled urethane or other sustainable materials. Some brands also offer eco-friendly bearings made with less harmful chemicals.
Recycled Grip Tape
Grip tape is essential for stability on your skateboard. Some companies now produce grip tape made from recycled materials, reducing the need for new resources.
Sustainable Apparel and Accessories
Many skateboard brands also offer sustainable clothing and accessories, such as shirts made from organic cotton or hats made from recycled materials. Supporting these products is another way to embrace sustainability in your skateboarding lifestyle.
How to Support Sustainable Skateboarding Practices
Being part of the solution goes beyond just buying eco-friendly products. Here are some ways you can support sustainable skateboarding practices.
Buy from Sustainable Brands
Of course, the simplest way to support sustainability is to purchase from brands that prioritize eco-friendly materials and practices. Do your research and choose wisely.
Support Environmental Causes
Many sustainable skateboard brands partner with environmental organizations. By supporting these brands, you are indirectly supporting their environmental efforts as well.
Spread Awareness
Share your knowledge of sustainable skateboarding with friends, family, and fellow skaters. The more people know about these options, the greater the demand will be for eco-friendly products.
DIY and Upcycling
Before tossing out an old skateboard, think about how you can repurpose or recycle it. Upcycling skateboard decks into furniture or art is a growing trend that can help reduce waste.
The Future of Sustainable Skateboarding
The future of sustainable skateboarding looks promising as more brands and skaters prioritize eco-friendly practices. Innovations in materials and manufacturing processes will continue to evolve, bringing us even closer to reducing the environmental impact of skateboarding.
Emerging Trends
Biodegradable Materials: Innovations in biodegradable materials like hemp and cork are on the rise. These materials can reduce the long-term environmental impact of skateboard waste.
Closed-Loop Manufacturing: Some companies are working towards closed-loop manufacturing processes, which aim to completely recycle materials used in production.
Educational Campaigns: More brands are launching educational campaigns to inform skaters about the importance of sustainability and how they can make a difference.
Your Role in Shaping the Future
As a skateboarder and consumer, you have a powerful role in shaping the future of sustainable skateboarding. Your choices influence the market and encourage brands to adopt more eco-friendly practices. Make informed decisions and be an advocate for sustainability in the skateboarding community.
Conclusion
We hope this guide has helped you understand the importance of sustainability in skateboarding and introduced you to some outstanding brands that are leading the way in eco-friendly practices. From Arbor Collective and Bureo Skateboards to Globe International and Bamboo Skateboards, there are plenty of options available for those looking to make a positive impact. Remember, every small step towards sustainability counts. Whether it’s choosing an eco-friendly deck or spreading awareness, you have the power to make a difference. Keep shredding, and keep it green!
If you found this article helpful, feel free to share it with your fellow skaters! Let’s spread the word about sustainable skateboarding and make our community more eco-friendly. If you have any questions or suggestions, don’t hesitate to reach out. Happy skating!