Skateboard Companies Preserve the Environment
Eco-Friendly Practices for Skateboarding Companies
Nov 29, 2008
The polluted environment could use some help. Besides producing a product that is environmentally beneficial to ride, skateboarding companies are answering the call by using beneficial operations, earning their groups the “Go-Green” image. By using less harmful yet recyclable materials, renewable energy sources for factory operations, and collaborating with local manufacturers, skateboarding is helping lead the pack to a cleaner earth.
Materials
Sustainable forestry is a tool that several companies are implementing in order to waste less natural resources. Using reclaimed or recycled woods is another simple way some groups help preserves nature. When using materials other than woods, such as fiberglass or composite plastics, short and long-term damages can be inflicted on one’s body. Products used to create boards that are safe to the human body are usually safe to the environment as well. Some of these include:
- Soy based urethane for skateboard wheels
- Monofilament, natural fibers used for skateboard deck production
- Natural glues and laminates in skateboard deck production
- Bamboo for skateboard decks
- Sustainably forested woods for skateboard decks
- Recycled paper for shipment boxes
- Alternative energy sources such as wind and electricity for running factory operations, tools, and machinery
Collaboration
The simplest way for a company to reduce their contribution of pollution is collaborating with local groups, rather than outsourcing the manufacturing or production overseas. Fewer resources are used when staying local. The neighboring groups benefit from the helping hand and business gained in the process as well.
Staying Local is Loyal, Helpful
Remembering this step has greatly helped some manufacturers grow and develop new beneficial ideas for those who remain loyal to collaborating with local businesses.
Foreign Skateboarding Resources in the U.S
Not all resources that skateboarding companies seek to use in their production can be found locally. Tapping into foreign markets is a very easy way for companies to find cheap material and labor costs. A positive spin can turn around the act of not supporting local suppliers and buying foreign goods, however. Foreign goods, such as bamboo from the Far East can be used to make a skateboard in the United States. Once the product is shipped to a local factory, the manufacturing process can be completed on home soil, ultimately giving the local businesses the work that they want and the gains that they need.
The Process
Skateboard companies are using naturally better practices more often, and it shows. From simple warehouse practices to the final steps in production, one small step at a time is the way to a cleaner and safer environment.
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