As the snowsports industry becomes increasingly aware of its environmental impact, companies are making significant strides in sustainability. At NZSIA, we’ve embraced this shift by implementing more eco-friendly practices, such as transitioning our uniforms to be more recyclable and partnering with brands like Burton and Flylow, known for their commitment to durability and environmental responsibility.
Our Recent Uniform Shift
In recent years, NZSIA has moved away from traditional embroidered logos on our ski uniforms, opting instead for removable rubber patches. This simple yet effective change allows us to repurpose and recycle uniforms more efficiently, reducing waste and extending the lifespan of these garments. By supporting companies like Burton, which offers a lifetime warranty on its gear, and Flylow, which emphasises sustainable materials and supply chains, we’re aligning ourselves with industry leaders who prioritise the planet.
1. Gear Recycled – The Skiing Circle of Life
One major challenge is the waste generated from frequently discarding old gear for the latest models. Given the heavy use of ski equipment, this leads to a significant environmental impact.
To combat this, companies are embracing a circular economy by offering repair services, buy-back programs, and second-hand marketplaces. Brands like Burton, Montec, Patagonia, and Arc’teryx are at the forefront, ensuring gear is repaired, reused, or recycled rather than thrown away.
Before buying new gear, consider these options to help reduce waste and support a more sustainable future for skiing.
2. Wild and Weird Materials:
Imagine skiing on microalgae! Over the past few years, a team at Berkeley has been brewing up skis and snowboards with microalgae at their core. This innovative approach uses fermentation tanks to grow microalgae until it becomes oil, replacing petroleum—a nonrenewable resource—in ski production.
Microalgae offers a renewable solution, paving the way for more sustainable skis where every component is designed with the environment in mind. Patented by WonderAlpine in the USA, this cutting-edge technology represents a promising step towards greener ski gear. Keep an eye out for more innovations like this in the future!
1. Material Content: Look for gear made from recycled or eco-friendly materials. Products with certifications like Bluesign or Fair Trade Certified ensure that they meet high environmental and ethical standards.
2. Durability: Invest in high-quality gear that is built to last. Cheaper, low-quality items may seem like a good deal, but they often wear out quickly, leading to more waste and higher long-term costs.
3. Brand Transparency: Choose brands that are transparent about their sustainability practices. Companies that openly share their environmental impact, production processes, and sustainability goals are more likely to be genuinely committed to making a difference.
As the ski industry evolves, so too does the gear we rely on. By staying informed and making conscious choices, we can all contribute to a more sustainable future for the sport we love.
Flylow – Our Ski Trainers’ Gear
Flylow is a grassroots company established in 2005 with the goal of creating durable gear for backcountry missions season after season. They’ve succeeded in producing gear that stands the test of time, an essential asset for our trainers. Over the years, they have also developed sustainable supply chains and embraced transparency in their packaging and recycling systems. Flylow takes pride in using insulation and fabrics made from post-consumer recycled materials, and their products are bluesign® and Oeko-Tex certified, meaning the fabrics are free from harmful chemicals and have a transparent supply chain for raw materials.
A top tip from Flylow is to keep an eye on the Durable Water Repellent (DWR) coating on your gear. DWR can wear off over a season, especially if exposed to considerable rain. Therefore, it’s wise to give your gear a wash with a product like Nikwax before or after the season—something our team will be doing to ensure reliable gear that lasts longer.
Burton – For the Snowboard Trainers
Burton’s environmental journey stands out in the snowsports industry. They have been a leading organisation in stating that the environment and quality products must go hand in hand, setting a standard within the industry. One notable initiative is their lifetime warranty for soft goods (outer shells, etc.), where Burton ensures that their jackets can be repaired, reused, or recycled instead of following the typical ‘make > buy > use > toss’ pattern.
Burton also has significant sustainability goals on the horizon, including reducing their absolute carbon emissions, making their US operations rely on 100% renewable energy, and reducing emissions in their supply chains, among other ambitious targets.
Sustainability is a key factor in choosing gear for our trainers, and it remains a priority in our selection process. These are two highly recommended brands making a difference in the industry, ensuring that gear lasts, maintains high quality, and inspires other brands to aim for a better environmental impact.
5 Tips for Selecting Sustainable Outdoor Gear for our Community
Clothing waste and overconsumption are major environmental issues, with millions of tons ending up in landfills each year. With the southern hemisphere season around the corner, here’s how you can make (or encourage) more sustainable gear choices:
1. Embrace or Sell your Pre-Loved Gear: Shop at certified reuse sites like Arc’teryx’s ReGEAR, Renewed Montec/Dope Gear, second-hand stores, or online marketplaces. It’s budget-friendly and reduces waste.
2. Invest in Quality: Choose durable, high-quality gear that lasts longer, saving money and resources by reducing the need for frequent replacements.
3. Choose Recycled Materials: Look for gear made from recycled polyester, nylon, wool, or plastic bottles, such as Gogglesoc’s rPET® and Ororo’s Repreve® Collection.
4. Support Certified Brands: Opt for bluesign®, OEKO-TEX®, or B Corp certified brands, and those offering PFAS-free products to ensure environmental and safety standards.
5. Repair Over Replace: Extend the life of your gear by making simple repairs or seeking professional reproofing, minimising waste and new purchases.
By following these tips, you can help reduce the environmental impact of your gear while still enjoying your outdoor adventures.