Wait, isn’t skateboarding already eco-friendly? The answer is YES… and NO. When it comes to moving around your town, skateboarding is just as environmentally clean as Fred Flintstone’s car. Totally zero-emissions transportation! But even foot power has an environmental footprint due to materials used in the manufacture of boards, accessories, and gear.
From plastic decks to non-biodegradable wheels, the traditional skateboarding industry has contributed to environmental harm. Fortunately, a growing number of companies and enthusiasts are promoting eco-friendly alternatives to help reduce the sport’s environmental impact.
Below we’ll explore the eco-friendly materials used in skateboarding gear and offer tips on sustainable practices that can make your skateboarding lifestyle even more planet-friendly.
Eco-Friendly Skateboard Materials
1. Sustainable Decks
Traditionally, skateboard decks are made from Canadian maple, often harvested through practices that aren’t necessarily sustainable. However, several companies are now offering decks made from reclaimed wood or bamboo, both of which are renewable and more environmentally friendly options.
Bamboo Decks: Bamboo is fast-growing, renewable, and has a lower environmental impact than traditional hardwood. It’s also incredibly durable, offering the same strength and flexibility as maple.
Recycled Wood: Some brands are creating skateboards from recycled wood, preventing discards from ending up in landfills. By reusing old decks or wood scraps, these companies reduce waste and lower the need for fresh timber.
Plant-Based Resin: Many skate companies are opting for plant-based resins in their deck construction, reducing reliance on petroleum-based products.
2. Eco-Friendly Wheels
Traditional skateboard wheels are commonly made from urethane, a petroleum-based plastic. While urethane is durable and performs well, it takes hundreds of years to break down in landfills. To combat this issue, companies are developing wheels made from biodegradable or recyclable materials—even chewing gum!
• Biodegradable Urethane: Some skate brands are experimenting with urethane alternatives that break down naturally over time. This reduces long-term environmental damage.
• Recycled Materials: Other companies use recycled materials to produce skateboard wheels, such as recycled plastic or rubber, which lowers the demand for new raw materials.
3. Eco-Friendly Grip Tape
Traditional grip tape is made from synthetic rubber and coated with mineral grit, which is often non-recyclable. However, eco-conscious manufacturers have begun producing grip tape made from more sustainable materials, including non-toxic adhesives, recycled shoe rubber, and natural fibers like hemp.
4. Sustainable Apparel
The world of skateboarding fashion is also embracing sustainability. Many brands now use organic cotton, recycled polyester, and hemp in their clothing lines, conserving both water and pesticides. Furthermore, some skate brands are reducing the use of harmful dyes, opting for water-based or plant-derived alternatives.
Sustainable Skateboarding Practices
Greener gear isn’t the only way to reduce your impact. There are also practices that can make skateboarding more sustainable. It’s mostly about wasting less stuff!
1. Skateboard Maintenance
Take care of your skateboard so it lasts! Regularly check your deck, oil your wheels, clean grit from moving parts, and replace parts only when necessary. For example, re-gripping your board instead of tossing it, or replacing just one damaged wheel instead of the entire set can help extend the life of your gear.
2. Repurpose Old Gear
Instead of throwing away old or damaged skateboards, consider repurposing or upcycling them. Old decks can be transformed into art or small shelves. Trucks can become wall hooks. Online repurposing groups share many ideas for turning broken boards into inventive creations: barstool seats, coat hooks, a pedalboard base for a guitar… even craziness like saloon doors for a chicken coop! And don’t forget to hand down old gear you’re done with. Your old skateboard might make that bored kid down the street into the next Tony Hawk!
3. Pushing for Sustainable Practices
Communities respond to things that are popular. If skateboarders and bicyclists show up, it can encourage cities to invest in pedestrian-friendly design, which can lead to more people-power, reducing unnecessary automobile use. Eco-friendly infrastructure like trails, parks, and skateparks can improve public health and reduce pollution.
Challenging such norms is what skateboarding culture has always been about. You can support brands with sustainable practices, adopt those practices yourself, and encourage your friends to make conscious decisions about their gear and habits.
Conclusion
It’s encouraging to see more skaters and companies embracing eco-friendly practices and materials. By choosing sustainable gear, maintaining your skateboard properly, and adopting responsible practices, you can reduce your environmental footprint while enjoying the thrill of skating. The old slogan “Skate or Die!” doesn’t have to be nihilistic. Let’s make skateboarding a positive force in the quest to keep Planet Earth green for all those future shrimps who’ve yet to shred.