The ski and snowboard industry is in the middle of a sustainability revolution. As consumers are becoming more aware of environmental issues, brands are shifting their focus to protecting our winters, and encouraging others to do the same.
With so many products on the market, it can be difficult to know what is sustainable and what isn’t. Luckily for you, we’ve done the research, so you don’t have to! Let’s look into five brands that are doing their part to protect our planet:
1. Patagonia
Patagonia is one of the top sustainable brands in the world, and probably the most well-known. They’ve created a huge movement for change, and thanks to their high quality clothing and sleek designs, it’s easy to get on board! Patagonia’s commitment to environmental sustainability and social justice began with founder Yvon Chouinard, who started the company in Ventura, California in 1973, when he was just 22 years old.
Patagonia Outerwear is made from recycled materials such as organic cotton and recycled polyester, which means you don’t have to worry about your clothes being harmful to the environment when you wear them!
Shop here
2. Planks
Founded back in 2008, Planks has explored ways to reduce their environmental impact, and have made a lot of progress doing so. Today, all of their outerwear includes recycled yarn – that’s 1.6 million waste plastic bottles recycled!
‘As Planks has grown, so has our understanding of its environmental footprint and our determination to reduce it. It’s an uncomfortable truth, but consumerism is killing Planet Earth. We must make changes to secure its future. And, if we can save skiing in the process, then we’re down for that too!’
Read more here https://www.planksclothing.com/blogs/the-shred-thread/we-are-not-eco-friendly
3. Picture Organic Clothing
Founded in 2008 by 3 friends, Picture Organic clothing is a French brand that has been committed to using recycled materials since day 1, and has been a key influencer in encouraging other brands to follow suit. In fact, back in 2017, Picture was the first company to eliminate toxic PFCs from their clothing line.
Their whole ethos focuses on committing to a sustainable approach to every aspect of their business stating, ‘Everything we do has as impact on the environment. That fact is undeniable.’
Shop here
4. Eco-Ski
Eco-ski are on a mission to educate and change the way we shop for ski gear, for the sake of our environment. Eco-ski offer:
1.Repair: Repairing rather than replacing is one great way to reduce our impact on the environment. Have your ski trousers ripped? Got a hole in your puffy? Eco-ski have partnered with three specialist repair teams, so you can keep your gear on the mountain, rather than in landfill.
2. Help us make better consumer choices: Looking for a new sustainable jacket, but don’t know which brand is environmental friendly? Their website showcases ski brands that are dedicated to producing gear that doesn’t negatively impact the environment.
3. Rent the best gear out there!
4. Preowned Gear: Shop previously loved gear for a fraction of the price of new.
5. Les petits Montagnards
We couldn’t write this list without including our newest partner Les Petits Montagnards! One of the best ways we can become more of a sustainable skier, is by reusing equipment and clothing, instead of constantly buying more. Les Petits Montagnards is a family business from Haute Savoie, based in Annecy. Book your rental clothing and equipment online, and have it delivered straight to your accommodation in resort!
Not only will you be saving the environment and reducing your carbon footprint, but you’ll also shed weight in your luggage and get to test different gear! What’s not to like?
Shop here
These are just a handful of brands that are working towards a brighter future. Do you have more suggestions? Let us know in the comments!