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[via transworld biz]Vans Inc. has partnered with PLUS Compound Technologies in creating a sandal made of 100% recyclable material. The collab comes in four colors, and is set to hit stores for Summer 2012, with the “Nexpa” sandal already available at certain retailers in the US.
“We couldn’t be more excited to partner with such a well-established and well respected brand like Vans,” said Brett Ritter, CEO and Co-Founder of PLUS. “It’s been great working with the team at Vans and we look forward to expanding the use of our materials into more sandal styles and other collections as well. We’re also really enthusiastic about the marketing opportunities this will create for both companies”.
NEWPORT BEACH, CA (June 19, 2012) – By using PLUSfoam® to make the Nexpa sandal, Vans is virtually eliminating the post-manufacturing waste that is typically associated with footwear production.
“A project like this will typically yield approximately 30% scrap for each pair of sandals produced”, said Michael Carr, Associate General Manager at PLUS.
“For the Vans production order this translated into approximately 3.5 kilos. Because PLUSfoam® is 100% recyclable, we are able to regrind, reconstitute and reuse this scrap for other products”.
Using PLUSfoam® in just one product can make a huge difference at the manufacturing level. “Anyone that’s been to a manufacturing facility in China within the last 20 years has seen the piles of post-manufacturing scrap first-hand”, says Ritter.
“Our goal at PLUS is to eliminate these piles while producing the best possible performance-based products. With Vans getting on board, we’re making a difference”.
As consumers become more socially and environmentally aware, their buying habits are affecting the way brands approach new products. Many brands are searching for eco-friendly solutions to help minimize waste and decrease their carbon footprint without sacrificing performance.
“Working with PLUS was an easy decision,” says Ryan Quinn, Product Category Manager at Vans, “their material performed great and this is key for our consumers. The fact that we’re essentially eliminating waste and doing something good for the world is icing on the cake.”
PLUS Compound Technologies operates reclaim facilities in the US and Asia where any products made with PLUS Compounds can be returned and recycled.
“The reclaim service we offer is simply a value add that comes with our material”, says Carr, “while the biggest environmental impact will occur at the factory level, the fact that consumers can get involved and close the loop on these products is something we are extremely proud of”.
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Story by Tetongravity.comOlympic snowboarder Callan Chythlook-Sifsof is taking on one of the toughest challenges she's ever faced. A lifetime resident of Bristol Bay, Alaska, Callan is fighting to prevent the construction of the Pebble Mine, a massive copper and gold strip mine threatening the headwaters that are home to one of the largest salmon runs in the world.Bristol Bay supports thousands of local jobs and generates over $100 million dollars in revenue for the Alaska economy. Callan's family members are commercial fisherman in Bristol Bay, so this issue hits very close to home.A new U.S. Environmental Protection Agency study has already confirmed that this will be an incredibly destructive project. This scientific assessment of Alaska's Bristol Bay watershed shows that without a doubt, large-scale mining would jeopardize the area's legendary salmon runs. The effects on the entire ecosystem, the local economy and Native communities would be catastrophic.Yet, despite that, the mining companies, with huge financial interests are mounting campaign after campaign to discredit it and move forward.Thankfully, under the Clean Water Act, the EPA has the authority to block destructive projects like the Pebble Mine. But the EPA needs to hear from us immediately.Tell EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson to save Bristol Bay by banning the Pebble Mine.The EPA study is grounded in sound science. And it confirms what Callan and everyone in the area know: there's no way to dig a massive mine and generate billions of tons of contaminated waste and not have a dramatic impact on the environment.Please take a minute and send an email directly to Ms. Jackson at the EPA to help stop this mine. To make it easier, Protect Our Winters has provided a sample email and Lisa Jackson's email address below.To further inspire you to send this email, watch this Felt Soul video titled Red Gold about the Pebble Mine issue.
SAMPLE EMAIL COPYMAIL TO: ORD.Docket@epa.govMUST PLACE IN THE SUBJECT LINE: Docket # EPA-HQ-ORD-2012-0276
Dear Ms. Jackson,Thank you for your attention to the proposed Pebble Mine in Bristol Bay Alaska.I am writing today to urge you to use your authority under the Clean Water Act to consider how this proposed mine will impact our nation's biggest wild salmon fishery and untouched ecosystem, the commercial fishermen and Alaska Natives who depend on it, and the local businesses who make their living off of this wild landscape in Southwestern Alaska.The Bristol Bay ecosystem is the cornerstone on which Alaskan Native cultures have subsisted for thousands of years. Building a mine of this scale in this location would jeopardize one of the largest salmon runs in the world which provides over $100 million in revenue to the local economy and supports thousands of Alaskan jobs.There are no examples of successful, long-term collection and treatment systems for mines. However, if built, Pebble Mine will produce between 2 and 10 billion tons of toxic waste that would degrade water quality downstream with virtual certainty, and there is a 98 percent likelihood of pipeline failure per 25 years of operation. So, no matter how extensive the environmental review or how comprehensive the mitigation plans may be, any short term and unsustainable financial gain is not worth the environmental damage and economic loss that will certainly take place.I understand that you're under pressure from global mining companies to open up this extraordinary ecosystem to large-scale mining for the sake of corporate profits. But I urge you to use your authority under the Clean Water Act to proactively protect the Bristol Bay watershed and the communities that depend on it for survival.
Thank you,
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By Kailee Bradstreet Transworld BusinessYou are what you eat—everyone’s heard that, and most people understand what it means. But how many can honestly say that they make smart food choices on a daily basis?Let’s face it, our culture is based on convenience and instant gratification, and sometimes it’s just easier to grab a quick pre-made meal instead of going to the grocery store, and then utilizing even more brain power to sift through ingredients, read labels, and make sure to only buy the most natural, organic items.Taking the first step always starts with education and awareness, and while this is the mantra for many organizations trying to make a change in the world, Billabong is doing its part to make these critical lifestyle choices easier for everyone with its support for this year’s Design For Humanity beneficiary, Chipotle’s Cultivate Foundation. The organization, which was founded under the company’s heavily touted catch phrase “Food With Integrity,“ aims to support the establishment and growth of sustainable food systems, on both a large scale and a smaller, local level.“The internet has obviously brought communities together in a very powerful way, but it’s not the same as sitting down and breaking bread with somebody,” says Billabong Brand Director Candy Harris. “I think the one real driving factor—whether it’s planting a garden with your child or sitting down at a table with friends—is that idea that you are getting connected back to nature. It’s about caring where the food is coming from and creating healthier lifestyles—not just for our kids and our generation, but it’s also healthy for local economies and these family farmers who are working their hardest to produce food the way it’s meant to be. ”The Cultivate Foundation has tapped into the “Farm to Table” concept – one that is catching on and becoming increasingly popular at high-end restaurants, and now even at the “fast food” level. And while it’s easy for most of us to overlook smarter food sources in our busy day-to-day schedules, the Cultivate Foundation is zeroing in on sourcing all of their ingredients from sustainable food sources, such as local farms, and making educated decisions about which ingredients they are selecting.“We are the only national restaurant company with significant commitments to local and organically grown produce, and an increasing amount of the dairy we use is made with milk from pasture-raised dairy cattle, which includes all of our sour cream and about 65% of our cheese,” says Chipotle Cultivate Foundation’s Communications Director Chris Arnold. “This is an uphill battle in a world where industrial agriculture really dominates the food supply.”Because of its “fast food” exterior appearance, Chipotle’s mission seems like it could fly under the radar, somewhat unnoticed. The company has, however, done a great job of outlining exactly what it’s up to on its website, which is full of explanations about sustainable farming, the pros and cons of organic foods, and how the company makes it’s decisions when it comes to sourcing ingredients. Utilizing partnerships it has with Farm Aid, an organization that assists family farms, and Veggie U, an Ohio-based group that is educating fourth graders on how to grow their own food, the Cultivate Foundation hopes to gain more awareness within the ever-broadening community, which translates succinctly to action sports’ key demographic.“We do a lot in the action sports arena and find that people who participate in these sports are also our customers; they’re young, vibrant, and active,” says Arnold. “This is the first year the Cultivate Foundation has been involved with this event, and that came about through the relationships we have with Billabong. Design for Humanity really attracts a young, active, and engaged audience. Those are the same people that care about food and where it comes from.”Evan Marks at The Ecology Center in San Juan Capistrano is a prime example of how a little extra thought toward improving the eco-system we all share has a direct impact on not only the food we are consuming, but our overall lifestyle as well. Providing a plethora of programs for children and adults, that range from organic cooking classes to teaching elementary students how to plant and grow their own vegetables, the center has rallied the local community around sustainable food awareness and education. The Cultivate Foundation has also noticed Marks’ and the center’s achievements, and will be partnering with The Ecology Center in the fall for “Grow Your Own,” a program that works gardening into the curriculum of four local schools and gives youth a chance to learn how to plant sustainable food.For Marks, who holds an Agro-Ecology degree from UC Santa Cruz and headed up a four-year farming movement in Latin America, making the move to a more sustainable way of living is something he foresees as possible in the near future—as long as everyone starts taking a few baby steps in that direction right now.“Whether it’s riding your bike to work or going to the farmers markets, these are all impactful,” says Marks. ”If we want to create a healthy ecosystem it takes all of us doing a little. We don’t have to transform ourselves overnight but just coming together as a community helps and then we can tackle it from there. These simple things help pull everything together: healthy food, healthy oceans, and healthy people.”The Ecology Center also works with Hurley as its core partner on water conservation education, as well as teaming up with local nurseries, restaurants, and other businesses, and hopes to continue forming key partnerships to get the word out about many key environmental issues, says Marks. The same rings true for the Cultivate Foundation and it’s newly formed alliance with Billabong.“Working with like-minded companies like Billabong is an amazing way to extend the reach of the foundation and to build awareness,” says Arnold. “Design for Humanity is such a great and highly visible event, that we hope people will leave having learned a little something about issues in food and why it is so important to support family farms, better animal husbandry and sustainable agriculture.”If you haven’t already, be sure to support the cause and buy your tickets for Design For Humanity right here.Click HERE to read the full interview with Arnold...
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For the third year, Teton Gravity Research (TGR) and Protect Our Winters (POW) have partnered to offset the carbon footprint of TGR’s filming. This year’s offsets represent the entire carbon output from all activities emitted during the film production process, which includes global commercial travel, helicopter and snow machine use.
A carbon offset is a reduction in emissions to compensate for carbon dioxide emissions made elsewhere. The offsets were provided by EarlyBird Power, an energy market expert that provides energy management and sustainability solutions to commercial, municipal, and industrial clients across the country. EarlyBird is the low cost provider of carbon offsets to POW and donates a percentage of all its proceeds to POW.
TGR has supported POW since 2008, as part of its larger sustainability strategy to reduce its carbon footprint, while also supporting other environmental organizations such as Surfrider Foundation and 1% For The Planet.
The carbon dioxide will be offset by Methane Waste Avoidance at a facility in Joslin, IL at which a wastewater stream has been capped, preventing the release of the emissions of greenhouse gasses like carbon dioxide and methane. When biomass waste accumulates, it can dissolve in the wastewater stream. This dissolution can produce the aforementioned greenhouse gasses.
"We’re excited to continue our partnership with TGR,” says POW founder and TGR athlete Jeremy Jones. "They’re such valuable partners in our mission to unite and mobilize the winter sports community and now, with EarlyBird, we can help them credibly reduce their annual carbon emissions."
About Teton Gravity ResearchOne of the world's leading action sports brands, TGR has produced 30 award-winning feature-length films, numerous television series, and national television commercial spots. Known for its cutting edge media and lifestyle product, TGR works with the top athletes in their respective disciplines, capturing, celebrating, and bringing to life the passion and enthusiasm associated with action sports. TGR is a proud member of 1% For The Planet and strongly believes in protecting the environment in which the team works and plays. For more information on TGR, please visit tetongravity.com, one of the leading online destinations and communities in the action sports industry.
About EarlyBird PowerEarlyBird Power is an energy market expert that provides energy management and sustainability solutions to commercial, municipal, and industrial clients across the U.S. A licensed broker in natural gas and electricity in every deregulated market, EarlyBird uses its energy market expertise and key relationships with many wholesale suppliers to help clients save money and go green. EarlyBird continually monitors market opportunities or risks, market trends, and pricing to serve clients every step of the way. For more information, visit earlybirdpower.com.
About Protect Our WintersProtect Our Winters (POW) is the environmental center point of the winter sports community, united towards a common goal of reducing climate change’s effects on the sport and local mountain communities. POW's focus on is education, activism and community engagement. Visit protectourwinters.org.
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Story by Transworld BusinessI Ride I Recycle, an international skate deck recycling movement, is debuting its inaugural I Ride I Recycle “Green Zone” at Surf Expo, September 6-8,2012 at the the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL. The “Green Zone” will bring together ‘green’ brands that have made it their mission to promote sustainable business practices and products.“There is something about being one with the environment when you’re surfing or skateboarding that makes you in tune with nature,” says Doog Becker with Surf Expo, “I think for that reason, most surfers and skaters care about the planet and want to make a difference and do what’s right. That’s why having a Green Zone is perfect for the Surf Expo. We are showcasing companies whose products are made from recycled materials or are otherwise environmentally friendly, thereby keeping waste out of our landfills.”Foothill Ranch, CA – I Ride I Recycle, the FIRST-EVER international skate deck recycling movement is debuting another first for the action sports industry this September 6 through 8, 2012 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL – the I Ride I Recycle “Green Zone” at Surf Expo.The “Green Zone” at the global water sports and beach lifestyle tradeshow is a newly designated area of Surf Expo this year where a consortium of like-minded, “green” brands have come together under the I Ride I Recycle name to promote sustainable business practices and products ranging from swimwear, flip flops and skate decks to sunglasses and retail surface tile made from broken, recycled skate decks.“I Ride I Recycle is the action sports industry’s recycling and sustainability umbrella,” says co-founder Bruce Boul. “We’re really excited to evolve and include more companies to become part of a movement that’s not only doing good for the environment, but also creating community and supporting charities.”Started by Bruce Boul and Rich Moorhead, founders of Art of Board, a company that creates hard tile surfaces and retail displays, peel and stick wall graphics and printed textiles from discarded skateboard decks, the movement’s goal is to encourage skate and surf shops, skateboard manufacturers, skate parks and individual riders to join the movement and recycle their broken decks.“There is something about being one with the environment when you’re surfing or skateboarding that makes you in tune with nature,” says Doog Becker with Surf Expo, “I think for that reason, most surfers and skaters care about the planet and want to make a difference and do what’s right. That’s why having a Green Zone is perfect for the Surf Expo. We are showcasing companies whose products are made from recycled materials or are otherwise environmentally friendly, thereby keeping waste out of our landfills.”Though IRIR was birthed out of and remains rooted in skateboard culture, it’s becoming more apparent that whether you ride a skateboard, surfboard, boogie board, wake board or snowboard, you want to “ride and recycle.”“Our goal is to have an even larger pavilion at next year’s Surf Expo and be known as the industry standard to provide action sports brands with sustainable certification,” says Boul. “We’re thrilled to align with the International Association of Skateboard Companies (IASC) and the below brands to deliver a comprehensive recycling service to skate and surf shops at no cost while bringing an incentive to the customer to come through their doors.”Tribu, a company that makes sandals from recycled materials will be launching their “Sole Initiative” in the Green Zone. The “Sole Initiative” is an effort to keep used rubber tires out of landfills. Their “Upcycled” line of flip-flops has soles made from discarded tires from landfills. To get this initiative off the ground, they have started a Kickstarter campaign to help raise the money needed to display at the expo and raise awareness of their efforts. To contribute to this cause, please visit http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/627705205/tribu-sole-initiative-sandals-made-from-discarded.BambooSK8, an ecologically based brand/manufacturer of skateboard decks made from bamboo harvested from sustainable managed bamboo forests, will be in the Green Zone at the Surf Expo. “We have supported this movement for a few years and are excited to be at the forefront of the expansion of sustainable practices in the skate industry,” says Mark Olson with BambooSK8. For more info, visit http://bamboosk8.com.Eqo USA is closing the recycled product circle with sunglasses made from recycled-broken skateboards. This company will be launching some new collaboration shades at the Surf Expo, so come by the Green Zone to check them out. To see how it’s done visit, http://eqo-optics.comOdina Surf brings eco-stylish swimwear using recycled, reclaimed and organic fabrics. “Designed for girls who want to rip and look fabulous doing it”, says Aaron from Odina, with the likes of Alison Teal rocking the suits all over the world on her adventures. Check out, http://odinasurf.com
