Skiing and snowboarding allow us to enjoy the wonder of nature in winter. However, the ski apparel industry has historically had a negative environmental impact. The good news is there are now many options for sustainable, eco-friendly ski and snowboard apparel.
For 2024, the hottest trend in ski fashion is sustainability. More and more companies are using recycled materials, bluesign-approved fabrics, renewable resources, and responsible manufacturing to reduce their carbon footprint. Some are even pioneering biodegradable waterproofing made from plants.
This article will highlight the best eco-friendly ski and snowboard wear for the coming season. We’ll cover sustainable ski jackets, pants, base layers, gloves and more.
Sustainable Ski Jackets
A good ski jacket needs to be waterproof, breathable and warm. It’s now possible to make jackets with all those features using eco-friendly materials and production methods.
Some top technologies for green ski jackets are:
- Recycled polyester fabrics made from plastic bottles or old garments
- Bluesign-approved components including outer material, lining, insulation and water-repellent treatments
- Biodegradable membranes and nano-coatings for waterproof breathability
- Renewable materials like eucalyptus fibers for the outer shell
- Fluorocarbon-free DWR coatings based on plant oils or greener chemistry
Eco-Friendly Ski Pants
Along with a sustainable jacket, having an eco-friendly pair of ski pants is important. Some innovations in green pants include:
- Fabrics made from recycled plastic bottles or recycled nylon
- Plant-based materials like BIO-sourced polyamide for the shell
- Renewable palm or soybean oil-based DWR treatments without PFCs
- Recycled synthetic insulation and lining
- Cork harvested sustainably from tree bark for bibs and waistbands
- Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified natural materials taken from responsibly managed forests
Sustainable Base Layers
Base layers worn close to the skin must be comfortable and eco-friendly. Top options are:
- Merino wool from humanely raised sheep that provides natural odor control
- Recycled nylon or recycled polyester blended with spandex for stretch
- Bluesign or OEKO-TEX certified fabrics made with recycled synthetics
- Organic cotton combined with recycled polymers for mobility and comfort
- Antimicrobial properties from renewable materials instead of chemicals
Eco-Conscious Ski Gloves
Don’t forget about green gloves! Some good materials are:
- Leather from tanneries that use vegetable extracts instead of toxic chromium
- Recycled synthetic insulation such as REPREVE made from used plastic bottles
- Bluesign-approved gloves with lining made from recycled polymers
- Renewably sourced down insulation from ethically raised ducks or geese
- Fleece fabric constructed from recycled plastic bottles
- Biodegradable gloves that fully break down at end of life
For snowboarders, gloves made with recycled Gore-Tex and vegetable tanned leather are ideal choices.
Caring for Eco-Friendly Ski Wear
Caring properly for sustainable gear makes it last. Helpful tips include:
- Washing jackets and pants in eco-friendly detergents approved by bluesign or similar standards
- Using biodegradable water-repellent sprays without harmful PFCs
- Spot cleaning gloves and base layers when possible to extend lifespan
- Storing equipment properly during off-season to avoid moisture damage
- Repairing tears or rips when feasible to avoid waste
- Donating, consigning or swapping gently used clothing when it’s time to upgrade
Why Choosing Sustainable Ski Wear Matters
Being an eco-conscious skier or rider feels good and helps the environment. Other benefits include:
- Preventing plastic pollution and microplastic leakage from synthetic fabrics
- Reducing energy, water usage, and chemical waste in manufacturing
- Supporting responsible forest management and animal welfare
- Using biodegradable materials that break down without toxins
- Allowing high-performance recycled fabrics like soda bottle polyester
- Decreasing demand for hazardous chemistry like PFCs for water resistance
Let’s help protect the incredible natural areas we enjoy by supporting eco-friendly ski wear. With so many earth-conscious options now available, it’s easy to gear up sustainably.
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