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Backpacker Magazine – March 2008
Zero Impact Challenge
Is it possible to build a backpack that doesn't contribute to global warming? Not yet, but five pioneering companies gave it one helluva try. (Cue standing ovation.)
| Key = Lowest impact (1, Green); Lower impact (2, Blue); Business as usual (3, Orange) | ||||||
| Design Strategies |
JanSport
|
L.L. Bean
|
MSmith
|
Osprey
|
Go-Lite
|
Business as Usual
|
| Low-Impact Materials |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Reused / Recycled |
1
|
1
|
2
|
1
|
1
|
3
|
| Low energy content |
2
|
1
|
2
|
2
|
2
|
3
|
| Material Use Reduction |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Weight reduction |
2
|
2
|
2
|
2
|
1
|
3
|
| Material mix reduction |
2
|
1
|
2
|
2
|
1
|
3
|
| Production Optimization |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Use of alternative production techniques |
2
|
1
|
2
|
2
|
2
|
3
|
| Reduction of intermediary steps |
2
|
1
|
2
|
2
|
2
|
3
|
| Low/clean energy use |
2
|
1
|
3
|
3
|
2
|
3
|
| Waste reduction |
3
|
1
|
3
|
3
|
3
|
3
|
| Fewer/clean production consumables |
3
|
1
|
3
|
3
|
3
|
3
|
| Efficient Logistics |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Less/clean/reusable packaging |
3
|
3
|
3
|
3
|
3
|
3
|
| Energy efficient transport mode |
2
|
2
|
2
|
2
|
1
|
3
|
| Energy efficient logistics |
3
|
3
|
3
|
3
|
3
|
3
|
| End of Life Optimization |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Refurbishment |
2
|
2
|
2
|
1
|
1
|
3
|
| Recycling |
2
|
1
|
2
|
1
|
1
|
3
|
| Disposal |
2
|
1
|
2
|
2
|
1
|
3
|
Go to the Zero Impact Challenge Specifications table.
Go to the Explanation of Ratings
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