Backpacker Magazine – March 2008

Green Gear Report Card 2008

The first industry-wide survey about which gear manufacturers are positively impacting the environment

by: Berne Broudy

Tags:
• Gear
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• Environment
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• Health
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3M/Thinsulate
Through its Pollution Prevention Pays program, 3M reduced toxic air and greenhouse emissions by 95% and solid waste by more than 50% between 1990 and 2006, earning it awards from the EPA and Energy Star. In partnership with The Nature Conservancy and Conservation International, 3M has preserved or restored more than 100,000 acres of wildlands around the world. Its newest version of Thinsulate contains 50% recycled polyester fibers. 3m.com

Asolo
Asolo has eliminated consumer brochures and reduced printed material to minimize waste. Its product boxes use recycled material and are sized to improve efficiencies in carton and container shipping. asolo.com

Big Agnes
This company produces a range of sleeping bags, pads, and accessories with recycled fabrics, fills, and hardware. The Re-Routt collection features Climashield HL Green (a 100% recycled insulation) and PrimaLoft Eco (a 50% recycled fill), along with 100% recycled shell fabrics. These shell materials also appear in other lines, as do recycled components for drawstrings, cord locks, and mesh storage sacks. bigagnes.com

Black Diamond
In 2004, BD became one of the first manufacturers in Utah to partner with the EPA Green Power program. bdel.com

Cascade Designs
This parent to MSR, Therm-a-Rest, Platypus, and SealLine manufactures more than 90% of its products at its Seattle headquarters, whose proximity to a major port reduces shipping. Its electricity, as purchased through Seattle City Light, is carbon-neutral. "Lean manufacturing" techniques limit material waste, cut down on space and energy use, permit more energy-efficient lighting, and reduce heating where appropriate. cascadedesigns.com


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