Climbing and Sustainability

Hey there, fellow climbers! Mateo here! I've been diving deep into the world of ethical gear consumption. Eight years into this climbing journey, and I'm still learning new things every day.

You know how we always talk about pushing our limits on the wall? Well, it's time we challenge ourselves in another way – by rethinking the gear we use and its impact on our planet. The good news is that climbers and the outdoor industry are increasingly prioritizing sustainability. Companies are stepping up by adopting eco-friendly practices like using recycled materials, bio-based alternatives, and renewable energy in their manufacturing processes. It's like finding that perfect crimp on a blank face – the solutions are there, but it takes effort and awareness to spot them.

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Let's talk about certifications. Bluesign® isn't just a fancy label; it's like our safety checks before a climb, but for the planet. It ensures that products are made with sustainable materials and eco-friendly processes. Brands like Black Diamond, Petzl, MEC, and Mammut have achieved this certification, showing their commitment to responsible manufacturing. Some examples are MEC’s Edge chalk bag as well as Mammut’s 9.8 Crag Classic Duodess Rope and Edelrid’s Jay III and Jayne III harnesses

Now, let's geek out about materials for a moment. Hemp could be a game-changer in climbing gear. It's incredibly durable – about three times stronger than cotton – and requires significantly less water to produce. Plus, it's naturally antibacterial and odor-resistant, which is perfect for those multi-day climbing trips. Check out Black Diamonds Momentum climbing shoes for Men and Women which uses hemp-blend liner in the toe box as well as La Sportiva’s Sierra rock climbing pants which uses a recycled cotton and hemp blend. It's tough as nails and way kinder to the environment. If your looking for some sun protection that is also durable and good for the environment, check out Tilley’s TH5 Hemp Hat.

Speaking of innovations, have you heard about cobalt-free carabiner alloys? Traditional cobalt mining has some serious environmental impacts, so this shift is a big deal for sustainable gear production. Look for aluminum carabiner’s that don’t include cobalt such as Black Diamonds MiniWire, Camp Photon’s Wire, Edelrid’s Pure III and Petzl Djinn’s Bent Gate Carabiners.

And get this – Edelrid has recently launched the world's first part-recycled helmet on the market: the ZODIAC 3R. The outer shell made of polyamide consists 100% of recycled climbing ropes from Edelrids production; the EPS inner shell is fully recycled too. They've also expanded their collection to include PFC- and PFAS-free ropes, addressing concerns about these persistent chemicals in our environment.

Look, I know it can feel overwhelming. Trust me, I've spent many late nights geeking out over gear. But here's the deal: every piece of gear we buy is like a vote for the kind of climbing world we want to see. So next time you're gearing up, maybe take a moment to think about where that gear came from.

I'd love to hear your thoughts on this. Have you tried any sustainable gear? Got any tips to share? Drop a comment or catch me at the crag! Let's keep pushing ourselves, not just on the wall, but on how we care for the places we climb.

Stay safe out there, and happy climbing, folks!