When choosing the gear that helps us enjoy the places we love, many of us prefer to shop for gear that matches our values as well as the spirit of outdoor adventure.
At Arcade, one of our top priorities is to put our money where our mouth is. "Give a damn" are words we live by, and this means a lot more than making products that perform: it's about being a force of good to protect the places that make adventures worthwhile.
So, when looking for a snow pants belt that incorporates principles of sustainability, what should you be looking for? Let’s dive in.
Why Shop Sustainable?
Shopping sustainably helps to reduce waste, conserves resources, and lower carbon emissions, contributing to environmental conservation and helping to protect our planet.
At Arcade, we like to say that we’re in business to do good, not business as usual. Behind every belt we make is the drive to do our part in creating positive change. In fact, by the end of this year, we expect to repurpose over 3 million plastic bottles, reduce over 300 kilograms of Co2 emissions, and save over 3.1 million liters of water.
Elements to Look For
While every brand takes a different approach to sustainability, keep an eye out for the following elements when choosing a snowboard belt:
Recycled Materials
One of the key indicators of a sustainable elastic ski belt is the use of recycled materials. In 2022, we reformulated our belt webbing to use REPREVE® yarn, the leading brand of recycled performance fibers. This yarn transforms plastic waste into high-quality products with exceptional functionality.
Choosing a belt made with REPREVE means you're actively participating in reducing plastic waste. Currently, 95% of our belts use it, keeping plastic out of landfills and waterways.
Made For the Long Haul
Sustainable products are no longer so sustainable when you have to replace them frequently. As not all recycled materials can withstand the wear and tear common in outdoor activities, we made the conscious decision to not make our products out of 100% recycled materials. Through extensive testing, we've achieved a balance of 85% REPREVE recycled yarn and 15% natural rubber, a combination that makes sure that our belts are built to last adventure after adventure.
Better Packaging
Sustainability doesn't stop at the product itself– but how it’s shipped to you as well. We’ve always prioritized minimal packaging, but we knew we could do better. As of 2022, our belt hangers are made of 100% FSC certified recycled paper. When you order from our website, your belt arrives in an envelope made of 100% recycled kraft paper, which is also curbside recyclable.
Doing More Together
In addition to creating sustainable products, something that we always recommend seeking out are companies that use their platforms to bring awareness to the causes they care about.
We're proud to strive to be better stewards of the outdoors by partnering with nonprofits that share our values. Together, we raise awareness about important causes, work to offset climate change, preserve natural resources, and make the outdoors more accessible to all.
Shopping for gear that’s sustainable is a small (but impactful!) way to align your lifestyle with your values. At Arcade, we’re proud to make great belts that help our customers do the activities they love– while doing our part to create positive change. Make sure to take a look at our collection of belts for ski pants, and grab one for your adventure buddy, too.
