Did you know that more than a quarter of consumers have stopped buying certain products due to ethical or environmental concerns? Incredibly, there are still companies who are unconcerned by this. One well-known sporting company that understands that significant changes are necessary to help the planet is Trek Bicycle, and in this feature, we look at how they are doing it.
It’s common knowledge that although the human population has made things better for itself, it has done it in a way that has harmed the planet. Many influential businesses are frantically trying to find ways to help repair the environmental damage done. Unless there is a concerted effort, it will be a fruitless task.
Many of our readers will have noticed that I have leaned more towards writing articles and publishing news that benefits people and the planet in general, rather than stories about companies who are ‘in it’ for a ‘Quick Buck’. In addition to this, I’ve gone a step further by launching The Hiking Bug, which promotes a more sustainable and environmentally-friendly lifestyle, with plans for an additional online platform called ‘The Trekking Bug’ in the pipeline.
Fortunately, I am not alone in my endeavours, and many others share the same views and goals. One very prominent company that wants to make a positive difference is Trek.
Cycling and the environment are inextricably linked. The bicycle is one of those products that is one of the most obvious solutions to many of the world’s problems, i.e. boosting public health, climate change and road congestion. However, cycling has had something akin to an environmental pass based on this for far too long.
Many people tend to forget or don’t know that although a product has been created to have a minimal impact on the environment, the manufacturing process still leaves behind a footprint; it’s this that Trek Bicycle is seeking to address.
Climate change is happening now; the planet’s average temperature has increased by two degrees in the last century. In addition to this, the world’s population is predicted to increase from 7.7 billion today to around 9.7 billion by 2050.
In 2020, Trek conducted its first emissions audit to understand its carbon impact better and build a plan to become a more conscious and sustainable global citizen. You can read the full report here.
Every bike leaves a carbon footprint in raw materials and transport. The good news is that the carbon cost of manufacturing a bike can be mitigated or entirely offset when it’s used to its potential. One way to help offset the carbon cost of your bike is by replacing 430 driving miles with 430 miles ridden on a bike; this is known as the rule of 430.
Ten areas of focus to reduce Trek’s footprint:
- Shift cycling modeshare
- Increase access to bike share
- Remove plastic waste from packaging
- Establish and protect new trails
- Create zero-landfill manufacturing facilities
- Increase reliance on alternative materials
- Reduce corporate travel
- Increase reliance on renewable energy
- Consolidate shipments to retailers
- Reduce use of air freight
Since 2020, Trek has removed 19,6680 kg of plastic waste from its packaging.
The company also owns Electra Bicycle Company, a leading lifestyle bicycle brand in the U.S. that specialise in making comfortable and beautiful bicycles.
They’ve also made sure that Electra is on the same journey and is equally committed to the war on plastics.
John Burke (left) the President of Trek Bicycle, said, “At Trek, we’re just getting started, but we are committed to moving fast and taking real action to reduce our environmental impact.
We don’t have all the answers, but we are learning more about what we can do to improve every day.
We will continue to explore every opportunity and share our progress and knowledge in the hopes it inspires and educates others. Because in the end, it’s going to take all of us.”
Below are some products that are going some way in helping with the sustainability effort:
Electra Bicycle Company
The Plasket is a bike basket made of plastic taken from the oceans and recycled. The Plasket snaps on and off your handlebars so you can take it wherever you go. It’s perfect shopping the local market, and another bonus is it gives you that I’m-doing-my-part-to-save-the-world feeling.
1 PLASKET = 1 POUND OF RECYCLED OCEAN PLASTIC
It’s said that if we don’t make significant changes by 2050, there will be more plastic in our oceans than fish. Fish and marine life, in general, is vital to our world, and the Plasket™ is a way people can start reversing that trend. We can all help by keeping plastic rubbish like plastic bottles, yoghurt cups, food containers and more out of the ocean and reusing it.
The Plasket comes in 4 colours and is available online for £44.99.
Trek has many Recycled Products available to buy online. Such as this Recycled Fabric – Circuit Jersey. A versatile thermal Long-Sleeve jersey engineered to provide warmth and comfort on cool-weather rides.
Bontrager Circuit Thermal Long-Sleeve Cycling Jersey – £58.99 – £74.99
Trek is on a sustainability journey and is committed to seeing it through. This is not one of those often heard corporate promises that are used for marketing purposes to ease consumer consciences, more so a personal responsibility to protect the places people love to ride and create more space for others to join.
Ten years from now, Trek’s hope is to be proud of its efforts to help our world.
Read more healthy lifestyle news, features and guides here.
You must be logged in to post a comment.