Whether climbing indoors or outdoors, there are many ways to minimize your environmental footprint. Here’s a quick guide to becoming a greener climber!
Reducing Your Carbon Footprint
One of the most effective ways to lessen your ecological impact is by reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Here are a few strategies:
- Whenever possible, opt for public transportation or active transportation (walking, cycling) to get to the climbing gym or outdoor sites. This can be challenging, but even small efforts count.
- Want to go further? Consider offsetting your emissions.
- Buy locally whenever possible, as this reduces emissions linked to long-distance transportation.
- For outdoor climbing, choose local crags instead of traveling long distances by plane. If you must fly, continental flights produce fewer GHGs than transatlantic ones.
Adopting a “Zero Waste” Approach
Here are some tips to minimize waste from your favorite sport:
- Use reusable water bottles and containers instead of plastic bottles or disposable packaging.
- When it comes to chalk, consider buying it in bulk to reduce packaging waste.
- Always pack out what you pack in when climbing outdoors and recycle whenever possible.
Choosing Eco-Friendly Gear
In recent years, there have been great improvements in climbing gear manufacturing to reduce its environmental impact. Here’s how you can make a difference:
- Opt for brands that offer eco-friendly gear (recycled ropes, harnesses made from sustainable materials, clothing made from organic or recycled fibers, etc.).
- Choose high-quality products that last longer. They may be more expensive upfront, but they save money in the long run and require fewer resources.
- Wooden brushes are a more sustainable option compared to plastic ones.
- Instead of replacing worn-out climbing shoes, consider resoling them to extend their lifespan and reduce waste.
Eco-Conscious Outdoor Climbing
If you’re heading outdoors to climb boulders or big walls, there are several best practices to minimize your impact:
- Follow a “Leave No Trace” approach,
- If a climbing site is temporarily closed for ecological restoration, respect the closure.
- Minimize chalk use and brush off any marks you leave behind—this is both an environmental concern and a courtesy to fellow climbers.
Of course, it’s nearly impossible to climb without any impact, but many small decisions can help reduce our environmental footprint. By making more eco-conscious choices, we can collectively ensure that climbing remains sustainable for future generations!