Protect Our Winters Partners with Shred to Inspire Change in the Snowsports Industry
BOULDER, Colo. – Feb. 9, 2017 – Protect Our Winters (POW) and Shred today announced a partnership to fight climate change and to inspire companies in the snowsports industry to reduce waste and reassess their manufacturing processes.
“Shred shares our values and is guided by a deep love for the mountains,” commented POW Executive Director Chris Steinkamp. “Not only is the company a leader in innovation within our industry, it’s also committed to protecting the natural playgrounds where its products are enjoyed.”
At the SnowSports Industries America trade show last month, Shred debuted the Simplify Natural, a goggle that uses reclaimed, recycled, and organic materials. Thanks to partnerships with Connora Technologies, The CAPiTA Mothership and POW, the goggle’s rig, adjusters and pins are made with epoxy that is reclaimed and recycled from The CAPiTA Mothership snowboard production facility. The Simplify Natural also features a strap made with 100% organic cotton, a rubber frame that uses 30% recycled content and a goggle bag made from 100% recycled fibers. This collaboration marks the first time that multiple companies in the snowsports industry have teamed up to provide manufacturing waste with a new life.
As part of its new partnership with POW, Shred will donate 2 percent of its Simplify Natural sales to the organization to assist with education, activism and advocacy efforts rooted in addressing climate change.
“Our passion and our industry are heavily affected by climate change,” says Ted Ligety, Shred co-founder, chairman and POW Riders Alliance athlete. “We want to use Shred and the reach of our athletes as a means to address crucial issues and affect change. This commitment served as the catalyst for creating the Simplify Natural and, more importantly, fueling innovation that we hope can inspire others to reduce their impact on the environment.”
Shred Co-founder and CEO Carlo Salmini is quick to note that the Simplify Natural project is ever evolving. And, as such, its greatest value is in the lessons it provides. As he explains, “By fueling progression, collaborating with other companies across our industry, and leading by action and example, we can inspire others and show them what’s possible.”
Ligety echoes these sentiments and hopes Shred’s efforts resonate outside the snow sports industry. He explains, “We aim to inspire individuals to take action while also influencing policy makers and corporations that have an even greater impact on our planet.”
ABOUT PROTECT OUR WINTERS
Protect Our Winters is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that engages and mobilizes the outdoor sports community to lead the fight against climate change through educational initiatives, political advocacy and community-based activism. Founded by pro snowboarder Jeremy Jones in 2007, Protect Our Winters works with businesses, athletes and the community to harness the collective power of the outdoor sports industry to take meaningful action against climate change. For more information, visit www.protectourwinters.org
About Shred and Slytech
Shred and Slytech empower athletes to push their limits–and simply have fun. Founded in 2006, the brands create eyewear and protective equipment for dedicated skiers, snowboarders, and mountain bikers. By blending sophisticated materials, fresh technology, and exceptional engineering, Shred and Slytech have earned the trust of these athletes and emerged as quiet leaders. Guided by a love for the mountains and a commitment to innovation, the brands aim to inspire change, reimagining how optics and protective equipment look and perform. Today, Shred and Slytech products are sold and distributed in forty countries and backed by athletes across the globe. To learn more, visit shredoptics.com and slytechprotection.com.
Media Contact:
Rosalie Waxman, [email protected], +1 720-656-9074
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