It is an interesting paradox that so many who enjoy being in the wilderness use some very toxic and non-sustainable materials.
Ultralight hikers are not the only culprits– mainstream hiking, climbing, hunting, skiing, cycling, and running gear all utilize a lot of toxic plastics, chemicals, exotic metal alloys, disposable batteries, and food packaging.
A related issue is the manufacture of our gear in Third World sweat shops and factories where pollution controls and worker safety standards are poor or non-existant.
It seems to me that some efforts need to be made to use recycled and non-toxic materials, to protect the environment and the people who make our coveted toys.
Has it struck anyone that we buy materials made by some of the largest polluters on the planet? What is the outcome of our use of silicone coated nylon, Spectra/Dyneema, polyurethane, Teflon, Delrin/acytal resin, polyethelene, titanium and aluminum alloys, synthetic foams, Lexan (polycoarbonate) and so on?
What happens to our worn out gear? Can it be recycled or does it go to the landfill to leach into our soil and water for generations?
Are there practical alternatives? Should we give points to those manufacturers who use sustainable materials made in humane, safe, factories as well as their light weight and hiking utility?
