Eco-friendly gear for outdoor lovers

[Yeo]

Traditionally, manufacturers of outdoor equipment have relied heavily on petroleum-based fabrics, toxic solvents, and other pollutants to make high-performance gear.

But forward-looking companies have been exploring revolutionary new ways to make cutting-edge products that are sustainable and really work.

Outside Magazine's Dennis Lewon likes these:

1. Nau Cleanline Jacket

Not only is Nau making all its apparel with sustainable fabrics like recycled synthetics and corn-based fiber, but it also donates a portion of all sales to a charity of your choice.

The Cleanline jacket perfectly blends style and function, with built-in stretch and minimalist design that make the 100 percent recycled polyester soft shell, crag- and curb-friendly.

2. Timbuk2 Hemp/PET Bag

Hemp is durable, grows fast without pesticides, and looks great blended with recycled polyester in this classic messenger bag.

3. ExOfficio Tofutech Tee Shirt

This wicking technical t-shirt is 100 percent soy fabric, and incredibly soft on the skin.

4. Timberland Greenscapes Mountain Sneaker

Yes, this shoe has vegetable-tanned-leather and recycled outsole material. But other footwear can make those claims.

What makes the Greenscapes line cool is that it's among the first to carry Timberland's groundbreaking Green Index label, which rates a product on its environmental impact.

5. GoLite Drimove Sleeveless Top

Carbon particles from coconut husks -- a by-product of manufacturing water filters -- make this ultralight shirt odor-resistant. Recycled polyester makes it quick-dry and moisture-wicking.

http://www.cnn.com/2007/TECH/ptech/04/19/green.gadgets/index.html
_________________
www.ttonline.org