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Reduce/Reuse/Recycle Inline Skate Gear

You don't have to throw away old skates, wheels, bearings and gear.  There are simple, environmentally-friendly and charitable alternatives.

If you're tired of throwing away your used inline skate wheels, replacing worn-out bearings or holding on to that old pair of skates you no longer use, there are alternatives.  Many of you may already be familiar with this environmental slogan:

Reduce/Reuse/Recycle

Like most skaters, you probably spend a considerable amount of time outside.  Your direct impact to the environment by skating is probably minimal; however, inline skate-related "throw-always" become more significant as more people take to this increasingly popular sport.   Skaters can help to do their part by participating in all three concepts:   Reduce, Reuse and Recycle with a minimal amount of effort.  Here are some ways to help you along your way to become a more conscientious skating citizen of our environment:

Reduce

Rotate wheels regularly.

Recommendations are to rotate your wheels every 40 miles or so.  You not only get an overall smoother skate, but more miles out of each set of wheels.  Learn how to check for wear and get instructions on how to rotate your wheels, with our links to inline skate Maintenance.

Clean bearings often.

By keeping bearings clean of debris, they last longer.  A little dirt is relatively harmless, but after many miles of skating those little bits begin to clog bearings and cause more permanent damage.  You'll also gain more speed since cleaner bearings provide for faster wheel rotation.  Get step by step instructions to keep them in peak condition.

Keep all skating equipment in top shape.

Stay on top of the overall condition of your skates and gear.  A little preventative maintenance goes a long way toward extending the life of almost everything.  If you catch a problem when small, you can often times remedy it without having to replace the item.  Get advice on how to do overall skate and gear maintenance, covering every part of the skate from wheels and bearings, to boots and liners.

Reuse

Use wheels a little longer.

Even if you regularly rotate your wheels, there eventually comes a time when rotating is no longer effective.  But before putting on that new set of wheels, ask yourself:  "Can these be used for just one more skate?" If you train for races by using smaller wheels you'll actually work harder!  By the time you DO put on those smooth new wheels, your strength and endurance will have improved even more.

Recycle

Recycle used wheels.

Liz Miller, skater and author of several inline skating books, has come up with an ingenious idea for reusing old skate wheels.  Check out the details in her article "Back Pain?  Recycle Your Old Wheels".

Nike has created a program called Reuse a Shoe to recycle old shoes into other products and is expanding to include recycling used skate wheels in much the same way.  Skaters turn their worn wheels into participating locations for recycling. The program is available in Southern California, Florida and New York City, and Nike plans to expand the program  nationwide.  These retailers are currently participating:   Chick's 818/915-1685, Skate 2000 305/538-8244 and Paragon 212/255-8036.  Talk with your local skate shop to see if they'll be joining the effort, or send them to Nike's Teaming Together info. page.

Donate used skates and gear.

Many local charities will gladly accept your donation.  You may even be eligible for a tax-deduction (check with your tax advisor).  Programs like the 450-mile Skate Against Violence sponsored by C.O.R.A. also take used skates and refurbishes them into like-new condition, donating them to local at-risk youth, bringing skating to the lives of children who otherwise are unable to afford skates..

The above list is only a start and I'm sure many of you have more ideas on how to Reduce, Reuse and Recycle while skating.  If so, please send them to me via email and when I have compiled your feedback, will do a follow-up article with your ideas and even more resources.

Whether you skate on paths, trails, back roads or city streets, please remember to do so safely, always wear protective gear, be courteous and Be Seen.