One of the major ecological problems we are facing today is the enormous amount of garbage we generate each day. Every new creative idea, not matters how small, that helps to fight against this problem is very useful.
All those who use the bicycle frequently, and have “cantilever” type brakes (also called V-brake), know that the brake pads (also called shoes) have to be changed with relative frequency.
And this is where we link to the beginning of this entry, because each change of pads are thrown away small metal parts, and as this type of brake is still widely used around the world, a huge amount of metal parts end up in the dump each year putting extra strain on the environment.
These metal parts end up in the landfill every time we change the pads
Californian company Promax has developed a solution to this problem: interchangeable rubber parts for the pads. When the rubber is worn out by use, it can easily be replaced without having to pull any of the metal parts. The pair of pads costs the first time about 12.90 € and the rubber spare parts about 6 euros (prices in Berlin, as of October 2016).
In the lower picture I marked with a red arrow the small hook that allows to easily release the worn rubber, to be able to replace it with a new one.
With the help of this small hook the rubber part can be released
This simple example is a small sample how to put little by little our bit can contribute from the sports equipment sector to improve problems that affect us all as in this case excessive garbage generation. This simple example shows how we and the sporting goods industry can make a contribution to solve problems that affect us all, as in this case excessive garbage generation.
An old African proverb I have always liked says: many small people, in small places, doing many small things, can change the world.
Do you know of another example that you want to share with us?
Leave us your comment below!
Promax California Brake Pads
Sustainable Sport 