Climbing Green: 5 Ways to Reduce Your Environmental Impact

As climbing continues to grow in popularity, climbers everywhere face the challenge of enjoying the sport while minimizing their environmental impact. Climbing outdoors—whether at a small crag or deep in the mountains—naturally takes a toll on the environment. So, what does it mean to be a sustainable climber? From choosing eco-friendly gear to making mindful travel decisions, there are plenty of ways to enjoy climbing without compromising its future. Here are a few tips to help you climb with a clear conscience.

Make Sustainable Choices for Your Climbing Gear

The most unsustainable aspect of climbing is by far the gear that climbers purchase, use, and eventually discard. From the rubber on climbing shoes to the wax coating on dry ropes, every component has an impact on the environment. There is but one exception to this impact. It's a philosophy featured in the film Barefoot Charles. Climbing without shoes is a useful training exercise for some, and while there are those climbers who defy these norms, they remain in the minority. To address the constant desire for the latest gear—gear that is constantly being innovated, and updated —climbers can choose to support companies committed to sustainable production. Rather than independently researching each gear company, we can look to third-party organizations that specialize in scrutinizing the production and distribution practices of gear manufacturers.

One such organization is Bluesign, a prominent and rigorous third-party certifier. Bluesign offers a stamp of approval on materials, products, and companies that meet its standards. To earn Bluesign approval, a material must be produced using non-toxic chemicals and processes. A Bluesign-approved product must contain at least 90% approved materials. Currently, Bluesign does not approve any metal materials, which is why products must meet the 90% threshold rather than being 100% non-toxic. In addition, companies can become Bluesign System Partners, brands that agree to measure, track, and improve their environmental performance. These companies regularly report on energy, water, and chemical usage, and they agree to be audited by Bluesign and incorporate suggestions to minimize their impact. When climbers purchase from a Bluesign-vetted brand, they are not only supporting sustainable products but also endorsing the company’s commitment to a sustainable future.

Preserve and Protect Climbing Areas

To better understand what a sustainable climber looks like, let's examine the unsustainable climber. The unsustainable climber shows up to the crag with a power drill and a bag of quarter-inch bolts. The unsustainable climber steps off the trail, making a special effort to trample indigenous and endangered fauna. The unsustainable climber poops in the wild without making any effort to bury or conceal the excrement, even creating a bold cairn of toilet paper. The unsustainable climber climbs year-round, disregarding seasonal closures for wildlife. If there are pesky nesting birds in the way, the unsustainable climber might shoo them away and laugh maniacally as they hurl the nest down the side of the cliff.

The sustainable climber recognizes his destructive habits and vows to take on the mighty stone with honor and respect for future generations. While most of us don’t aspire to be unsustainable climbers, we might, from time to time, engage in the aforementioned activities. On the other hand, the sustainable climber has significantly more fun than the unsustainable climber, mainly because they know full well that they can return to the fun again and again. Leave No Trace principles are not only paramount to sustainable climbing but also play a crucial role in protecting access to climbing areas. These principles are as follows:

• Bring out what you bring in

• Stay on marked trails

• Climb on established routes

• Respect local wildlife and ecosystems

  

The sustainable climber follows these principles with all the integrity of claiming a first ascent. For more on preserving climbing access, visit The Access Fund.

Green Travel for Climbing Adventures

Travel is a fundamental aspect of adventure, exploration, and, more specifically, climbing. The sustainable climber takes extra measures to travel sustainably. The best way to achieve this is to choose eco-friendly transportation. When possible, carpool with friends. It’s more fun, saves everyone gas money, and reduces the carbon footprint of a good old climbing day. If flying is necessary, book non-stop flights with airlines approved by third-party organizations like the Atmosfair Airline Index.

While on extended climbing trips or expeditions, the sustainable climber supports eco-friendly accommodations like eco-lodges, hostels, or campgrounds. Seek out places that make an effort to minimize their environmental impact. Many climbers with vans can sleep well at night knowing their energy comes primarily from the sun. Although dirtbagging is becoming an endangered activity, this once-popular lifestyle should be embraced by all. The very nature of the dirtbag lifestyle is low impact.

By following these practices, you can enjoy climbing while minimizing your environmental impact and supporting local ecosystems and communities.

Hire Local, Buy Local

Sustainable climbing starts with the choices we make as climbers. When exploring a new area, consider hiring a local guide. Even experienced climbers can benefit from the insight and camaraderie that come with guiding expertise. Climbing with a group? A local guide can elevate your experience, offering unique opportunities and making the adventure smoother by managing logistics. Hiring a guide not only supports the local economy, but it also fosters awareness of regional climbing ethics. Every climbing destination has its own set of rules, and understanding these guidelines helps ensure climbers are seen as stewards of the land, not exploiters of its resources. Many areas have local or regional climbing organizations that can connect you with licensed or certified guides, especially in popular climbing spots.

The Northeast is home to some of the most iconic climbing areas in the U.S., and several reputable rock guiding companies offer expert-led experiences in the region. Here are some well-known guiding companies in the Northeast:

1. Eastern Mountain Sports (EMS) Climbing School – New Hampshire, Maine, Massachusetts – Beginner to advanced climbing courses.

2. Rock and Snow – New Paltz, NY (Shawangunks) – Trad climbing, local expertise.

3. Kismet Rock Foundation – Massachusetts, New York, New Hampshire – Climbing for youth and adults.

4. Green Mountain Climbing School – Vermont (Green Mountains) – Climbing, bouldering, and mountaineering.

5. Acadia Mountain Guides Climbing School – Acadia National Park, ME – Trad and multi-pitch climbing.

   
   
   
   

Climbing Gear Recycling and Upcycling

One of the most impactful ways a climber can practice sustainability is by purchasing used or upcycled gear.

Geartrade is an online marketplace where you can buy and sell used outdoor gear and apparel. While certain types of climbing gear like ropes and harnesses should always be bought new, there's plenty of other gear a climber can get used. When a climber chooses to buy used trad gear, they help minimize waste and reduce the demand for new manufacturing, which in turn lowers their overall environmental footprint. This decision keeps gear in circulation longer, preventing perfectly functional equipment from ending up in landfills, while also conserving the resources and energy that would otherwise go into producing new items.

Another great way to minimize environmental impact is through upcycling.

Upcycling climbing gear is a creative way to repurpose old or damaged equipment. Instead of throwing away old climbing ropes, they can be used for things like dog leashes, plant hangers, or perhaps a hammock. Carabiners that have been used and abused can retire as keychains or bag clips, perhaps even used as a unique door handle. Instead of tossing out old climbing shoes, or letting them collect dust in the attic, they can be used as pots for plants, or fashioned into a neat doorstop. The key to upcycling is to prioritize creativity over functionality.

In conclusion, sustainable climbing is about making mindful choices that minimize our environmental impact while preserving the beauty and accessibility of climbing areas for future generations. By opting for eco-friendly gear, supporting brands committed to sustainable practices, respecting local ecosystems, and traveling responsibly, climbers can contribute to the well-being of the planet. Additionally, purchasing used or upcycled gear, and embracing creative repurposing, are impactful ways to reduce waste and conserve resources. Through these conscious efforts, climbers can continue to enjoy their passion for the sport while ensuring that climbing remains a sustainable activity for years to come.

Thanks for reading!