In my opinion being "eco-conscious" means being aware of what you're buying, how you're using it, and what you're doing to lessen your impact on the environment. Whether you're driving a hybrid vehicle or recycling your snowboards into work benches, the personal decision to "Go Green" is extremely important for today's environment.

After watching one too many documentaries on the status of the earth, I started to think about how "eco conscious" I'm being with my own daily routine. Although I wouldn't consider David Suzuki to be my mentor, I do think that I take care of the waste I produce. Since you don't want to hear about me, let's instead take a look at Bond Outerwear/Capita Snowboard's very own TJ Schneider. Recognized as one of Canada's finest shred stars, there's no questions that he's done his part to protect and preserve the environment. With an opinion that's vocalized in his own Snowboard Realms online video series, I had to find out his advice on being eco-conscious.

What does the phrase "eco-conscious" mean to you?
The same as being a good person. I do my best not to fuck anyone over and I do the same with how I live my life in regards to the earth; I do my best not to use products that waste and use an excess of anything.

Do you consider yourself to be eco-conscious? If so, what efforts do you make to ensure that you're practicing what you preach?
I think so, I just do my best not to waste or use more than I need, recycle everything, don't litter anything. It blows my mind how many people litter, even little things like cigarette butts...drives me insane. It's pretty amazing how little trash a single person can produce each week if they pay attention to what they are doing.

Do you think being eco-conscious is convenient?  What I mean to say is, how easy is it to be eco-conscious?
Yeah it's pretty simple. The only real thing that is different is that you have to toss a few things in different bins.

When did you really start being eco-conscious?
I think I've always been pretty smart about it, but I think it stuck me the more time I spent in the USA and saw how no one there recycled, how much they use A/C, all the trash, etc.

Do you belong to any organizations that unite people against your cause?
I've been working with the Play It Cool program through the David Suzuki foundation, just to help keep kids a little more aware of the issue

With all of your travel, how do you manage to stay carbon neutral?
Through the Play It Cool program you can purchase carbon offsets.

What sacrifices have you made in an effort to become more eco-conscious?
Nothing, unless you consider driving a small car and not owning a sled a sacrifice. Maybe I sacrifice about a minute each week when I have to toss my bags in their respective recycle bin rather than all just into the trash.

How are you eco-conscious with your sport?
I don't really sled anymore, that's probably the biggest thing. When we do we always double, since there's no use in having two people on two machines when one can easily carry both.

Where can people learn a little ore about the importance of being eco-conscious?
Everywhere! I think if you look anywhere you can see and learn the importance, but the internet is always helpful. Playitcool.ca has some info.

Have you made any serious adjustments to your living space to promote an eco-conscious living zone (low flush toilets, fluorescent lighting, short showers etc)?
I put a jug of water in the back of my toilet to save water with each flush. We don't use the heat in our house much; two large west-facing windows provide our heat even through the winter. Eco light bulbs, and a few other super simple easy things.

What suggestions do you have for your sports industry on how to offer more eco solutions?
I don't know, maybe that a few dollars here and there go a long way. Companies like BOND spend a little more making their products better for the environment.

What advice would you like to give to the people reading this article about being eco-conscious?
Don't be lazy! Just take little steps and you'll see it's pretty easy.

Winter sports can have a significant negative on the environment. Some leaders in the snowboard industry are taking note and creating new, green, eco-conscious alternatives. Are any of your sponsors getting involved in designing these types of products?
CAPiTA is doing the Green Machine snowboard, and BOND is making products from recycled and recyclable products. Actually, BOND's also a fully carbon neutral company!

The Snowboard Realms at SIA: Green Products

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Related:
Eco-Conscious: Justin Lamoureux
Dinner with TJ Schneider
Dagmar Snowboard Realms Session with TJ Schneider