K2 Saves the World: Sustainable Skates

It's an idea whose time had to be just around the corner, if not ten minutes ago: Inline skates for the Green Scene, those earth-firsters resolutely against PVC's and a big carbon 'skateprint.' Enter K2, already the last word in coolness and quality, and their new, sustainable Eco line of skates. Built for speed and performance, the company also took pains to use bamboo frames and PET (a resin made from water and recycled plastic beverage bottles) wherever possible -- which in this case means stitching, liner, mesh and even laces! That's skating the extra mile for a livable future....

Your conscience might be crystal clear buying these skates, but if they didn't function like K2's other wheels, all might be for naught. Fortunately, the Eco's are smooth rolling, absorb vibration quite well and even look ultra-sleek with that natural bamboo gracing the wheels. And believe it or not, bamboo's strength to weight ratio is without compare, beating aluminum to a pulp! The boot itself is cool and eminently breathable, and offers comfort as well as durability.

All that and a price point that will roll smoothly off your brain as well -- under $200! Men's or women's skates are available, both with 84mm wheels and ILQ-7 bearings. The components are top of the line, and nothing with eyes was teased, compromised or slaughtered to get you gliding down the boardwalk. Good speeds, good deeds, that's a lovely karmic combo, to be sure.