Hit the Snowy Hills on a Recycled Sled

Sledding is a fun winter activity that all ages can enjoy. All you need is a hill, snow (if you live in a four-season climate) and a sled.

Scouring the virtual marketplace for recycled sleds isn’t that easy, but there are several options for eco-minded sledders.

Mountain Boy Sleds

The Rocko Flake Sled is a one-person sled made from 100% recycled plastic. This sled costs $12 and is 24 inches in diameter. Paricon, Inc. makes the Winter Heat Eco-Sled from 100% recycled materials. This sled sells for about $15, and it even comes with brakes to ensure safety on the snow.

Mountain Boy Sleds sells beautifully designed, handmade wooden toboggans and sleds, and the company is dedicated to using sustainable, fast-growing woods (such as birch, maple and willow). The company assures customers that every piece of wood is used; scraps are turned into Christmas ornaments or used to make slats for kicksleds. Sleds are packaged in recycled cardboard packaging. While the price points for Mountain Boy Sleds start at about $100, the sleds and toboggans should last through many winters of snowy fun.

If you’re in the market for a higher-end sled, Mad River Rockets sells sleds that utilize recycled plastic materials in their shells. For snow bunnies in heavier winter weather, Minnesota-based Spicer Sports & Marine offers pre-owned heavy-duty sleds on its website.

Of course, you can peruse your local Goodwill, Salvation Army or independent thrift store to find a used sled that needs a good home.

Or, consider making your own sled, especially if your city won’t see enough snow to enjoy multiple sledding adventures. With some leftover cardboard, rope and duct tape, you can engineer your own sled without having to leave home for supplies. Trails.com gives detailed instructions on how to make your own sled from these common materials.

Some towns across the country promote sustainable sledding. In Erie, PA, the 2011 Winterfest event, held in February, will feature a recycled sled contest for kids between the ages of 5 and 18.

While there aren’t an abundance of eco-friendly or recycled options for sledding available, we can use this opportunity to let sled-makers and retailers know that there is a viable market for eco-sleds.