Sustainability is always at the forefront of our minds here at Ashland Electric Bikes. We do what we can to minimize our waste and recycle everything we can. We offer public drop-off for personal care items, like toothpaste tubes, toothbrushes, or disposable razors that we send off for recycle. We provide boxes to the community for landscaping, send discarded tubes and e-bike batteries for recycling. We also merchandise for bike riders and non-riders alike, made from repurposed and or more sustainable materials.
Recently, I had a conversation with a small company that makes jackets, capes and other items for cyclists and walkers. Almost all of their fabrics are made from recycled fibers, and they’re constantly innovating using more sustainable materials and processes. They believe in social sustainability and work only with certified producers with regulated labor and environmental standards. One of their more recent additions is a cozy wool cape for those brisk fall and winter walks or rides. These capes were made from deadstock that would otherwise be destined for landfill. So I was surprised to find out that these wool capes weren’t on their order list. When I mentioned I was most interested in providing their products, because of their sustainability values they were shocked. They told me most of their retailers do not care about that part.
We know this topic is a complicated issue that will take all of us doing our little parts imperfectly to help make the changes our planet and future generations deserve. We feel retailers like us are a vital conduit to promote and help consumers find the more sustainable options out there.
With the holidays around the corner, we ask you to think about us when you’re looking for sustainable Christmas gifts, because we’re more than just a bike shop. While our best-selling panniers are made from discarded event banners, and we carry many fashionable and functional items made from old tubes (backpacks, belts, travel kits, wallets, etc…). We also now have a selection of local artwork in the forms of jewelry and wall hangings that are all made locally here in Ashland. We have earrings, bracelets, photo frames, and several wall hangings made from all sorts of bike parts. All of this artwork is displayed on beautiful wood backed frames that were once old rotting fence boards, but have been given new life.
You don’t have to be a cyclist to appreciate these gifts. My partner loves the rain capes for walking our dogs. Here at Ashland Electric Bikes, we plan to continually evolve in the public opinion, so people think about us for more than just bicycle gear, but also for sustainable gifts and items for practical living.
