Green Bike Companies
Aren't all bike companies green?
No, and some are more green than others.
Below are some products that make riding a bike a little
Green Oil
Green Oil is an environmentally friendly chain lubricant
www.green-oil.net
Pedalite
Do you ride at night? Do you worry about the hassle associated with dynamo lights?
Ever been hit from the side by a car that could not see you?
Pedalite, the dynamo pedal light is the solution, also solving the need for batteries.
Pedalites use a fraction of a per cent of your pedal power. This powers a flashing white light at the front, an orange light at the side and a red flashing light at the back.
Just 'fit and forget'.
Nokian Tyres
This Finish company was bizarrely until 1988 part of Nokia, the phone company. Nokian is now a green tyre company.
Most tyre companies have shifted production to poor countries. This is because labour standards and human rights laws are weak. Environmental regulations are also lacking, which is great if you want to make something like tyres which potentially create excessive pollution you don't want to pay to clean up!
In China, air and water pollution is causing suffering for thousands of people and destroying wildlife. In the EU there are laws restricting which chemicals can be used and released. To get around EU law, many tyre companies have gone to China and other poor countries, to cut costs.
Nokian have not.
Nokian uses non-toxic rubber.
Nokian tyres are subject to EU environmental law.
Nokian tyres are made in Finland.
Bike Bin panniers
A great invention to make carrying things on your bike easier. The durable, lockable pannier fits quickly and easily using a patented fitting. Its huge on the inside (holding 17 litres in each) yet slick on the outside.
This company is not explicitly 'green'. However this product encourages cycling and allows people to carry things on their bike. Anything that stops people using boot space as an excuse to drive must be a good thing.
The fact that the product is extremely durable makes it intrinsically green in our view. The Bike Bin is reasonably priced, and can be customised.
Bike Companies
Moulton Bicycles Inc and Pashley Cycles Ltd came top in Ethical Consumer magazine's bike company rank (Issue November/December 2007).
www.pashley.co.uk
www.alexmoulton.co.uk
www.ethicalconsumer.org
Bike Recycling
Some universities and companies as recently as two years ago disposed of old bicycles using a skip. Now, bikes can be recycled and either sold or sent to those less fortunate.
www.re-cycle.org
www.jole1000.org
www.oxfordcycleworkshop.org.uk
www.bikerecycling.net
