GFH Recycle Program

Here at GFH Boards, we have always made a conscious effort to make decisions that would have a positive affect on the environment. Recently, we stepped up our efforts to play a more active roll in improving and saving our green planet.

Our company has been a part of many steps to preserve and improve our way of life through eco friendly manufacturing and production. Here are a few of the steps we have taken to help out Mother Earth:

GFH Boards has invested in research and development in order to take advantage of the most current advancements in environmentally friendly materials. We recently started making a strong push with the new GFH Green Weave. This product replaces the environmentally harmful product “fiberglass”. Our Green Weave is not only environmentally friendly, it is 3x stronger and more durable than traditional fiberglass. GFH Green Weave has amazing rebound and allows us to use less wood which is another step forward to reducing the tree cutting. At this time, we have 2 models (5 boards) that utilize this new material. The Bali and the Unknown are amazing boards that use our Green Weave monofilament fiber. This weave makes them better for the environment as well as better performance than boards that use fiberglass.

• GFH boxes are made from 100% recycled paper products.
• GFH packing material is comprised of scrap cardboard used by GFH and local companies.
• All our decks are pressed with sustainably sourced wood along with reclaimed wood.
• We utilize GFH Green Weave made from monofilament fibers that do not run the risk for airborne lung contamination like fiberglass.
• The glue used in production is made from Eco friendly materials.
• We use water based inks when printing skateboard graphics.
• Our warehouse production was switched from battery drills to air machinery. Did you know that those spent batteries are extremely harmful to the environment?
• We use an electric forklift rather than propane to reduce the emissions that enter into the air we breathe.
• GFH organizes beach clean-ups and has worked with other companies to help save and protect our beaches. When you go to the beach leave with at least one piece of trash and see what a difference we can make.
• GFH Boards has been heavily involved through financial contributions and organizing events and community projects for Surf Aid International, an international humanitarian organization fighting Malaria in the Mentawais and providing disaster relief to those in need.

A FEW IMPORTANT HEALTH RISKS ON SKATEBOARDS MADE WITH FIBERGLASS

Some companies have been using “Fiberglass” in the production of their boards and while this material provides performance it is extremely harmful to the earth and the individual that is handling it.

Why is “Fiberglass” harmful:

One of the most common risks of handling fiberglass is Dermatitis which has a poison ivy like affect upon contact. Itching, redness of the skin, open and oozing sores and intense pain.

Sensitization is a medical term describing prolonged exposure to fiberglass material. Years may go by before any symptoms occur. Once a worker is sensitized, contact with even a small amount of the same material can cause a severe outbreak that will spread over the entire body. Some sensitization cases also affect the respiratory system. Sensitized workers often must leave and search for other employment due to the increased medical risks.

Glass Itch is caused by fibers from glass reinforcing products rubbing on the skin and irritating it. Glass fibers can also be so fine as to cause respiratory problems.

One important risk factor to be aware of it that your skateboard could start to fray and the fiberglass could come in contact with your skin placing you in danger.

While the risk of personal exposure is limited we must ask ourselves if the health risks are worth it to those working and handling this material each and every day. Take a stand and ask those companies that use this in their production to find alternative products.