Calling All Used Ropes: Sterling Rope and Rock/Creek
Launch Rope Recycling Program
September 21, 2007 — As a continuation of their Redemption Initiative, Sterling Rope is launching a rope recycling program in partnership with Rock/Creek, ClimbingGear.com, and the Triple Crown Bouldering Series. Starting in October and running through the end of the year, Sterling will be collecting and recycling used ropes of any brand and rewarding those who participate with a discount on a brand new rope. Sterling feels that in cooperation with climbers, they can make a strong impact in the amount of old ropes that get needlessly tossed into landfills each year.
Why recycle your rope? Here are just a few of the many reasons:
1) Keep the rope out of a landfill!
2) Keep climbers safe
3) Receive a 20% off your next Sterling Rope purchase
Sterling and Rock/Creek are encouraging climbers to bring their old dynamic climbing ropes (60m minimum, any brand) to the Sterling Rope booth at any of the Triple Crown bouldering events or to any Rock/Creek store location in Chattanooga, TN. A Sterling Rope representative or Rock/Creek employee will collect the old ropes to be recycled and in exchange give those who participate (1) 20% off coupon for a brand new Sterling Rope which can be redeemed online at www.rockcreek.com, www.climbinggear.com, or at any Rock/Creek store. In addition, those who donate at the Triple Crown events will be entered into a drawing to win a free custom-designed “Triple Crown” Sterling Rope. A drawing will be held at each event.
After collecting the retired ropes, Sterling will consolidate them into containers and send them to their recycling partner who re-pelletizes the nylon. From there the nylon is made into things like carpet fuzz, coat hangers, and all types of everyday household items.
As a general rule of thumb, most manufacturers suggest that any rope be retired after 5 years in service and 10 years after the manufacturing date. However, these are just general guidelines; some ropes may need to be retired earlier depending on usage and a number of other variables.
“After climbing nearly 30 years, I am personally excited about the chance to take my old ropes and put them back into use as recycled nylon products,” said Kurt Smith, veteran climber and SE representative for Sterling Ropes. “For too many years we threw away all our old ropes, but now we have alternatives which can support a more sustainable use of our resources.”
Smith will be the MC at this year’s Triple Crown Bouldering Series. The event, now in its fifth year, has swiftly grown to be the largest bouldering series in the world and attracts many of the nation’s elite climbers. This year’s series kicks off in October beginning with Hound Ears in Boone, NC, moves on to Horse Pens-40 in Steele, AL, and then concludes at the Stone Fort (formerly Little Rock City) in Chattanooga, TN. The dates for each event are set for October 6 — Hound Ears, November 3 — Horse Pens 40, and December 1 — Stone Fort.
Drop boxes for recycled ropes will be available at all of the Triple Crown events and at Rock/Creek Outfitters store locations starting October 6.
Smith concluded with a message to all Triple Crown participants: ” I look forward to seeing each of you and all your retired 60m ropes at the Triple Crown events! Thanks for your support.”
Related Links:
More Info on Rock/Creek Outfitters’ Environmental Initiatives >
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