Since Mike Perreten and Thomas Edstrand started making Landyachtz longboards in 1997, their business has grown from a small local operation to a giant in the longboarding industry.

Longboarders around the country now have access to Landyachtz decks through hundreds of skate shops, and thanks to the company's innovative construction techniques and quality materials, Landyachtz boards are some of the fastest, most responsive boards on the market for downhill and freestyle riding.

The company also has a reputation as one of the greenest skateboard companies in the world. The team at Landyachtz has always looked for ways to stay ecologically considerate, from the way that they ship their boards to how they get to work.

Most of the company’s employees live close the Landyachtz factory and ride their boards to and from the building every day.

The Landyachtz 9,000-square-foot factory in Vancouver, British Columbia, is a testament to Perreten and Edstrand’s goal of staying eco-friendly, even as Landyachtz’ annual output grows.

When the company purchased the factory, it was an absolute wreck. Contractors recommended demolition, but the Landyachtz team decided to completely gut the building’s interior and renovate it.

The decision meant a tremendous amount of hard work and heavy investment, but at a much smaller cost to the local environment.

Landyachtz’ team also use common sense to cut down on their environmental impact when shipping out new boards. They use recycled grip tape and material from broken boards as shipping materials, eliminating the need for Styrofoam packing peanuts and other waste.

Most importantly, Landyachtz focuses on making durable, dependable boards that will last for as long as possible. Perreten and Edstrand know that high-quality longboards need fewer replacement parts, which in turn reduces the environmental strain of producing wheels, trucks and boards.

Landyachtz’ website notes that many businesses take all the appropriate steps to appear eco-friendly while using poor everyday business practices that hurt the environment.

These “green washing” businesses have a negative effect on the planet overall, but since the late 1990s, Landyachtz’ team has looked for ways to practice real sustainability while keeping their fans informed about important environmental issues.

As Perreten puts it, “green washing happens and it’s lame.”

Landyachtz is committed to creating longboards through earth-friendly techniques, and longboarders have responded positively to the company’s message. It also doesn’t hurt that Landyachtz’ sustainability efforts coincide with the quality-over-quantity approach that gives Landyachtz longboards their signature speed, maneuverability and durability.

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About the Author:

Written by Mike Thompson — an avid skateboarder.

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