Go green and recycle old skis

If you have been skier or boarder for any length of time, you will understand the dilemma of collecting old ski and snowboard equipment. It begins to pile up all around your home or apartment. The old skis and boots that served you well for so many years are now relegated to the garage, cellar or attic just collecting dust and fond memories. It’s tough to give up those faithful friends. If you live in or near a ski resort, it becomes increasingly apparent that ski shops toss discarded skis in the dumpster by the dozens only to fill your local landfill. Not very environmentally friendly but a fact of life. There are some better ways to recycle old ski equipment, make some money and maybe find a way to preserve those memories.

Now that summer has arrived in the Northeast and Fall is not far behind, this is an opportunity to get organized and remove ski and snowboard treasures from your home.

You have 4 choices:

1. Donate: Give items away to someone who may need them. (friend, neighbor, or charitable organization)

2. Sell: A garage sale, tag sale, Ebay or Craigslist and pocket the money

3. Ski Swap: Check with your ski club, local ski patrol or ski area for a ski swap. Ski swaps are generally held from September through November. If you have kids, this is a popular way to trade up as they outgrow old equipment. A ski swap now is the best way to help a charity, pocket some money and clear you attic.

4. Ski Furniture: Turn your skis into benches, racks, tables and Adirondack chairs. This doesn't make you any money but it is a way to turn your old skis and snowboards into a unique piece of furniture and preserve some memories.

The recycling and designing furniture out of old skis has evolved over the years. The following links are just a few in the Northeast that can transform your dusty skis into a work of art. You can admire your old equipment and at the same time enjoy the comfort of a new chair, coffee table and then feel good that you saved the environment. Congratulations, you're now GREEN.

The Vermont Ski Recyclers of Morrisville VT have been in business since 1995 turning ski shop trash, discarded ski equipment and a skiers favorite skis into works of art. They can custom style a new table or chair using your old skis.

Green Mountain Ski Furniture of Waterbury, VT specializes in Adirondack chairs, benches, tables and racks. Quoting from their website ---" will custom build just about anything you might want made from skis or snowboards, from birdhouses to bookcases and indoor or outdoor furniture of any kind." Their focus is working with individuals and customers to design and build unique furniture.

Skichair.com of Millbury, MA does it all. They offer a extensive choice of ready made ski and snowboard furniture, tables, benches and racks. They also offer kits and plans for the "Do-it-yourself" customer.

The Snowsource General Store of Newburyport, MA. Build your own ski chair kits.

How to make a ski chair video:Building the Muskoka ski chair