With its Pedal to Zero initiative, PEARL iZUMi says it has created the first apparel line “designed to be ridden out of existence.”
That’s because the bike apparel company now offers a line of clothing with specific instructions on offsetting the carbon footprint of each garment.
Essentially, each garment tells you how many miles you need to ride your bike (or human-powered vehicle of any kind) to offset the carbon footprint of the clothing’s production. The idea is that by avoiding trips with a car, PEARL iZUMi customers can help save the planet (while still buying new clothes).
The initiative must have been successful because the company will add the Pedal to Zero bullet point on many new garments. Interested customers will see a bullet point on the garment’s features telling them the miles they need to ride.
Pedal to Zero Clothing
The company just added two new additions to this clothing line.
The first is the Prospect Thermal Jogger, available for both men and women. These pants offer flexible use, from working at home to biking around town or camping. They have the company’s anti-odor treatment, and they’re made from recycled materials.
They come with zippered hand pockets, a mid-rise waistband, and a brushed fleece interior. The company also added some reflective elements for improved visibility at night. But the most relevant selling point is the carbon offset goal. For these pants, you’ll need to bike 24 miles or 39 kilometers to “offset the climate impact of this garment.” These pants will set you back $105.
The other new item is the Women’s Thermal Cycling Bib Tight.
These bibs will keep you warm while pedaling through cold conditions with their thermal fleece. Also made with recycled fabric, the bibs have a drop-tail design for “nature break convenience.” They feature a Levitate Plus chamois pad to reduce friction, thigh cargo pockets, and the same reflective elements.
But how far do you have to ride to save the planet from these tights? It’s unclear. A spokesperson for PEARL iZUMi said the company would add the carbon offset numbers to many more garments in the future — including these tights. They come in black and cost $165.
