Bounce Back: Wilson’s Recycled Basketball
by Warren McLaren, Sydney 
on 04.24.08
The next time Tom Hanks finds himself marooned as a castaway on a tropical island maybe his companion will be a green basketball, instead of a white volleyball.
The Wilson ‘Rebound’ has a surface comprising 40% recycled rubber. 70 such basketballs are said to be equal to taking one car tyre out of landfill. "Think Globally, Hoop Locally" is the accompanying catch phrase. We’re not sure why a product as robust as a basketball requires packaging in a box. But at least Wilson have opted to to make it from nearly 80% recycled cardboard. Though they are ambiguous as to whether that is pre or post consumer content. ::Wilson, via tip from Amy K.
See also fair trade sporting balls from: Fair Deal Sports and Etiko.
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I think they're probably in a box so that they'll sit on a shelf, otherwise stores (unfortunately) might opt not to carry them.
The box makes it possible to stack these on a shelf in a store.
We’re not sure why a product as robust as a basketball requires packaging in a box.
Have you ever tried shipping or stacking something round?
Good first move, but if you really wanted to make a difference shouldn't this have been a futbol (soccer ball)?
Awesome. I'd like to buy one of these for my kids.
Good point, Sketchy. We've got an answer for you; our entire line of sports balls (soccer, basketball, football, rugby, volleyball and more) is eco-certified and certified Fair Trade. If you are reading this from North America, we can ship to you. Otherwise, use Warren's links above for our sister companies in Australia and the UK.
Certified Fair Trade means our workers get paid a fair wage and ensured healthy working conditions. It's good to see that Fair Trade Sports is bringing enough market pressure to bear on a multinational corporation like Wilson that they will begin greening their line as well. Hooray! Now to get them certified Fair Trade...
Check out this hilarious video about our basketballs from the hipsters at ViroPOP.
- Scott James
Fair Trade Sports Blog: www.fairtradesports.com
Eco-Certified Fair Trade soccer balls and more!
Hooray! Hoops with a Heart!!