How to Make Your Sideline Kit More Sustainable | Flash-Bam
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Simple swaps that reduce waste without compromising care
If you're an athletic trainer, coach, or team manager, your sideline kit is packed with tools that keep athletes safe and in the game.
But most kits are also packed with plastic, disposable, and non-compostable gear from single-use tape to ice bags and pre-wrap.
The good news? Making your sideline kit more sustainable doesn’t require an overhaul. With just a few smart swaps, you can significantly reduce your environmental footprint without sacrificing quality or care.
Here’s how to get started.
Why It Matters
Each year, athletic programs generate tons of plastic and medical waste that ends up in landfills. As sustainability becomes a priority in schools and athletic departments, trainers and coaches have the power to lead by example.
And small changes - like the kind you make in your sideline kit - can make a big impact across an entire season.
5 Simple Swaps for a Greener Sideline Kit
1. Switch to Biodegradable Athletic Tape
Most athletic tape is made from bleached cotton or synthetic fibers with plastic-based adhesives. Once it’s used, it goes straight into the trash - and eventually into the landfill.
Try instead:
Flash-Bam® Athletic Tape made from 100% bamboo fiber, biodegradable, latex-free, and high-performance.
Bonus: Bamboo is one of the fastest-growing, most renewable materials on Earth—and breaks down naturally in compost or landfill conditions.
2. Use Reusable Ice Packs Instead of Plastic Bags
Single-use plastic ice bags pile up fast on the sideline and are rarely recycled.
Try instead:
Durable reusable ice packs or compression wraps with refillable inserts
Reusable fabric wraps that secure ice without tape or elastic
3. Choose Refillable Spray Bottles Over Disposables
Many trainers carry antiseptics, water sprays, or electrolyte sprays in single-use bottles.
Try instead:
Labelled, refillable BPA-free spray bottles
Mix your own solutions from bulk concentrate to reduce packaging waste
4. Buy in Bulk (and Repackage Thoughtfully)
Buying individual rolls, tubes, or packs might be convenient but it leads to excess plastic, shipping materials, and carbon footprint.
Try instead:
Order in bulk and store in reusable containers or recycled cardboard bins
Look for vendors with low-waste packaging (like Flash-Bam's recyclable tubes)
5. Keep a Sideline Recycling + Waste Plan
Many fields and gyms have no recycling on the sidelines meaning every bottle, wrapper, and piece of tape goes in the trash.
Try instead:
Bring a labeled "Recyclables Only" bin for bottles, wrappers, and tape cores
Educate athletes on what can be recycled (and what can’t)
Even a basic plan improves awareness and reduces your team’s waste stream.
Build a Greener Athletic Culture
A sustainable sideline kit isn’t just about the gear. It’s about the culture.
When athletes see trainers and coaches making environmentally conscious decisions, it sends a message that performance and responsibility go hand-in-hand.
- Small efforts can lead to:
- Stronger school sustainability initiativesBudget savings over time
- Improved public image for athletic programs
- Less waste generated by your team each season
Start with One Swap: Try Flash-Bam® Athletic Tape
If you’re only ready to change one thing in your kit, start with the one of the most-used items: athletic tape.
Flash-Bam is the only biodegradable athletic tape made from 100% bamboo, designed specifically for sports performance and athlete safety.
- Strong, breathable support
- Latex-free and skin-friendly
- Zero plastic core or wrapper
- Breaks down naturally after disposal
We’re offering 15% off your first purchase of Flash-Bam® to help you make the switch today.
Shop Now and Use code FB15OFF at checkout
Final Word
A greener sideline isn’t about perfection. It’s about progress.
By making just a few simple swaps, you can cut your team’s waste, save money, and build a culture of sustainability in your athletic program.
Flash-Bam® is proud to be part of that movement.
Let’s build cleaner kits, better habits, and smarter sidelines together.