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Environment
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The DERBY*GOKIT® has been manufactured with the environment in mind. With the exception of the shrink wrapping used to enclose the package, the remaining components and packaging can be reused and/or recycled. Designing and constructing your DERBY*GOKIT® soapbox racer in an environmentally responsible manner is encouraged.
- Teach your child or student what is recyclable and reusable (e.g., the cardboard packaging is reused as the template for the basic soapbox, the steel and aluminum parts can be reused and recycled, and, plastic wheels can be repurposed and recycled.
- Encourage your child towards environmentally responsible design choices.
- Consider using construction of the soapbox as a platform for educating the effects on environment. Have racers describe the environmental (and safety) considerations used in the design and building of their soapbox.
- Steel and aluminum has been used in the construction of the DERBY*GOKIT®. The kit uses common sizes of threads nuts, bolts, pins and washers. Each part is repairable, replaceable, reinforceable and adjustable. And perhaps most importantly easily recyclable.
- Wheel hubs are made of HDPE and tires are made of PVC and are common sizes used in lawnmowers for reuse. Does your child or student know the numbering system for identifying the types of plastic?
- Decisions made on the type of paint used, repurposing of materials, and, the reuse, recycling or disposal of materials have an affect on our environment. We have seen race participants that have repurposed many items into their soapbox design from old guitars to discarded bathtubs. Perhaps consider decorating your soapbox with old teddy bears in lieu of paint.
- Consider having prizes that could be awarded for the soapbox considered to be the most environmentally responsible at a race or in a classroom or corporate build event.
- Consider environmentally friendly prizes for your event. Trophies and ribbons available for photo opportunities that get returned and reused in subsequent years would prevent their disposal into landfills.