Issue No. 10: Feeling Outdoorsy 🚐

Written By PHC Commissioner

Hey Outsiders! Thanks for subscribing to Outsider Insider and opening up Issue No. 🔟. A busy week from World Wildlife Day to International Women’s Day and a whole lot more.

In this week’s edition:

  • Fast Company's list of Most Innovative is looking Outdoorsy

  • Fish rejoice - The High Seas Treaty has been signed!

  • And more!

— Scott Crowder

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From 0 to 60 for Outdoorsy 🚐

Outdoorsy, a peer-to-peer (P2P) online marketplace that connects RV owners with people who want to rent an RV for a short-term trip, has landed at #4 on Fast Companies 2023 List of Most Innovative Companies in the Travel and Hospitality Sector. The company was founded in 2015 by Jeff Cavins and Jennifer Young, and is based in Austin, Texas.

Outdoorsy offers a wide range of RVs, including Class A, Class B, Class C, and travel trailers. Renters can search for RVs based on location, price, and amenities, and can also read reviews from previous renters. Once a rental is booked, Outdoorsy provides insurance coverage, roadside assistance, and 24/7 customer support.

For RV owners, Outdoorsy offers a platform to list and manage their RV rentals. Owners can set their own rental prices and availability, and Outdoorsy handles the marketing, booking, and payment processing. Outdoorsy also provides comprehensive insurance coverage, through its offshoot company Roamly, including up to $1 million in liability coverage and $250,000 in comprehensive and collision coverage.

Outdoorsy has been growing rapidly in recent years and has raised over $130 million in funding from investors. The company has also expanded internationally, with operations in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. Outdoorsy is seen as a disruptor in the traditional RV rental industry, which has historically been dominated by large rental companies.

Other notable companies to make Fast Companies list of Most Innovative Companies this year is AirBnB, Patagonia’s Holdfast Collective, On Running, and Taos Ski Valley. To see the full list click here.

UN-der Water Celebration 🎉

🌊 The High Seas Treaty has been signed! After years - well close to 40 of them - members of the United Nations have agreed to “protect biodiversity in international waters.” This is important because two-thirds of the world’s oceans are considered international waters and by our count that is a lot of water, animals, planets, and organisms.

Although this is the first international agreement on ocean protection since 1982, the United Nations has been actively working to support ocean conservation through a range of initiatives and programs aimed at protecting the health and sustainability of our oceans. Some of the ways in which the UN has supported ocean conservation include:

  1. The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea: This is a global treaty that was adopted by the UN in 1982. It sets out the legal framework for the use and conservation of the world's oceans and their resources and establishes rules for managing marine environments and resolving disputes.

  2. Sustainable Development Goals: In 2015, the UN adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which includes 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Goal 14 focuses specifically on conserving and sustainably using the oceans, seas, and marine resources for sustainable development.

  3. The United Nations Environment Programme: The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) works to protect and conserve the natural environment, including the oceans. It supports initiatives that promote sustainable fishing practices, reduce marine pollution, and protect marine biodiversity.

  4. The Global Ocean Observing System: This is a global network of ocean observation systems that is coordinated by the UN's Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission. It collects and shares data on the state of the world's oceans, including information on temperature, salinity, and sea level.

  5. The UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development: In 2021, the UN launched the Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, which aims to promote ocean science and support the sustainable use and management of the world.

Business, Industry & Economy:

Health, Wellness, & Fitness:

  • 🚶🏽‍♀️You know the old saying “a daily walk keeps the grim reaper away.” Actually, we don’t think that is correct but a new study from researchers at the University of Cambridge might just make it true. They found activity for as little as 11 minutes a day could help prevent 1 in 10 premature deaths. We like you - so get walking!

  • The World Obesity Federation predicts by 2035 more than half the world’s population will be overweight or obese. Come on people - let’s tip the scales in the other direction ⚖️

  • 🍸 Top trends impacting the alcohol industry right now are not clever names and cool labels but health and affordability.

  • 💤 Another week and yet another study showing the benefits of sleep. This time coming from the American Heart Association. They report people who routinely get regular, uninterrupted sleep were better at sticking to exercise and diet plans while trying to lose weight.

  • 💪 Health & Wellness industry might shed some lbs and experience consolidation in 2023 according to these venture capitalists

Sustainability, Conservation & Environment:

  • A $4.7M e-bike program in Denver launched in the Spring of 2022 led to 4,734 residents purchasing e-bikes and fewer car trips.

  • ❄️ The Greatest Snow on Earth is in danger as the Great Salt Lake continues to recede. A smaller lake many fear will negate lake effect storms which provide high annual snowfall. A representative from Snowbird said, “that a single inch of snowfall is worth $2.8 million in Utah’s $1.6 billion ski tourism industry.”

  • Snow-filled winters lead to snow-melt springs. Europe’s lack of snow is exacerbating the growing water crisis coming off the driest summer in over 500 years.

  • Patagonia made the earth its only shareholder but the company’s president believes “the next level of progress can only come when different, otherwise-competing companies, can work together toward a common goal.”

  • 🦋 At least 12 states don’t recognize insects as wildlife in their conservation statutes which makes protecting them quite difficult. The New York Times explores why insects are worth fighting for.

  • 🐨 World Wildlife Day marks the 50th anniversary of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) which was signed on March 3, 1973, and has helped protect thousands of species of plants and animals. 

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion:

Travel, Tourism, & Hospitality:

  • The farm just found a new revenue stream - thanks to platforms like The Dyrt and Hipcamp - farms are diversifying their business and offering unique experiences by offering their land to campers.

  • 🤿 A Snorkel Trail? Yup - that’s right. The Blue Ridge snorkel trail is slated to open this spring in Western North Carolina.

  • Reservations, limited day passes sold, and better control of season tickets are helping ski resorts in the American West handle the record snowfall and masses of people looking to hit the slopes.

  • ✈️ Did the Travel Agent just become a Travel Advisor - the proponents of the sustainable tourism industry see Travel Advisors playing a huge role in the education and management of the travel industry.

  • 🏨 We know after a day of exploring the parks, nothing beats a good spot to rest your head. Check out these top hotels near State and National Parks.

Government, Grants & Policy:

Gear & Gadgets:

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PHC Commissioner
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Issue No. 11: Snow rivers in the sky ❄️

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Issue No. 9: DICK’S Sporting Goods - (RE)-embracing the outdoors ⛰