Issue No. 11: Snow rivers in the sky ❄️

Written By PHC Commissioner

Hey Outsiders! Thanks for subscribing to Outsider Insider and opening up Issue No. 11. This week we take a deep dive into the SVB saga - Hah, just kidding, enough people have done that since last Friday.

In this week’s edition:

  • The ins/outs & pros/cons of Daylight Savings ⏰

  • Atmospheric Rivers or as we like to call them snow rivers in the sky ❄️

  • Patagonia Turns 50 🎉 - proves it’s not just possible, it’s profitable

  • And more!

— Scott Crowder

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Okay, let’s tackle a topic that messes with our internal clocks twice a year: Daylight Saving Time (DST). Whether you love that extra hour of sunshine or dread the time change, we've got the lowdown on the pros and cons of DST. Let's dive in!

⏰ Pros of Daylight Saving Time:

1️⃣ More Daylight: An extra hour of sunlight in the evening can boost outdoor activities, benefit businesses (like retail and hospitality), and encourage people to socialize after work. Basically, it's happy hour for everyone!

2️⃣ Energy Savings: A century ago, DST was introduced as a way to save energy. The idea was that people would use less artificial lighting and heating, leading to reduced energy consumption. However, modern studies show mixed results on whether DST actually leads to significant energy savings today.

3️⃣ Road Safety: Some studies suggest that DST can lead to fewer traffic accidents, thanks to increased visibility during peak driving hours. But don't get too comfortable—this effect is not consistent across all regions.

⏰ Cons of Daylight Saving Time:

1️⃣ Sleep Disruption: "Springing forward" can be a rude awakening for our body clocks. The sudden change in sleep patterns can lead to grogginess, irritability, and even health risks like increased heart attacks and strokes in the days following the time shift.

2️⃣ Economic Costs: DST isn't just messing with your sleep—it's also meddling with your wallet. The biannual time change can lead to decreased productivity, higher energy costs in some regions, and financial losses for industries like agriculture and entertainment.

3️⃣ Inconsistency: Not everyone's on the DST train. Arizona, Hawaii, and a few U.S. territories don't observe DST, and countries around the world have different rules. This inconsistency can lead to confusion and complications, especially for international businesses and travelers.

So, there you have it, Outsiders! DST has its fair share of pros and cons, and the debate rages on. While some love the extra daylight, others are left tossing and turning at night. In the meantime, don't forget to change your clocks and enjoy (or endure) the time change! ⏲️

Atmospheric Rivers = Lots of snow ☃️

Ask any skier - is there such a thing as too much snow? They would likely say no however the ski resorts might say otherwise. In a world of feast or famine - some resorts might have just received too much of the white stuff. Winter storms have dumped more than 50 feet (15 meters) of snow on mountain resorts around Lake Tahoe over the past three months, forcing them to shut down operations and making roads impassable even when the resorts are open. On Vail Resorts’ most recent earnings, the company reduced their near-term expectations citing too much snow in the west and not enough in the east. What is causing this epic snowfall - the answer is Atmospheric Rivers.

What’s the connection between these two fascinating weather phenomena: snowfall and Atmospheric Rivers (ARs). Grab a steaming cup of joe, and let's explore the chilly connection between these natural wonders.❄️

☁️🌨️ Snowy Sky Rivers: ARs are long, narrow bands of concentrated water vapor in the atmosphere, carrying copious amounts of moisture from the tropics to mid-latitude regions. But what happens when these water-laden air currents meet freezing temperatures? The answer, dear Outsiders, is snow – and lots of it!

🏔️ Mountain Magic: When ARs encounter mountain ranges, the moisture-laden air is forced to rise and cool, resulting in heavy precipitation. If temperatures are low enough, this can lead to significant snowfall. This process, known as orographic lift, is responsible for the picturesque, snow-capped peaks we all know and love.

⛷️ A Win-Win for Winter Sports: Ski resorts and snow enthusiasts can thank ARs for some of their powder days. In regions like the western United States, these meteorological marvels can deliver substantial snowfall in a short period, creating a winter wonderland for skiers, snowboarders, and snow angels alike.

🚧 Avalanche Alert: But it's not all fun and games in the snow. When ARs dump large amounts of snow on mountain slopes, the risk of avalanches can increase significantly. Rapid snow accumulation and shifting layers in the snowpack create unstable conditions, making it essential for backcountry adventurers to exercise caution and heed avalanche warnings.

💧 The Big Melt: When temperatures rise, the snow deposited by ARs can melt and contribute to spring runoff. In some cases, this can lead to flooding, especially if the ground is already saturated. However, in regions with dry spells, this snowmelt can replenish water supplies and help alleviate drought conditions.

Atmospheric Rivers not only quench the Earth's thirst but also play a pivotal role in creating snowscapes that are a delight for winter sports enthusiasts and vital to ecosystems. Just remember, as you carve your way down the mountain, you've got those sky rivers to thank for the fresh powder beneath your feet! ⛷️🏂

Patagonia Turns 50 🎉 - proves it’s not just possible, it’s profitable

To celebrate the big milestone, we're diving into the fascinating history of Patagonia, the iconic outdoor apparel brand that's as famous for its environmental activism as it is for its high-quality gear. So, grab your reusable coffee cup, and let's get started!

🌱 Planting the Seeds (1957-1972): Yvon Chouinard, an avid climber, and environmentalist, laid the foundation for Patagonia when he started selling hand-forged climbing equipment under the name Chouinard Equipment. The business took off, and Chouinard's innovative equipment became the gold standard for climbers everywhere.

🏞️ A New Adventure Begins (1973): Chouinard Equipment branched out into clothing with the introduction of their first-ever rugby shirt. This marked the beginning of the Patagonia brand we know today. Named after the rugged South American region, Patagonia was all about creating durable, high-performance gear for the great outdoors.

💡 Pioneering a Movement (1970s-1980s): Patagonia was ahead of its time in more ways than one. In 1977, the company began using sustainable materials, like recycled polyester, and in 1985, it made a bold commitment to donate 1% of sales to grassroots environmental organizations.

🌎 Taking a Stand (1988-Present): Patagonia's activism continued to gain momentum. In 1988, the company introduced its first recycled fleece, the Synchilla Snap-T, and in 1994, it became the first outdoor clothing manufacturer to switch to 100% organic cotton. Over the years, the brand has been involved in numerous environmental campaigns, even famously suing the U.S. government to protect public lands.

📈 More Than Just a Clothing Brand (2000s-Present): As Patagonia's influence has grown, so has its dedication to social and environmental causes. The company launched Patagonia Action Works in 2018, a platform connecting people to grassroots organizations. And let's not forget their 2011 "Don't Buy This Jacket" ad, urging consumers to think twice before making a purchase.

🌍 Earth First: Patagonia recently announced a dramatic shift in its ownership structure, transferring the company's shares to the Holdfast Collective. This nonprofit organization's mission is to ensure that Patagonia's core values of environmental stewardship and social responsibility remain at the heart of its operations. In essence, Patagonia has made the Earth its only shareholder.

🔗 The Holdfast Collective: A subsidiary of Patagonia Works, the Holdfast Collective acts as a steward for the brand, safeguarding its purpose-driven mission. The nonprofit will hold Patagonia's shares in perpetuity, ensuring that the company's profits are channeled into initiatives that protect the environment and promote social justice.

💼 Business as Unusual: By making this transition, Patagonia is taking its commitment to sustainability and ethical business practices to new heights. The company has long been a pioneer in corporate responsibility, donating 1% of sales to environmental causes and leading the way in using recycled materials. By putting the Earth first in its ownership structure, Patagonia is setting a new standard for other businesses to follow.

🌱 A Growing Trend: Patagonia's move is part of a larger shift towards purpose-driven business models. The B Corp movement, for example, has gained momentum in recent years, with companies like Ben & Jerry's and Eileen Fisher seeking to balance profit with purpose. Patagonia's latest announcement could inspire even more businesses to put social and environmental impact at the forefront.

From a humble climbing gear shop to an eco-conscious powerhouse, Patagonia has become a beacon of corporate responsibility. And that, Outsiders, is a history worth celebrating. For more inspiration check out the video released by the company. Cheers to Patagonia for showing us that doing good and doing well can go hand in hand! 🍻

Business, Industry & Economy:

Health, Wellness, & Fitness:

Athletes, Sports & Events:

Sustainability, Conservation & Environment:

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion:

Travel, Tourism, & Hospitality:

  • The Berkshires in Massachusetts was a prime spot for the Gilded Age wealthy to show off their money by building giant mansions, or “summer cottages” as society’s upper crust called them. A historic Vanderbilt Estate just sold for $8M. The home is being restored and may be transformed into a luxury resort development. Resort possibilities include 112 guest rooms, a 15,000-square-foot spa, and a 60-seat restaurant.

  • Is Greater Victoria the “California of Canada?” - Spending time outdoors is part of the year-round lifestyle in Greater Victoria and leaders in the region’s golf community are striving to preserve nature’s bounty.

Government, Grants & Policy:

Products, Gear & Gadgets:

Quote of the Week:

“Thousands of tired, nerve-shaken, over-civilized people are beginning to find out that going to the mountains is going home; that wildness is a necessity; and that mountain parks and reservations are useful not only as fountains of timber and irrigating rivers, but as fountains of life.”
— John Muir, environmentalist and founder of the Sierra Club.urce

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PHC Commissioner
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Issue No. 12: Resale & Recommerce Reinventing Retail 👕
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Issue No. 10: Feeling Outdoorsy 🚐