Issue No. 11: Snow rivers in the sky ❄️
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:
Women’s active apparel brand Athletas CEO is leaving the company. Athletas, owned by Gap, Inc. posted fourth-quarter net sales of $436M only a 1% decrease compared to last year. The search is underway for a new leader.
🏔 Alterra Mountain Company opens Ikon Pass sales tomorrow March 16th. The 23/24 pass will give you access to over 50 global destinations, a year subscription to Outsider+, and discounts at The North Face and Smith Optics.
🔌 EV Range Anxiety has been reduced. Tesla has long operated an exclusive charging network for only its vehicles. After years the company has announced plans to open its network to all EVs filling gaps in the network map and giving EV owners more options to catch a charge.
Dream Internship Opportunity - Solomon launches a work-study program focused on giving motivated students an inside look into the design and production of their outdoor equipment while learning from subject matter experts.
🏂 Burton hosts its annual A Day for Jake - a global day of snowboarding to celebrate the legacy of snowboarding founding father Jake Burton. In addition to the on-mountain activities, Burton donates a portion of the day's sales to the Chill Foundation. This non-profit organization provides opportunities for underserved youth to learn to snowboard and other board sports. #rideonjake
The days of hearing the school bus pulling around the corner and running to the bus stop might be over. Ford reveals an Electric School Bus. Each year, 25 million children take the school bus and travel 5.7 billion miles to and from school.
Three B-corp employees lay out five critical elements for advocacy strategies that will help businesses use their power and influence to push for the system change required to meet climate targets.
🚚 Patagonia, Amazon, and others team up with the Aspen Institute to launch the Zero Emission Maritime Buyers Alliance (ZEMBA). The mission of ZEMBA is to enable companies to access zero-emission shipping solutions that are not currently available.
Unilever and Behavioural Insights Team (BIT), a global social purpose company discovers - What drives consumers to actually act on sustainability initiatives? The answer - Influencers.
Stio adds its 10th Mountain Store in Bozeman following store openings in Boston and South Lake Tahoe. The company announced plans to open 3-4 stores annually to increase its retail channels and nationwide presence.
🅿️ Copper Mountain wrestles with turning a once-free parking lot into a paid lot. Mountain officials believe charging skiers and riders to park will incentivize more people to carpool or find alternative modes of transportation to the mountain. The public has a very different perception of the decision.
The great athletic leadership shakeup - companies from Nike to Foot Locker, Adidas to Puma, Under Armour to Reebok, and VF Corp have experienced a changing of the guard among the leadership ranks as the industry faces unique challenges and opportunities.
🏕 Camping has never been more popular - some States however are implementing some unpopular policies - advanced reservations, higher fees for out-of-state campers, and limitations on capacity - to manage the demand.
Flated, a startup company that creates revolutionary inflatable automobile accessories landed a deal in the Shark Tank from Daymond John.
🤑 Vail Resorts is looking to spend some money in 2023. The company plans $206M to $211M in capital investments across various resorts in 2023. Projects include lift installations, a new technology rollout, integration activities, and the first phase in a multi-year project at Andermatt-Sedrun.
Emerald Holding Inc, the company behind Outdoor Retailer, Surf Expo, The Sports Licensing & Tailgate Show, and over 140 other tradeshows 2022 earnings and sales show one thing - tradeshows are back! The company reported an increase of $180.4 million, or 124%, increase on revenue from events staged in FY 2022 versus FY 2021.
📉 Rivian announces plans to sell Green Bonds and sends its stock tumbling to an all-time low. A green bond is a fixed-income asset intended to raise money for projects related to climate change and the environment. In Rivian’s case, they plan to sell $1.3 billion in convertible green bond offerings due in 2029 but stockholders aren’t so sure.
✈️ Delta Air Lines, which has pledged to have net-zero emissions by 2050, plans to fuel its jets with “sustainable aviation fuel” to reduce its carbon footprint however “there just isn’t enough at this point.”
VF Corp sells its second Green Bond. Net proceeds from the offering have been dedicated to advancing programs within the company’s Sustainability & Responsibility strategy and driving progress toward the achievement of its science-based targets.
🕶 Knockaround Sunglasses becomes the Official Eyewear Partner of the Outside Lands Festival in San Francisco.
Cotopaxi's Davis Smith joins the Inc - What I Know podcast where is candidly speaks about his battle with depression and the 'Spiritual Experience' that led to his creation of Cotopaxi.
REI is slated to open its 8th store in Florida this fall in Sarasota. That makes 8 stores in 10 years in the sunshine state but who’s counting? 🤷🏽
Trove released its inaugural Brand Resale Index: Defining the Resale Experience and REI and Arcterxy top the list.
Health, Wellness, & Fitness:
Only 42% of people trust their fitness tracker’s data says Polar CEO Sander Werring.
🥱 Perfecting Timing - study reveals the perfect time and some steps to take to optimize your nap.
A study first published in the Journal of Pediatrics, suggests that the rise in mental health disorders in children is attributed to a decline over decades in opportunities for children and teens to play, roam and engage in activities independent of direct oversight and control by adults.
Athletes, Sports & Events:
Mikael Shiffrin won her record-breaking 87th victory Saturday in her 246th race on the World Cup circuit, the globe-trotting competition for the best skiers on the planet, making her the most decorated skier in female skier of all-time.
Sustainability, Conservation & Environment:
The Outdoor Alliance, an organization that unites the voices of outdoor enthusiasts to conserve public lands has released its 2022 Annual Report.
New study shows nearly everyone — 99 percent of the global population — is exposed to unhealthy levels of tiny and harmful air pollutants.
🌊 Research shows plastics entering the world's oceans have surged by an "unprecedented" amount since 2005 and could nearly triple by 2040 if no further action is taken
Under Armour and The Nature Conservancy in California discuss why companies must come together to address the growing microplastics problem.
Bill Gates weighs In on other methods for fighting climate change and he doesn’t think the solution is having all Americans become vegetarians.
Forbes launched its annual 30 Under 30 Europe list and its Social Impact category is filled with young entrepreneurs and scientists working to save the planet
We have all heard about greenwashing but what about green hushing? Green hushing refers to companies purposely keeping quiet about their sustainability goals, even if they are well-intentioned or plausible, for fear of being labeled greenwashers.
“Loved to Death” - visitors and the vehicles they use to travel to Banff National Park have increased significantly and so have the problems.
🐋 Conservation Experts say speeding boats and fishing gear are the leading cause of death for the North Atlantic Right Whales.
Climate change does not discriminate and its impacts are being felt everywhere. Outside takes a look at the potential implications of climate change across all 50 states.
Biden has given the green light to the Willow Project, a decadeslong oil drilling venture in the National Petroleum Reserve, which is owned by the federal government. Supporters applaud the decision, but opponents question the move and criticize the move as going against the environmental soapbox Biden has stood on for so long.
🐠 This Marine Biologist turned entrepreneur is restoring coral reefs through 3D printing and clay.
🚗 Ever had to replace the tires on your car? Ever wondered where the rubber from the worn-down tires went? Wonder no more - a growing number of scientists worldwide are researching the effect of tire dust and the findings are not good.
By the year 2000, Atlantic bluefin tuna were in bad shape, depleted by about 80% of their historic biomass, with overfishing to blame but conservation efforts are helping the Atlantic Bluefin Tune rebound.
💧 The EPA has made moves to eliminate forever chemicals from drinking water - this sounds like a good idea to us.
Climate change is causing temperatures to rise and fluctuate more dramatically in the Arctic causing additional problems for the military troops training for sub-zero warfare.
In her recent op-ed for The Washington Post, author Rebecca Solnit suggests that the key to fighting climate change lies in embracing abundance and shared wealth rather than focusing on scarcity. She argues that working together and distributing resources equitably can help us build a sustainable, resilient future. 🌎🤝
As climate change poses a growing threat to ski resorts worldwide, the skiing industry is stepping up its game, with resorts like Aspen Snowmass advocating for more aggressive climate action and adopting sustainable practices. By cutting emissions, investing in renewable energy, and encouraging guests to join the fight against climate change, ski resorts aim to preserve their snowy slopes for future generations. ❄️⛷️
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion:
Sports Innovation Lab and Ally Financial join forces to launch the Women's Sports Collective, an initiative designed to accelerate growth and innovation in women's sports through collaboration, networking, and research. 🚺🎉
🚴🏿 Lyft showcases one man’s quest to unlock the power of cycling in Black and Hispanic communities.
Breaking the gender bias in the world of conservation.
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:
North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper has awarded $9.6 million in park accessibility grants for 21 projects across the state.
Wyoming creates Outdoor Rec Trust Fund. A new $6M trust fund designed to award grants to outdoor recreation projects was signed into law by Governor Mark Gordon. Outdoor Recreation is credited with contributing nearly $3B to Wyoming's GDP in the last two years.
The Farm Bill is a comprehensive piece of legislation that is passed by the U.S. Congress every five years or so, and it deals with a wide range of issues related to agriculture, nutrition, conservation, and rural development. Sustainable Agriculture will be a focal point in the next farm bill.
New Mexico is one of the few states without a dedicated fund for land conservation but many are working to change that.
🏄🏽 Surfrider Foundation hosts 6th Coastal Recreation Hill Day on Capital Hill. Surfrider has engaged more than 700 local activists from 26 states and territories across the country over the last six years. While in DC Surfrider meets with our nation’s federal leaders and urges them to protect our coasts and ocean.
🔌 Two grant programs will dole out $2.5 billion over the next five years to build EV chargers in publicly accessible places and along highways. Interested? Applications are now open.
Products, Gear & Gadgets:
A creative director used Ai to marry Ikea x Patagonia and this is what they got.
🚙 Welp - if you ever wanted a list of the top 10 SUV for the Outdoors here it is.
It might be small but well, it is supposed to be. The pocket blanket gives you everything you need and more.
🌊 We would expect some Outerknown products to be on Kelly Slater's list of go-to items. The 11-time World Surf Champion and co-founder of Outerknown shares his sustainable style and essential items.
Good Morning America goes shopping at REI
🐑 How the Wool Was Pulled Over Outdoor Lovers’ Eyes - Your wooly winter gear isn’t as sustainable as you think
We did a double-take on this headline - Crocs and luxury in the same sentence
🥥 A Surfboard made out of coconuts. Yes, you read that right. NSP is offering greener alternatives by incorporating coconut husks, flax fibers, and bio-based resins into its surfboards.
5 female-founded, sustainable apparel brands reimagining swimwear
Quote of the Week:
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