Issue No. 12: Resale & Recommerce Reinventing Retail 👕
Hey Outsiders! Here it is Issue No. 12, delivered straight to your inbox. You are welcome! Lots happening this week at the crazy intersection of business, environment, policy, wellness, and products.
In this week’s edition:
Resale programs and recommerce platforms ♻️
America’s Outdoor Recreation Act Returns 🏔
And more!
— Scott Crowder
📢 Spread the word! Share this email to help expand the Outsider Insider community.
🔥The trend of resale programs and recommerce platforms 📈
These innovative businesses are breathing new life into pre-loved gear while promoting sustainability, affordability, and fostering a positive impact on the environment. By extending the life of outdoor products and reducing waste, these platforms play a crucial role in preserving the very nature we love to explore.
🎒 Patagonia's Comeback: Direct Branding on Apparel 🏷️
Patagonia, an industry leader in sustainable outdoor apparel, has made a comeback by allowing direct branding on its products once more. This change will increase the brand's reach while continuing to promote its commitment to environmental responsibility and product longevity.
Secondhand fashion continues to surge in popularity, with ThredUp's 10th annual resale report revealing that the resale market is expected to grow to $77 billion by 2025. The report also found that 70% of shoppers plan to buy secondhand in the coming year and that nearly two-thirds of consumers are actively reducing their purchases of new apparel in favor of used or rental clothing.
💵 Trade-in Programs: Earning Cash for Old Clothes 💰
Patagonia's Worn Wear program encourages customers to trade in their old clothes for cash or store credit. This initiative promotes reuse and recycling while providing consumers with a financial incentive to participate in the brand's sustainability efforts.
🔄 Patagonia x Amazon: Repair and Resale Partnership 🤝
At the SXSW festival, Patagonia announced a partnership with Amazon to expand its repair and resale initiatives. By working with the e-commerce giant, the brand aims to reach a wider audience and raise awareness of the importance of repairing and reusing garments.
🚀 Startups Driving the Resale Revolution 🌎
Startups such as Archive and Trove are helping more brands enter the resale market by offering white-label solutions that make launching a resale program easier. These initiatives are driving the growth of the recommerce industry and promoting sustainable consumption habits.
♻️ Resale for the Reusable Water Bottle 💧
Hydro Flask is offering a new trade-in program for old water bottles, encouraging customers to recycle and purchase their reusable water bottles, while also offering a discount code for future purchases. The program aims to reduce plastic waste and promote sustainable habits, while also making it easier for customers to access eco-friendly products.
🌲 Two Platforms: Out & Back Outdoor x SidelineSwap are Blazing the Trail for Recommerce ⚽
Out & Back Outdoor is a resale platform that focuses on providing quality, affordable pre-owned outdoor gear. SidelineSwap is another resale platform, specializing in sports gear and equipment. By offering a space for enthusiasts to buy and sell used equipment, both platforms encourage a circular economy, lower the financial barriers to entry, and keep gear on the trails and fields and out of landfills.
Resale and recommerce platforms will continue to play an essential role in the outdoor industry, promoting sustainability, reducing waste, and making outdoor adventures more accessible to all.
🌅 America’s Outdoor Recreation Act Reintroduced 🏕️
📜 America's Outdoor Recreation Act: Back in the Game 🌳
America's Outdoor Recreation Act (AORA) is back and better than ever. After a period of dormancy, this revitalized bill aims to support and enhance outdoor recreation opportunities across the nation. The legislation will focus on improving access, infrastructure, and funding, as well as engaging communities in conservation efforts. Think of it as a breath of fresh air for nature enthusiasts and local economies.
🤝 Bipartisan Efforts for the Great Outdoors 🌲
Introduced by Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and John Barrasso (R-WY), the AORA enjoys bipartisan support, proving that the great outdoors is a cause we can all rally behind. The bill will benefit outdoor recreational activities such as hiking, fishing, hunting, and camping while supporting conservation and public land management. It's a win-win for the environment and those who love to explore it.
💼 Outdoor Recreation Roundtable: All Hands on Deck ⚓
The Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR) has expressed its full support for the AORA, highlighting the bill's potential to strengthen the outdoor recreation economy and create jobs. With the outdoor industry contributing more than $788 billion to the U.S. economy and supporting 5.2 million jobs, the AORA could play a significant role in boosting economic growth and promoting a sustainable future.
To sum it up, the reintroduction of the America's Outdoor Recreation Act is a breath of fresh air for the outdoor industry, the environment, and the economy. The bill has broad support among state outdoor rec offices, organizations, and brands. You can lend your support and submit your thoughts to Congress through the Outdoor Alliance’s personalized letter portal. 🥾🍃
Stay tuned for more updates on the AORA and other top news, right here on Outsider Insider.
Business, Industry & Economy:
Academy Sports preps for a sporting Analyst & Investor Event in 2023 🏅: PR Newswire
Outdoor Industry Association goes virtual for Capitol Summit 💻🏞: OIA
Stio heads for the hills 🏔, opening in South Lake Tahoe: Tahoe Daily Tribune
Patagonia's CEO dishes out career advice 📚: CNBC
Outdoor industry job opportunities are in-tents 🏕: Daily Journal
YETI shares chillin' like a villain 😎 despite market turmoil: News Heater
Consumers swiping right on brands with strong ESGs 💚: Triple Pundit
Sustainable yachts? Sunreef 80 Eco sails into eco-luxury 🌊: Surface Mag
Colorado ski patrols unionizing? Snow joke! ❄️: Washington Post
Epic or Ikon? Choose your ski pass wisely ⛷️: Forbes
National Ski & Snowboard Retailers Association gets fresh blood 🏂: SGB Online
Berghaus hikes up to B Corp certification 🥾: Ecotextile
Vans President Kevin Bailey talks shop 👟: Footwear News
Best time to buy next year's ski pass? Right now! 🎿: Forbes
REI Co-op promotes within, names new Chief People Officer 🌟: PR Newswire
Terracycle introduces Tiniest Biome, revolutionizing infant wellness 👶: Trenton Daily
Patagonia Provisions and Moonshot Snacks leaders discuss recent acquisition 🌮: NOSH
Deckers Outdoor stock outpaces the competition, strides ahead 👣: Yahoo
Sustainability: it's all about the accounting, Greenbiz says 💹: Greenbiz
U.S. and Canada welcome Volkswagen's billion-dollar battery factory 🔋: Fortune
Alterra Mountain Company invests big in transformational changes 🚡: Alterra Mtn Co
GOOD Meat gets the green light from U.S. FDA 🥩🔬: Business Wire
Outdoor Recreation Roundtable members tout conservation wins at White House summit 🌲: Recreation Roundtable
OIA reports on how sustainability and ethical practices are driving consumer decisions in the outdoor industry 🌿💡: OIA
Four things entrepreneurs don't need, according to Entrepreneur.com 🚀: Entrepreneur
Forever chemicals pose risks for skiers and snowboarders ⚠️❄️: Mirage News
AJU Daily reports on a trend toward eco-friendly outdoor clothing materials 🌱👕.
SPONSORED BY BURGEON OUTDOOR
👕 Discover the Craftsmanship of Burgeon Outdoor 🌲
Attention, Outsiders! Just like your favorite craft beer or artisanal cocktail, Burgeon Outdoor is all about the art of fine craftsmanship, and it's time to raise a glass to their exceptional, handcrafted outdoor gear.
Burgeon Outdoor combines the passion for the great outdoors with a commitment to sustainable practices and local craftsmanship. Founded by outdoor enthusiasts who believe in the power of community, this brand is dedicated to producing quality outdoor apparel and gear that's both eco-friendly and durable.
🌿 Responsibly Made, Adventure Ready 🏔️ At Burgeon Outdoor, every stitch tells a story. Using locally sourced materials and ethical manufacturing processes, their team of skilled artisans handcraft each product to ensure you're geared up for your next adventure in style.
🏡 Giving Back to Nature and Community 🤝 Burgeon Outdoor isn't just about making great gear; they're dedicated to preserving the environment and supporting local communities. With initiatives like their commitment to plant 1,000 trees in the White Mountains and partnerships with local nonprofits, Burgeon Outdoor goes the extra mile to make a difference.
So, why not savor the craftsmanship of Burgeon Outdoor and raise a toast to sustainable adventure? 🥂
Visit BurgeonOutdoor.com to explore their handcrafted, eco-friendly gear and learn more about their inspiring story at BurgeonOutdoor.com/pages/our-story. 🏔
Health, Wellness, & Fitness:
Soccer star Ashlyn Harris spills the (green) tea on her eco-friendly lifestyle 🌱🥦: Athletes, they're just like us (but, like, really good at sports). Green Matters
World, we have a weighty problem: obesity will cost $4T annually by 2035 🍔💸: Time to rethink that second slice of pizza, maybe? Fitt Insider
Wrinkles beware! Cold exposure is the latest anti-aging trend ❄️🧖: Frosty facials are now a thing, folks. Business Insider
Catching Z's in nature might be the secret to better sleep 😴🌲: Mother Nature, the original sleep whisperer. Real Daily
Exercise: the new antidepressant 💪😄: Who knew that breaking a sweat could also break the blues? InsideHook
A new study reveals the impact of air pollution on life expectancy 😷⏳: Fresh air isn't just a luxury, it's a necessity. ScienceDaily
Getting PFAS out of our drinking water 💧🚰: Raise a glass to cleaner H2O! Fast Company
Vancouver Canucks' summer of sweat 💪🏒: When hockey players trade ice for iron. The Province
When fitness trackers hold you hostage 🔒🏃♀️: Can we please hit "snooze" on our wristbands? Boston Globe
Spartan Ultra 50k race workout plan: go hard or go home 🏃💨: Are you tough enough to conquer this race? Muscle & Fitness
Avanlee Christine, CEO's wellness habits for success 🧘♀️💼: Fortune shares insights from the top of the corporate wellness world. Fortune
Boost employee performance with morning routines 🌅👩💼: Time to rise and grind for productivity! Employee Benefit News
Harvard's secret diet for a long and healthy life 🥗🔬: Who's ready to take a bite out of science? CNBC
The $150 billion global economic impact of ignoring women's health 🚺💰: It's time to do better for our ladies. Fast Company
Sustainability, Conservation & Environment:
Crux POW: Protecting our winters, one ski turn at a time ❄️⛷: Climate action on the slopes. Protect Our Winters
🌳🚯 National parks may ban single-use plastics as Environment America pushes for change 🔗.
Mother Nature holds the key to climate solutions, says Bloomberg Opinion. Embracing natural climate fixes like reforestation and regenerative agriculture could be game-changers!🌱🌎
Bain & Company introduces the Net Zero Navigator, a collaboration with Persefoni to accelerate corporate climate action. The platform aims to help companies measure, reduce, and report their carbon emissions more effectively! 📊🌿
🇦🇱🏞️ Albania establishes Europe's first wild river national park along the Vjosa River. A major win for conservation and eco-tourism, this pristine waterway is set to stay wild!
Corporate sustainability evolves into a team effort, according to The Wall Street Journal. Companies are now partnering up to tackle environmental challenges and drive positive change! 🤝🌿
🛢️❌ Conservation groups file suit to halt Biden-approved Willow Oil Project on Alaska's North Slope. The legal battle heats up as environmentalists aim to put the brakes on Arctic oil development!
♻️🏢 GreenBiz emphasizes the crucial role of sustainability in boardrooms, both now and in the future. Companies take note: prioritizing the planet is a must for long-term success! 🌍📈
📲🌿 A new University of Michigan study reveals that social media content can unlock new frontiers for sustainability science researchers. It's official: the digital realm is a gold mine for understanding human-environment interactions!
Pew Trusts highlights 4 reasons to improve Bureau of Land Management conservation policies. From protecting habitats to boosting the economy, these changes could reshape America's public lands for the better! 🇺🇸🌱
Seattle PI warns that seeds clinging to your hiking socks might be aiding the spread of invasive plant species 🔗. Outsiders, let's clean our gear and protect our trails from unwelcome hitchhikers! 🌳🚶♂️
🚶♀️🌿 PBS shares simple steps hikers can take to help reduce the spread of invasive plant species 🔗. Let's lace up our boots, follow these guidelines, and keep our natural spaces healthy!
🇳🇴🔑 Norway's model of development could hold the key to Newfoundland's sustainable energy future 🔗. Time to turn up the clean energy vibes and learn from our Scandinavian friends!
❄️🏂 The Wall Street Journal reports that ski resorts are turning to snowmakers as climate change reduces natural snowfall.
🌳🏗️ Mother Nature knows best, so let's start building with the ultimate architect! Scientific American urges us to use nature as infrastructure for more sustainable and cost-effective solutions.
💰🌍 Jeff Bezos' Earth Fund announces $35 million in new grants for climate reporting and sustainable agriculture. Ready, set, green!
Victory! President Biden establishes the Avi Kwa Ame National Monument in Nevada. Let's celebrate and explore this stunning new addition to America's protected landscapes! 🇺🇸🥾
🌳👩⚕️ In honor of International Day of Forests, Earth.com highlights how green spaces reduce health risks and improve well-being. Time to go for a walk in the woods and give ourselves some natural TLC!
🌊🌲 The Biden-Harris Administration takes new action to conserve and restore America's lands and waters.
💧🌿 The rush to invest in water infrastructure has a potential downside: less scrupulous firms could invest in environmentally damaging schemes. It's important to balance the need for investment with the need to protect our natural resources. 🚰🌱
💧💦 World Water Day is celebrated annually on March 22 to highlight the importance of freshwater, and this year it is marked with news of funding pledges to address global water challenges, including $1 billion by the U.S. and $500 million by the Netherlands. 💰💰
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion:
Indigenous land acknowledgments are an increasingly popular way to recognize the histories of the native peoples that lived in the areas we now occupy 🔗. However, some critics argue that they can become empty gestures if not followed by meaningful action. 🤝🙏
Travel, Tourism, & Hospitality:
🌿🌎 Sustainable travel isn't just for backpackers anymore; luxury hotels are offering eco-friendly options to travelers who want to be green without sacrificing comfort. From carbon-neutral resorts to farm-to-table dining, there are plenty of ways to have a posh vacation that doesn't harm the planet.
The pandemic has had a significant impact on ski resorts in Canada, with limited lift capacity and unpredictable snowfall, leading travelers to seek more reliable options, such as Colorado. While Canadian resorts are struggling with the effects of climate change and COVID-19, Colorado's well-funded, innovative infrastructure is luring tourists with promises of a great time on the slopes.🏔️❄️
The hospitality industry is stepping up its sustainability game and investing in eco-friendly practices from sourcing to operations. Hotels are now realizing that sustainability isn't just a fad, but an essential part of their long-term strategy, and consumers are increasingly seeking sustainable options for their stays. ♻️🌍
The Great Wolf Lodge in the Pocono Mountains is set to undergo a $125M redesign aimed at making the water park more sustainable. The renovation will include the installation of more energy-efficient lighting, water-saving fixtures, and a new water treatment system, among other improvements. 💧🌳
In a survey conducted in China, it was found that although Chinese tourists are concerned about climate change, they are not willing to pay extra for sustainable travel options. 👀 The study suggests that travel companies need to find innovative ways to incorporate sustainable practices into travel experiences without increasing costs. 💡
Money Control believes the future of sustainable travel may lie in ecologically constructed hotels, with a growing number of hotels aiming to incorporate sustainable features such as solar power, water conservation, and locally sourced materials. This could help to reduce the environmental impact of the tourism industry and offer travelers an eco-friendly option for their next vacation. ♻️🏨
☀️🌴 Open-air workspaces are the new remote office oasis, as companies embrace the work-from-anywhere trend. 🌍💼 Check out these breezy, well-designed spaces that make you want to swap your PJs for sunscreen. 😎🔆
Government, Grants & Policy:
The President wants Congress to invest in conservation and has proposed eight different ways to do so, including funding for National Parks, fish and wildlife conservation, and climate resiliency. If passed, these initiatives could lead to significant improvements in the protection and restoration of natural habitats and public lands across the United States. 🌳🦌
Two Nevada senators have announced $417 million in funds for recreation and conservation projects, including $20 million to create the Avi Kwa Ame National Monument in the state. The funding will also go toward the improvement of trails, restoration of watersheds, and wildlife conservation efforts, among other initiatives. 💰🏞️
The US Fish and Wildlife Service has announced that over $56 million has been allocated to support conservation projects and protect vulnerable wildlife across the country, in a bid to conserve biodiversity and combat climate change. The funding will go to state and territorial wildlife agencies, and will be used to support wildlife conservation efforts, including the recovery of endangered species and the restoration of their habitats. 🐟
⚡️🚲 The E-BIKE Act was been reintroduced in Congress but environmental groups are divided over a bill that would provide tax credits for e-bikes and electric cars. Some argue that the focus should be on improving public transportation infrastructure, while others believe that incentives for electric modes of transportation are a step in the right direction to reduce carbon emissions.
Rail-trail advocacy organization Rails-to-Trails Conservancy has released a list of earmarks it is hoping to see in upcoming federal funding legislation, including investments in biking and walking infrastructure, park access, and trail conservation. 💰🚶♀️🚴♂️
Products, Gear & Gadgets:
Surfing culture is being forced to examine its links to neoprene and cancer in the new documentary "The Big Sea". The film is shedding light on the potentially harmful environmental impact of neoprene wetsuits on surfers and the ocean 🌊.
Teton Gravity Research (TGR) has launched its 2023 lineup of optics products and athletes, including snow goggles, sunglasses, and helmets. The new collection features cutting-edge technology and bold designs, with a team of world-class athletes to promote the products. 🏂👓
Gear Patrol reports that Patagonia has partnered with W.L. Gore & Associates to create a new sustainable waterproof material that uses recycled plastic, and can be recycled again at the end of its life cycle, with a goal to use it across all of their products by 2025. The new material, called “EcoAdvanced+” is part of Patagonia’s ongoing efforts to reduce its environmental footprint and promote sustainability in the outdoor industry.
Quote of the Week:
“In nature, nothing is perfect and everything is perfect. Trees can be contorted, bent in weird ways, and they’re still beautiful.”
If this email was forwarded to you, you can subscribe here.