Issue No. 21: The Confluence at the Colorado River 💦
Hey, Outsiders! 🌲📰 Every week, we sift through the vast landscape of happenings and developments to bring you a curated and detailed overview of what's transpired in the world of the outdoors. From the latest business strategies and product launches to government policies and initiatives shaping the natural world, we provide a comprehensive view of how these forces impact the outdoors. Join us as we dive into the stories, trends, and innovations that shape our time spent outside and our planet's future.
In this week’s edition:
🤝 Collaboration and Compromise over the Colorado River 💦
🚫📵 The U.S. Surgeon General Takes a Stand: Screen Time's Impact on Youth Mental Health Goes Beyond the Thumb War 👍🧠
And more!
Here it is Issue No. 21 - enjoy! 😘
— Scott Crowder
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💦 River Rescue: Uniting States, Strategies, and Snowfall to Save the Colorado
Riding the River of Change 🌊: A confluence of the environment, politics, and climate converging at the mighty Colorado River.
Let's make a deal 🤝: The New York Times reports on a groundbreaking agreement among seven states to limit water use and conserve the Colorado River. They've dived into data, negotiations, and the nuts and bolts of this historic conservation accord. This is more than a drop in the bucket; it's an attempt to navigate the ebb and flow of the river's future, in the face of depleting water levels.
Thirsty for more 💧: The Guardian provides a deep dive into the shared commitment of California, Arizona, and Nevada. It's not just about who's drinking the water; it's also about who's willing to save it. Their agreement addresses the drought conditions threatening the river, balancing the interests of agriculture, industry, and cities. The Lower Basin Plan to protect the Colorado River, echoes the spirit of collaboration, the plan aims to bridge state borders and ensure the river's longevity. This is teamwork on a whole new level. In a world thirsty for sustainable solutions, this deal sets a precedent.
A federal nod 🏛️: The Biden-Harris Administration is taking note. They've proposed a historic system for the river's conservation that factors in the recent record snowfall in the West. Could this help combat the drought conditions? Stay tuned, as this could bring about a world of change for the Colorado River.
The Takeaway: protecting the Colorado River isn't just about a single policy, state, or snowfall; it's a ripple effect of collaboration, conservation, and climate action. 🌍💚
📱From Cyber Space to Open Spaces: Surgeon General's Warning, Montana's Digital Time-out, and Unplugging for the Great Outdoors 🌲📵
Playing the lead role in our daily digital drama is the U.S. Surgeon General. The health honcho is drawing a serious line in the sand on screen time's impact on the mental health of the youth. The plot twist? It's not just about sore thumbs or eye strain anymore. 🚫👍👀
Adding a dose of drama, Montana isn't just wagging its finger at excessive tech time, it's full-on blocking TikTok. This move is not merely a dance-off but a digital detox aimed to encourage real-life interactions over crafted digital personas. There are some security measures associated with the ban as well. 🕺📵
Now, what's a Gen-Z to do in a TikTok-less world? Don't fret; there's a new trend hitting the scene, and it's good, old-fashioned nature. As per FamilyEducation and Child Mind, outdoor time isn't just a throwback, it's a mental health hack. Here's some food for thought: a study found that kids who spent more time in green spaces had up to 55% lower risk of mental health disorders in adulthood. Fresh air, lower stress levels, improved cognition, and better physical health... Nature, who knew you were such a showoff? 🏞️🧠
Bottom line: from the Surgeon General's stern warning, Montana's digital detox, to the spotlight on nature's bountiful benefits, it seems we're all being nudged to swipe left on excessive screen time and embrace the healing power of the great outdoors. Trade those avatars for some actual adventures! 🌿🔄📴
Business, Industry & Economy:
🕶️ Costa Sunglasses is celebrating 40 years of leading the way in high-quality performance sunglasses, particularly for fishing enthusiasts. As the brand looks back on four decades of success, they're also eyeing the future with their continued commitment to conservation efforts. 🎣🌍
🏢 L.L. Bean, the renowned outdoor retailer, is set to open its new state-of-the-art headquarters on June 15. The HQ, based in Freeport, Maine, is a symbol of the company's resilience and ongoing commitment to improving customer and employee experience. 🎉🎈
🧘♀️ Athleisure brand Lululemon is stepping up its sustainability game by investing in Samsara Eco - an Australian performance textile recycling company. 🌳♻️
🏃 Strava and Nike are teaming up to streamline the digital fitness landscape. The collaboration will integrate Nike's expert training plans with Strava's social features and detailed performance stats, bringing a new comprehensive fitness tool to athletes worldwide. 🏃♀️🌐
🎒 Outdoor start-ups now have a dedicated platform, Founded Outdoors, where they can showcase their offerings. The initiative aims to provide a stage for emerging brands at key industry events, driving innovation in the outdoor segment. 🌲⛺️
🚵♀️ Recovery tool manufacturer Roll Recovery is partnering with Backcountry.com to make their innovative recovery products more accessible. With this partnership, the companies aim to bring much-needed relief to outdoor enthusiasts post-adventure. 💪🌄
🎙️ How I Built This podcast features an insightful conversation with Davis Smith, the founder of Cotopaxi. Smith shares his journey in building the outdoor gear brand, shedding light on the unique blend of business and philanthropy that characterizes Cotopaxi's mission. 🏞️💡
🏕️ Planning your next camping trip just got easier with CampScanner, a new tool by Harvest Hosts. It's designed to help you snag those coveted camping spots in national and state parks, even if they initially appear sold out. Bye-bye, booking frustrations! 👋⛺️
🌄 Ever wondered what it takes to lead an iconic outdoor brand like Patagonia? In this Entrepreneur interview, former CEO Kris Tompkins spills the beans on the challenges and rewards of steering such a powerhouse. She shares invaluable advice for budding entrepreneurs. 💡🎒
🍦🌿 Fully Baked Ideas: Ben & Jerry's co-founder, Ben Cohen, is dipping into the cannabis industry with a new nonprofit venture. His mission? Make quality cannabis more accessible, with an emphasis on racial justice and helping communities most affected by the war on drugs. Get the scoop on Forbes.
👕💡 Genius or madness? Patagonia calls itself an "unsustainable" brand in a bold move that has everyone talking. See why Inc believes it's a stroke of marketing genius.
🏆 Outdoor Retailer unveils its finalists for the Inspiration Awards, shining a spotlight on trailblazing individuals and companies making waves in the outdoor industry. Who will be the big winners? Stay tuned! 🎉
💚 Need help formulating a sustainability strategy? This GreenBiz article has you covered with a go-to guide for making your operations greener. Start your journey towards a more sustainable future today. 🌍
🚐 More adventures on the horizon! Winnebago extends its partnership with the National Park Foundation, reaffirming its commitment to connecting people with nature. Find out what this means for your next RV trip in this RV Business piece. 🌲🛣️
🏕️🎸 The great outdoors meets music in Colorado! Outside Inc. and Colorado officials are looking to blend adventure sports and music in an upcoming festival aimed at bringing the outdoor community together. Keep your hiking boots and dancing shoes ready!
🎣 Get ready, Jacksonville! Bass Pro Shops is launching a mega outdoor world destination retail store to serve Florida's outdoor enthusiasts. Fishing, boating, hunting, and camping - they've got it all under one roof.
⛷️📉 It's a downhill slope for skiing in Switzerland with a 9% drop in skier visits in 2023. The decrease follows a pandemic-induced boom, and it remains to be seen how the industry will adapt to the climate change impacts of warmer winters and less snow.
🌲 How can outdoor brands sustain the pandemic boom? The Industry Fashion has a few ideas, including investment in sustainable production and building strong community relationships. It's an insightful read for all you industry insiders.
🏆🌍 Patagonia Inc., the much-loved outdoor apparel brand, is set to receive the 2023 Environmental Hero Award from the Environmental Defense Center. The accolade recognizes the company's consistent efforts toward environmental conservation.
🤖🏔️ ChatGPT gets outdoorsy! In a Men's Journal interview, ChatGPT provides its insight into how artificial intelligence will transform the outdoor industry. From smarter gear to AI-assisted adventure planning, the future looks exciting!
🥇 Patagonia lands at the top spot - The Axios Harris Poll results provide insights into the reputation of companies based on various metrics such as customer sentiment, employee satisfaction, and social media buzz.
Profit and purpose, unite! 🤝 More and more agencies are adding a B Corp certification to their resumes, aligning business growth with social responsibility. Looks like the ad world is creating some buzz-worthy change! 🐝🌍💼
Kia's got your ticket to trails! 🏞️ Kia America is gifting new 2023 and 2024 Seltos SUV buyers a 6-month free subscription to AllTrails, putting nature at their fingertips. Talk about an off-road perk! 🚙🌲🗺️
SPONSORED BY ORCA COOLERS
🍹🌞Welcome to the Summer of ORCA 🌞🍹
Memorial Day Weekend is here, folks! 🇺🇸 And you know what that means – the official kick-off of the sun-soaked, sizzle-filled summer season. Whether you're planning backyard BBQs, beach excursions, or high-altitude hikes, we've got one name for you: ORCA Coolers.
Why ORCA? It's simple. ORCA – Outdoor Recreation Company of America – is a part of the mighty Gathr Outdoors family, renowned for designing top-tier outdoor gear that champions adventure and sustainability. And their coolers are no exception.
But ORCA's not just about coolers. This season, they're putting a frosty spin on your favorite summer drink with their new Margarita Cups 🍹. Yes, you read that right. Say goodbye to warm, watered-down drinks and hello to ice-cold refreshment that lasts. Just imagine your margarita, as chilly at the last sip as the first, no matter the heat. Magic? No, that's ORCA engineering.
Yet, there's more to this outdoor gear guru than impressive insulation. Committed to quality, ORCA products are American-made and built to last, just like your most treasured summer memories. They're all about durability, which means less waste and more sustainable summer fun. 🌍♻️
And let's not forget the endless variety. From tumblers to ice chests, ORCA’s got you covered with a rainbow of vibrant colors and a range of sizes that cater to all of your outdoor adventures.
So, gear up for an epic summer with ORCA. Savor the warmth, the sunshine, and of course, the perfectly chilled drinks.
Experience the ORCA difference this summer. You’ll find it’s not just the margaritas that are cool. 😎
Health, Wellness & Fitness:
🌱🍽 CRISPR technology is revolutionizing the food industry with a new partnership between Pairwise and Conscious Greens. This union aims to bring more sustainable veggies to your plate.
🏃🍽️ According to a new study, just one run can significantly change how your brain perceives food. The treadmill never looked so appetizing!
☀️😴 Morning sunlight, it's more than just a great Instagram filter. Science shows how the early morning rays can have significant benefits on your sleep cycle and overall health.
👗📈 Personalization is the latest trend in the health and fitness industry, according to General Catalyst. The industry's evolution towards tailoring products and services to the individual is poised to revolutionize how we approach our wellness journeys, making for a more inclusive and effective future.
💍🏃♀️ Health and tech unite with Oura and John Hancock as they aim to reward healthy living with policy benefits. Your fitness goals could save you money on your life insurance!
🩺🔎 Think you're too young for health screenings? Think again! The Wall Street Journal breaks down the conditions you should start screening for, at any age. Because prevention is better than cure.
Take your therapy al fresco! 🔥 Teton Gravity is introducing "Campfire Therapy," merging the tranquility of the mountains with mental wellness. Grab a s'more and let the healing begin! 🏔️🧘♀️
One step at a time! 🥾 The New York Times is guiding newbie hikers towards the great outdoors, with the beginner’s guide to hiking. Time to hit the trails, trailblazers! 🌲👣
Sustainability, Conservation & Environment:
🔥 Heat waves are making headlines and causing some noise among crickets, as per Bloomberg. Changing temperatures seem to affect the frequency of cricket chirps, highlighting how global warming impacts even the smallest of creatures.
🌲 The Pacific Northwest is experiencing record-breaking wildfires following an unprecedented heat wave, reports The Atlantic. These events serve as a stark reminder of the escalating impact of climate change.
🐺 Wolves in the West are stirring up controversy between ranchers and policymakers, according to Deseret News. The ongoing debate emphasizes the intricate balance needed between wildlife conservation and the livestock industry.
🌊 BBC News brings us a tale of eco-friendly recovery with the successful restoration of a dead sea meadow in the UK. The restored meadow now captures carbon 35 times faster than a tropical rainforest.
🌌 In celebration of International Astronomy Day, Hipcamp partners with the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada to create a Canadian Dark Skies map, detailed by The Weather Network. The interactive map promotes stargazing and the preservation of dark skies, an often overlooked aspect of environmental protection.
🐳 Live Science reports on a mysterious trend: orcas sinking boats in Europe. It appears these highly intelligent creatures might be communicating and teaching each other these tactics, but scientists are still trying to understand why.
📊 PwC is stepping up to help companies assess climate risks with their new climate risk modeling tool. This is part of a wider movement to integrate climate change into financial decision-making.
🌊 From global activism to political pushbacks, discover the Seabin story, a tale of creating a simple yet effective solution to clean our oceans.
🎢 Forbes emphasizes the importance of purpose in the attractions industry's sustainability efforts. It's not just about going green, but creating an engaging and meaningful experience for visitors.
💚 Entrepreneur sheds light on how going green is revolutionizing branding and corporate identity. More than a trend, sustainability is becoming a core value for many businesses.
💧 The CEO of Land O'Lakes is stressing the importance of water sustainability. In an industry where water is key, this represents a significant commitment to environmental stewardship.
👗 Angelina Jolie steps into the fashion world with Atelier, her new sustainable fashion brand. With a focus on ethical production and eco-friendly materials, this A-lister is setting a new standard in Hollywood.
🐟 Fisheries are starting to utilize Artificial Intelligence to make their practices more sustainable and efficient. AI is helping them predict fish patterns and manage stocks responsibly.
🔥🐝 Alberta's beekeepers are expressing concern about the ecological ramifications of widespread wildfires. CBC highlights how the destruction goes beyond just the bees, impacting pollination and therefore entire ecosystems. With ongoing climate change, the future of these critical pollinators hangs in the balance.
💭 Is there anything left to conserve? That's the thought-provoking question posed by UnHerd, delving into the complexities of modern conservation efforts. In a time of unparalleled environmental challenges, the article encourages readers to reassess what conservation truly means and how we can reshape it for the better.
⛰️ The Bureau of Land Management is making critical changes that will redefine the line between conservation and commercial interests. As The American Bar Association points out, the effects of these decisions will significantly influence the future of U.S. public lands and may have profound implications for sustainability and conservation efforts.
🐠 Nature dives deep into the world of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). MPAs aren't just underwater parks; they offer a triple-win scenario — enhancing biodiversity, bolstering fisheries, and mitigating climate change. The article underscores the need for strategic planning and robust management for MPAs to achieve these benefits.
⛷️ The slopes are turning green, and not just because of the spring thaw. The ski industry is making significant strides towards sustainability, with Men's Journal detailing the eco-conscious efforts of resorts and gear manufacturers. This winter, sustainability is the hottest trend on the mountain.
A wing and a prayer! 🦉 British Columbia's last Northern Spotted Owl faces a challenging survival flight. Here's hoping we can turn a new feather in conservation for this magnificent bird. 🌲🤞
Turning up the heat! 🔥 A Fast Company article warns us about a future where extreme heat could push parts of our planet outside the "human niche." It's time to put some serious chill on global warming. 🌍💦
River Rights! 🌊 This piece explores the fascinating legal notion of giving rights to rivers, and the potential ripples it could create in environmental protection. It's a deep dive into making waves in eco-law! ⚖️💧
Whoa, hold your snowballs! ☃️ The International Ski Federation (FIS) has been caught on thin ice, with a new study highlighting their slippery greenwashing tactics. 🎿💔 Seems like FIS's eco-credentials are more of a snow job than a game changer for our winters! 🌍💨
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion:
🎨 Creatives of Color are being spotlighted in the outdoor industry! The Joy Trip Project dives into the rich tapestry of talent among artists and creators from diverse backgrounds. Their unique perspectives are reshaping narratives in outdoor culture and enhancing inclusivity in this traditionally homogeneous space.
👟 Adidas is dealing with the fallout of a partnership that turned sour. The sportswear giant found itself in a controversial position following anti-Semitic remarks by Kanye West, leading to the termination of their Yeezy collaboration, as reported by Reuters. Now, Adidas has taken a productive approach to managing the leftover inventory - all Yeezy merchandise will be sold, and the proceeds will go towards supporting anti-hate groups. It's a powerful move toward corporate responsibility in the face of controversy.
Pedal to the metal, Fox Racing is fueling the future 🚀 with their Career Exploration Program, giving local at-risk youth a lane to the fast track. 🚲🎓
Burton is riding the wave 🏂 of inclusivity with their latest bold capsule collection, co-created by Design Your Pride contest winner Roberta Hall, putting the 'rad' in radical self-expression. 🌈🤘
Travel, Tourism, & Hospitality:
Waiting game! 🏞️ Delays and closures are hitting our National Parks, and Outside Online breaks down what that means for your outdoor adventures. Patience is a virtue, even in nature! 🐾⏱️
Glam + Camping = Glamping! 🏕️✨ Hotels Above Par is showcasing the crème de la crème of glamping hotels across the USA. Time to add a little sparkle to your stargazing nights! 🌟🛏️
Government, Grants & Policy:
🚲 NYC is stepping up its e-bike battery disposal efforts. With the aim of reducing the hazards linked to improperly discarded batteries, the city is encouraging safe recycling to keep e-bike usage both convenient and eco-friendly. 🌳🔋
Size matters! 🚗 This Streetblog piece reports a big idea that's parked and ready: the larger your car, the more you'll pay to park it. Now, that's what we call a space-efficient strategy! 🅿️💰
E-scooters, assemble! 🛴 Bird, Lime, Spin, and Superpedestrian unite in the name of safe and efficient micromobility, recommending regulations for a smooth ride. Talk about a powered up collaboration! ⚡️🤝
It's showtime in Nevada! 🎰 Nevada legislature is being urged to hit the jackpot with oil money, using it to fund green initiatives. Time to let it ride on renewable energy! 🌿💵
Pedal power! 🚲 On US Bike to Work Day, US News shares how the pandemic and eco-thinking have shaped cycling-friendly cities worldwide. Turns out, two wheels can make a world of difference! 🌍🚴♀️
California's got the power! 🌞 The Bureau of Land Management is advancing clean energy in California, ensuring the Golden State stays golden with renewable resources. Shine on, California! ☀️🔌
Products, Gear & Gadgets:
Bite back! 🦟 Fast Company reports a new fabric that's giving mosquitoes the cold shoulder, designed to block those pesky bites. Your next adventure just got a lot less itchy!
Making waves! 🌊 Surf legend Kelly Slater is diving into the fashion industry, launching a sustainable clothing line that's riding the eco-friendly tide. Surfs up, plastics down! 🏄♂️🍃
Work hard, play hard! 😎 Volcom is introducing a new workwear collection, merging function with fashion. The grind never looked so good! 🏗️👔
Gear up, prices down! 🎒 Get ready for the great outdoors with REI's Anniversary Sale offering mountainous deals on all your adventure needs. Your wallet can thank us later! 💰🏞️
🛋️ Is this a joke - Fancy a floating sofa that can also save lives? Fast Company presents a luxury sofa that doubles as a life raft, turning heads and prompting discussions about disaster-ready furniture.
Quote of the Week:
“42.3 Million Americans Expected to Travel for Memorial Day Weekend”
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