Issue No. 38: 10 Outdoor Brands Revolutionizing Sustainability 🚀🌿
Hey Outsiders! It’s August and it’s Issue No. 38. In this issue, we dive into the sustainable revolution driving the outdoor industry. 🌱🏔️ From eco-friendly materials and renewable energy adoption to supply chain transparency and carbon offsetting, companies are racing to embrace sustainability and meet conscious consumer demands. We shine a spotlight on ten outdoor brands that are leading the charge in driving positive change, according to Suston Magazine.♻️
Let's go! 🏞️🦌
— Scott Crowder
📢 Spread the word! Share this email to help expand the Outsider Insider community. Join us on LinkedIn.
🌿🚀 Green is the New Black: These 10 Outdoor Brands are Leading the Charge in Sustainability ♻️🌍
Sustainability has become a critical focal point in the outdoor industry, driven by heightened environmental awareness and conscious consumer demands. Companies are facing increasing pressure to adopt eco-friendly practices, reduce carbon footprints, and promote social responsibility. In this analysis, we delve into the trends shaping sustainability efforts and highlight ten outdoor brands that are at the forefront of driving positive change according to Suston Magazine.
♻️ Eco-friendly Materials and Recycling Initiatives: Outdoor brands are shifting towards eco-friendly materials such as recycled plastics, organic cotton, and biodegradable fabrics. Recycling initiatives that promote the reuse of old outdoor gear are gaining traction.
☀️ Renewable Energy Adoption: Sustainable brands are transitioning towards renewable energy sources to power their operations, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and environmental impact.
🔍 Supply Chain Transparency: Companies are increasingly focusing on transparency within their supply chains, ensuring fair labor practices, and monitoring the sustainability credentials of their raw materials.
🌍 Carbon Offsetting and Climate Neutrality: Forward-thinking brands are actively pursuing carbon offsetting initiatives, aiming to achieve climate neutrality in their operations.
🤝 Social and Community Initiatives: Sustainability extends beyond environmental efforts. Companies are investing in social and community programs, supporting local communities and preserving cultural heritage.
📦 Sustainable Packaging: Packaging has become a major concern for the industry. Brands are adopting compostable, biodegradable, or recyclable packaging materials to minimize waste.
🌿 Biodiversity Conservation: Outdoor brands are partnering with conservation organizations to protect and restore biodiversity in natural habitats, contributing to a healthier planet.
🔁 Circular Economy Models: Leading brands are embracing circular economy models, promoting product repair, resale, and recycling to extend product lifespans.
🌱 Zero-Waste Events: Companies are organizing zero-waste events, showcasing their commitment to sustainability and inspiring customers to adopt similar practices.
🗣️ Influencing Consumers: Sustainable brands are leveraging their influence to raise awareness among consumers, encouraging them to make more eco-conscious purchasing decisions.
Suston Magazine highlights 10 outdoor companies that are taking bold steps to prioritize sustainability and environmental responsibility:
🏆 These ten outdoor brands have emerged as leaders in the sustainability movement, setting new industry standards and paving the way for a greener future. Through their innovative practices and initiatives, they are not only minimizing their ecological impact but also influencing consumers and fellow companies to adopt more sustainable practices. As the outdoor industry continues to evolve, these companies' commitment to sustainability will undoubtedly shape the future of outdoor adventures, striking a balance between exploration and environmental responsibility. 🌿🌍
Business, Industry, & Economy:
🏢🏡 Airbnb's Work-from-Anywhere Experiment: Fast Company delves into what Airbnb discovered after a year of letting employees work remotely. The hybrid work model revealed valuable insights, from boosted productivity to work-life balance improvements.
📈🏔️ Outdoor Research's Impactful Journey: Outdoor Research shares its annual impact report, detailing its sustainability achievements and efforts in preserving outdoor spaces. From conservation projects to reducing its carbon footprint, the brand is making strides in responsible practices.
🔋🚗 Tesla's Electric Journey: Reuters investigates Tesla's batteries and their impact on the range of its electric vehicles. The report explores the challenges and innovations driving electric mobility forward, shaping the future of sustainable transportation.
🌞🏄♀️ Sun Bum - Riding the Wave of Marketing Success: Marketing Brew explores how Sun Bum has mastered the art of capturing the essence of beach culture through its marketing strategy. The brand's vibrant and authentic approach resonates with consumers, making Sun Bum a go-to choice for sun seekers everywhere.
🏕️🏔️ Big Agnes Sets Camp in Steamboat Springs: The Daily Outdoor Retailer reports that Big Agnes has secured a long-term headquarters in Steamboat Springs. The move solidifies the brand's commitment to its outdoor roots, embracing the essence of adventure and exploration.
🕶️👓 Oakley's Visionary Return: Shop Eat Surf shares the exciting news of Oakley founder Jim Jannard's comeback to eyewear. With his innovative vision and industry expertise, Jannard's return promises to bring fresh perspectives and cutting-edge designs to the eyewear market.
⛷️🏔️ Alterra Mountain Company's Snowy Path: Alterra Mountain Company CEO Jared Smith joins Storm Skiing Podcast and dives into Alterra Mountain Company's journey in the ski industry. From acquisitions to innovations, this podcast episode provides an in-depth look at how Alterra is shaping the future of skiing and mountain experiences.
🏆🌟 Celebrating Innovation: Introducing The Daily Awards: The Daily Outdoor Retailer introduces The Daily Awards, shining a spotlight on brands and retailers making remarkable strides in the outdoor industry. This recognition highlights the innovative efforts driving positive change and elevating the outdoor experience for consumers.
🌎🤐 Greenhushing and Greenwashing: Grist sheds light on the critical issue of "greenhushing," where companies understate their climate pledges. As climate concerns grow, companies facing lawsuits for greenwashing are called out for inadequate sustainability practices and misleading environmental claims.
🏕️🏡 Landtrust.com - “The Airbnb” for Private Outdoor Recreation Access: Yahoo! News highlights Landtrust.com, the innovative platform dubbed as the Airbnb for private outdoor recreation access. With its unique approach to unlocking private lands for outdoor enthusiasts, the website offers both opportunities and challenges for nature lovers seeking new adventures on private properties. From accessibility issues to potential environmental concerns, the article dives into the potential pros and cons of this novel outdoor recreation model.
SPONSORED BY TENTRR
🏕️🌲 Discover the Great Outdoors with Tentrr Pass! 🚀⛺
Explore the wild wonders of nature hassle-free, as Tentrr sets you up with fully-equipped, private campsites across the country. 🌳🏞️ Say goodbye to pitching tents and hello to relaxation as you immerse yourself in stunning landscapes. 🌄🌳 Whether you're a seasoned camper or a newbie to the outdoors, Tentrr's got your back!
🏕️🌲Book your escape now at Tentrr.com! 📅🔥
Sustainability, Conservation, & Environment:
🐟💰 Billions in Conservation Spending Fall Short for Columbia River Basin Salmon: Forbes explores the challenges in recovering wild salmon populations in the Columbia River Basin, despite significant investments in conservation efforts. The struggle to revitalize these iconic fish highlights the complex interplay of ecological factors and the ongoing fight to protect endangered species.
🌪️🌎 Talking Climate Change During Extreme Weather: The Conversation sheds light on the importance of discussing climate change during extreme weather events. Understanding the link between these events and climate change is crucial in shaping policy and response strategies for a more resilient future.
🌲⚖️ Conservation Groups Prepare Lawsuit Over Forest Plan: Wilderness.org reports on conservation groups gearing up for a potential lawsuit regarding the Nantahala-Pisgah Forest Plan. As stakeholders advocate for the protection of vital ecosystems and wilderness areas, this legal battle holds significant implications for the future of land conservation.
🏞️⚒️ Alaska's Ambler Road Project - Critical Minerals and Climate Concerns: The Washington Post delves into the environmental impact and climate consequences of Alaska's Ambler Road project, designed to access critical minerals. This contentious infrastructure endeavor raises questions about balancing resource extraction with climate and environmental considerations.
🍃📚 Outdoors as a Climate Solution: NCEL Enviro presents a briefing book on the potential of outdoor spaces as a climate solution. From carbon sequestration to sustainable recreation, this resource offers insights on leveraging nature to combat climate change and foster environmental stewardship.
🌊🏞️ Klamath Dams Removal - A Watershed Moment for Tribes and Restoration Efforts: The Washington Post covers the significant step towards removing four dams on the Klamath River, an essential move towards restoring ecosystems and supporting tribal communities. This landmark decision paves the way for environmental restoration and healing for the Klamath Basin.
🚗🏞️ Exploring America's National Parks Amid Crowded Trails: CNN Travel highlights the surging popularity of US national parks and the challenges posed by overcrowding. As more visitors seek outdoor adventures, managing sustainability and preserving natural beauty remain pressing concerns.
🌿💼 Walmart and PepsiCo Join Forces for a $120 Million Sustainability Project: UPI reports on the collaboration between retail giant Walmart and beverage leader PepsiCo in an ambitious sustainability initiative. This multi-million dollar project aims to drive positive environmental impacts, making strides towards a greener future in the corporate landscape.
🦀🩸 Horseshoe Crabs - Blue Blood's Vital Role in Medicine and Conservation: The Denver Post delves into the extraordinary contribution of horseshoe crabs' blue blood to medical research, particularly the detection of bacterial contamination. As these ancient creatures face conservation challenges, scientists and policymakers grapple with striking a balance between medical advancements and preserving these living fossils.
🏞️🗺️ Unveiling the Fremont Slickrock Wilderness: The Salt Lake Tribune reports on the designation of the Fremont Slickrock Wilderness in Utah, protecting its unique landscape and recreational opportunities for future generations. This move marks an important step towards preserving the natural wonders of Utah's wilderness areas.
Health, Wellness, & Fitness:
🍏🌿 Whole Foods Co-founder Ventures into Health and Wellness: Produce Blue Book reports on the launch of a new health and wellness concept by the co-founder of Whole Foods. This innovative venture aims to revolutionize the well-being industry and cater to health-conscious consumers seeking holistic solutions for a healthier lifestyle.
🔥🏠 Inside or Outside? Hot Weather Tips Based on Age: The Wall Street Journal explores the age-dependent considerations for staying indoors or venturing outside during scorching temperatures. As extreme heat becomes more common, understanding age-specific risks can help individuals make informed decisions to stay safe and healthy.
🎾🏋️ Padel: Your Next Fitness Obsession: Vogue introduces the addictive racket sport, padel, as the latest fitness trend. With its growing popularity worldwide, padel combines elements of tennis and squash, making it a fun and accessible way to stay active and fit.
Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion:
👶💼 HR Departments Join the Childcare Movement: HR Brew explores how HR departments are stepping up to support working parents by chipping in for childcare costs, easing the burden of work-life balance. This progressive approach acknowledges the challenges faced by employees and highlights the importance of family-friendly policies in fostering a more inclusive and productive workplace.
🏃♀️👟 Nike Celebrates All Movement, All Moments: Nike showcases its commitment to inclusivity and diversity in sports and movement through their "All Movement, All Moments" campaign. By embracing the stories and experiences of athletes from all walks of life, Nike continues to break barriers and inspire individuals to push beyond limits.
🏕️♿ Embracing the Great Outdoors: Wheelchair-Accessible Camping in Ontario and Beyond: Modern Campground explores the rise of wheelchair-accessible camping options in Ontario and other regions, highlighting efforts to make nature experiences more inclusive and accessible for everyone. These initiatives demonstrate the power of outdoor adventures in promoting equality and empowering people of all abilities.
🌱🌎 Advancing DEI in the Outdoors - A Conversation with Rachel Hailey: Berkshire Eagle interviews Rachel Hailey, a DEI consultant, who shares insights into promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the outdoor industry. As an advocate for change, Hailey emphasizes the importance of fostering a welcoming environment in the outdoors that reflects the diversity of our society.
Travel, Tourism, & Hospitality:
🏞️🚶♂️ Rediscovering Bribie Island's Beauty: Bribie Island's Northern Access Track reopens, sparking a resurgence of outdoor recreation in Australia. Nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers can once again explore this scenic destination, offering an array of outdoor activities and opportunities to connect with nature.
🌿🌍 A Commitment to Conservation and Responsible Tourism: Forbes delves into the growing emphasis on conservation and responsible tourism within the travel industry. As travelers seek more sustainable and eco-friendly options, businesses and destinations are stepping up to protect natural resources and promote responsible practices.
🏔️⛷️ Summer Skiing in Tremblant: Unofficial Networks reports exciting news for snow enthusiasts as Tremblant announces the addition of summer skiing slopes. This innovative move is set to attract skiers and snowboarders, providing a unique experience that combines outdoor adventure with warm-weather fun.
🌲🏞️ Celebrating Nature: In honor of the signing of the Great American Outdoors Act, the U.S. National Parks are offering free admission on their anniversary. This initiative aims to encourage more people to experience the beauty and wonders of the national parks and foster a deeper appreciation for nature.
🌳🏔️ BC's Outdoor Recreation Strategy: British Columbia is taking strides in developing a new outdoor recreation strategy to enhance outdoor experiences for residents and visitors alike. With a focus on sustainable practices and promoting outdoor activities, the province is poised to become an even more attractive destination for nature enthusiasts.
Government, Grants, & Policy:
🏔️💚 Climate Activism on the Rise: Protect Our Winters launches "DirtRoad Organizing," a grassroots initiative rallying outdoor enthusiasts to advocate for climate action and conservation. With outdoor enthusiasts amplifying their voices, the movement seeks to influence policy change and protect our natural playgrounds.
🌡️☀️ Biden's Climate Plan Takes Shape: In response to extreme heat events linked to climate change, President Biden directs OSHA to develop a workplace heat standard to safeguard workers from dangerous heat conditions. This move marks a significant step towards prioritizing worker safety and combating the impacts of rising temperatures.
🏞️💰 LWCF Funding Under Threat: Concerns are raised over a proposed $100 million cut to the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) funding that supports local communities and public lands. As advocates fight to preserve the funding, the future of conservation and outdoor recreational opportunities hangs in the balance.
⚡🚗 Norway Ends EV Incentives: Norway, known for its ambitious electric vehicle (EV) adoption goals, announces the discontinuation of EV tax incentives and subsidies. This decision raises questions about the country's approach to achieving its emissions reduction targets and transitioning to a more sustainable transportation system.
🌳🚍 Great American Outdoors Act at Work: The Great American Outdoors Act continues to drive improvements in national parks, including the iconic Ahwahnee Hotel in Yosemite. As this historic legislation fuels projects and enhancements, visitors can expect even more memorable experiences in the great outdoors.
🚘📈 Fuel Economy Standards Set to Surge: The US proposes a significant hike in vehicle fuel economy standards, aiming for an impressive 58 mpg by 2032. This ambitious target reflects the country's commitment to combating climate change and promoting cleaner transportation options.
🌲🏞️ Idaho's New Outdoor Council Takes Charge: In a proactive move to boost outdoor projects and conservation efforts, Idaho's governor establishes a new council tasked with recommending initiatives that will benefit the state's natural treasures and recreation opportunities.
Products, Gear, & Gadgets:
🏕️🚐 REI and Airstream Unite Again: A year after their first successful team-up, REI and Airstream are back with a bigger and better Basecamp travel trailer designed for epic outdoor adventures. The REI Airstream Basecamp 20x is here to accommodate longer journeys and take your wanderlust to new heights.
Thought of the Week:
If this email was forwarded to you, you can subscribe here.