The Outdoor Industry Hearts Nature
Posted on Tuesday, January 29th, 2008
Last week’s winter Outdoor Retailer trade show was replete with green product, lingo and signage. Attendees could throw bottles, foil and food into the trashcan guilt-free knowing that some poor chap (or lass) would later sort the refuse into the appropriate recycling bins.
Everlite boasted its Solar Headlamp, Merrell revealed its lightweight Gatherer Jacket, fillable with the wearer’s insulation material of choice (suggestions include recycled newspaper, packing materials and even family pictures, as the jacket is transparent). And, the Conservation Alliance launched the Legacy Fund.
It’s about time.
Strolling under the florescent lights (CFLs?) of the Salt Palace Convention Center passing backpack after stylish backpack and shoe rack after hip shoe rack, it was hard not to think that the Outdoor Industry touts BUY MORE just like any other industry (I mean, hello? Have you seen Cloudveil’s SchoellerKoven Plus? It’s sick!).
As outdoor enthusiasts, aren’t we supposed to be enjoying nature rather than exploiting it to sell the latest spill-proof water bladder and windproof, waterproof, bug proof breathable shell?
With the fund’s creation, the Conservation Alliance said we can buy, donate and save the planet. The fund will be – by August 2009 – a $3.5 million endowment that will cover the annual operating expenses of the organization and increase the Conservation Alliance’s annual budget to fund conservation projects.
“The Conservation Alliance faces two main challenges: to increase our annual budget and to secure a reliable source of funding for our operational expenses,” said John Sterling, executive director. “This initiative will accomplish both.”
The endowment was founded by The North Face, Patagonia, REI and Kelty.
Local photographers and filmmakers David Gonzales and Jimmy Chin recently made a video promoting the effort. The video features Conrad Anker climbing and skiing in the Tetons while talking about why he loves wild places. The pair will produce a series of videos for a new website, Return to the Outdoors, a Timex-funded initiative that also benefits the Legacy Fund.
Next vid: Steph Davis BASE jumping!
I just hope the Legacy Fund, its supporting companies and the All Star cast of uber athletes musing about mother earth will be enough to offset our appetite for consumption and the byproducts of the latest, lightest gear.
Until the Outdoor Retailer show is run virtually, on solar-powered computers, with attendees logging on instead of jetting in, I’m not sure the industry can be fully satisfied with its efforts.
Still, this is a great first green step.
Right On sister ; the 3 R’s of Ecology; Reduce, Reuse and Recycle – starts with REDUCE the Number of items you have, want or need. Get one REALLY good item to do MULTI jobs.
So – if you just gotta have the latest toy (and we ALL love our toys; a Mtn. Man “just” had to have a Hawken 50 cal. – not that ‘ol Kentuky long rifle); maybe you need to go thru your closet and recycle the older toys you have ; jackets to clothing bank, local Scout troop (lots of kids with NO money,but ambition)or at least to a GEAR SWAP!!
As Yvon Chouinard says: “A Self Examined life ISN’T an easy one!!”
Jay J: That’s a great idea! I’ve always thought of hosting a gear swap with friends, but donating last year’s gear (don’t Jackson people buy new jackets and skis each year? I know I got new-for-me skis at the Swap this year). If you have any Web sites in mind, please share. I’m sure there are a lot of full garages in mountain towns across the country.