The outdoor industry and environmentalism are intrinsically linked. After all, the sports and activities to which the industry caters originated in natural surroundings.
As the climate goes, the industry goes. Unprecedented weather pattern changes fueling concerns, such as early snowmelt in the Adirondacks, have already impacted tourism. Consequently, the survival and health of the natural ecosystem are critical for providing the most enjoyable experiences for participants.
Consider the difference between going on a trail run versus running on a treadmill, for instance. You might get a similar level of exercise results on the treadmill. However, the artificial experience pales in comparison to the level of satisfaction and physiological benefits of running outside.
By prioritizing and protecting our natural world, the outdoor industry can ensure future generations will be able to enjoy that world.
At the same time, the industry can ensure that it keeps growing as customers invest in gear, apparel, and accessories. And the outdoor industry is huge, making up 2.2 percent of the gross domestic product in the United States, according to the Outdoor Industry Association. Americans spend $887 billion annually on outdoor recreation, a staggering amount that would be difficult — if not impossible — to replace if it were lost.
Though they’re only one part of the outdoor industry, outdoor brands have the capacity to make an enormous impact when it comes to reducing environmentally disruptive activities. Brands are uniquely positioned to educate and interact with their customers, not to mention build communities eager to support sustainability and other green initiatives.
Though they’re only one part of the outdoor industry, outdoor brands have the capacity to make an enormous impact when it comes to reducing environmentally disruptive activities. Brands are uniquely positioned to educate and interact with their customers, not to mention build communities eager to support sustainability and other green initiatives.
Some outdoor industry brands have already taken up the torch to help promote sustainability in outdoor recreation and reduce careless human interaction with the environment.
If you’re a leader of a company that’s passionate about environmentalism in general and sustainable tourism in outdoor recreation, try these strategies to make your positive mark on the planet and its wide-ranging habitats of flora and fauna:
Many outdoor products offer performance features that don’t necessarily require more raw materials. For example, waterproof hiking jackets keep customers dry. However, most hikers want to be warm, too. Normally, this warmth is achieved through an insulating layer that requires more sourcing, more impact on the supply chain, and potentially more harm to the environment. The innovative workaround for this would be to line a waterproof jacket with a product woven with infrared fibers, thereby increasing local circulation and improving thermoregulation without the need for full-blown insulation. That type of all-inclusive product is a win for all stakeholders — even the Earth.
Many people, particularly those new to engaging in outdoor activities, might not realize they play a huge role in keeping habitats healthier. Brands can talk about topics such as special rules of conservation in the environments their customers frequently enjoy. Take Fort Tilden Gateway National Recreation Area, for example. The beach is beautiful but needs human consideration to stay that way. The dunes there are home to several enhanced species of birds. As a result, joggers and walkers should restrict their movements to approved areas of the beach, thereby minimizing potentially harmful impacts on native species. Similarly, brands can educate their audiences on ecotourism: traveling with conservation and respectful exploration in mind. Lately, there’s been a lot of talk about how social media has fueled tourism habits that are disruptive to the environment. Brands can encourage being respectful travelers rather than tourists by supporting companies that support ecotourism.
Overproduction and overconsumption are two leading ways the outdoor industry negatively impacts the environments it depends upon. Our society’s tendency toward consumerism and emphasis on novelty leads customers to prematurely discard items. Customers will put things in the trash even when products only have minor damage. This clogs the landfills and is an unsustainable practice. To prevent this behavior and possibly open new revenue streams, brands could look for ways to offer repair services. The services would extend the usable life of the products sold, in addition to sending an educational message to consumers. Offering a recycling program is another way for brands to ensure proper disposal of their merchandise. Companies might even want to engineer upcycled products from recycled materials, offering interesting entry points for buyers while discouraging the “throwaway” mentality. One company moving in the direction of more eco-friendly clothing and sustainable fashion is Patagonia through its Worn Wear program, where consumers can sell or buy gently used Patagonia garments. However, the company didn’t stop there; it also takes scraps and gives them second lives as more sustainable clothing.
Outdoor activities can be rough on gear. Low-quality products break down easily and must be replaced often. On the other hand, high-quality products tend to be durable, making them an excellent investment. However, consumers might not understand the wisdom of buying the best gear they can afford. Brands can help showcase the expected useful product lifetimes on their product pages. Companies might even want to talk about how long each piece of gear should last based on historical usage averages and proper care.
Most consumers who love the outdoors want to preserve the places they visit. They just don’t always know how. Brands can serve as the link they need to simultaneously protect themselves during outside activities and protect the natural environment.
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Lucas Tyson is a Senior Business Developer for Hologenix, a materials science company dedicated to developing products that amplify human potential and improve health and wellness. CELLIANT, its flagship technology, is an infrared ingredient brand that enhances textile-based products with health and wellness benefits across performance, recovery and sleep. This article was originally published in InsideOutdoor Magazine.
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