How do we make skiing more socially responsible?

  

For years, skiing has been a popular way to get outdoors for anyone. Some people love the parking lot cookouts, the long chairlift talks, the epic bluebird days, or the fun first days of lessons and laughs. But with that fun comes consequences. Skiing has become less and less accessible for everyone. The cost of skiing continues to grow making it an exclusive sport. The effects skiing has on the environment are becoming greater as well. Nobody can be perfect, but how do we do our best? Today I will talk about ways we can personally be more sustainable on the slopes.

5 ways to ski sustainability 

• Support sustainable brands

• • Support companies like Patagonia, North Face, REI, Arcteryx and more
  • Many of these companies have second-hand shops online 
  • Second-hand shopping is the most sustainable way to shop

• Bring Reusable water bottles and tupperwares of snacks
  • Instead of using plastic water bottles opt for the more environmentally-friendly options of reusable water bottles such as a Hydro Flask
  • Bring your reusable tupperware for lunch time and snack time.

• Carpool or take the bus
  • Before the pandemic, the University of Oregon had a UO Snow Club that offered student bus transportation

• Leave no trash behind
  • The amount of trash found on mountains after ski season would horrify you
  • Always pack out your ski lift snacks — there are garbage cans everywhere
  • Trash harms the environment and animals

• Shop Local and utilize your gear
  • A few local ski shops in Eugene:
    • Berg’s
    • Eugene Ski Swap
    • Play it Again Sports

• Learn to backcountry ski

• • If you backcountry ski you should take an avalanche safety course
  • Backcountry skiing is an awesome way to get outside, exercise and reduce your carbon footprint
  • Backcountry skiing is completely human powered and you ditch the long lift lines

All outdoor sports have an impact on the environment. No action can be perfect, but it is our responsibility to strive to be the best version of ourselves. We have the capability to make the world a better place without actions.

 

How you eat is connected to sustainability

Plant-Based Infographic Link

What does “plant-based” mean? It seems to be the newest marketing term in the past few years. The term plant-based means that you prioritize incorporating as many plant-derived ingredients into your eating habits. This includes foods such as fruits, veggies, nuts, seeds, beans, whole grains and more.

Restaurants all over the world are changing up menus to give more options for plant-based eaters, vegetarians, vegans and other dietary restrictions. Many corporations are also realizing that if its products are “plant-based” it will be more sustainable.

Many sponsored athletes are making a public shift to focusing on plant-based diets. Arnold Schwarzenegger maintains a vegan-focused diet. He was featured in a documentary, The Game Changers, that will change your entire view on meat in minutes.

Eating plant-based does not mean you are vegetarian or vegan, but just that you prioritize plants being the majority of your diet. More and more people are seeing the value in cutting meat, or even dairy products, out of their lives as well.

In the infographic I created about eating plant-based I talk mainly about the effects eating meat or other animals products have on our environment, our bodies, as well as animals.

I myself have been vegetarian for over a year now. Honestly, my inspiration was that meat felt too expensive when I was on my own in college for the first time. Then I realized how much healthier and better I felt when I started cutting out meat entirely and prioritizing plants. Like I mention in my infographic, meat is not a requirement for nourishing our bodies. Eating plant-based can improve your blood pressure, reduce allergies and improve digestion as well as a number of other health benefits.

Recently I have learned more about the impacts that the production of meat and dairy has on our environment. My infographic touches on how much the meat process pollutes the environment. There is also a drastic difference between the amount of resources needed to produce plants versus meat.

Take a look for yourself. Food is meant to be fuel for your body and not restrictive. But, never be afraid to try something new; it could change your whole life as well as others.

Women’s History Month: Women taking action in the outdoor industry

The world is full of passionate and ethical entrepreneurs. For decades, men have dominated the industry of start-up businesses and new ideas. In the outdoor industry men have taken over sports, jobs and businesses and have pushed women to the side. However, women are finally gaining traction as leaders in the outdoor recreation world. That means many women-run business are popping up all over the place.

This week I researched several female-identifying owned businesses and how those individuals are striving to make CSR a priority.

Happy first day of Women’s History Month!

Good To-Go Backcountry Meals

Jennifer Scism began her cooking journey over 10 years ago. Before beginning Good To-Go she was a talented chef, but she wanted more. She wanted to connect her love with the outdoors and backpacking with her love for food. She was over the stale, bland and underwhelming backpacking freeze-dried food. Her company’s goal is to inspire healthy eating while in the backcountry and making cooking easy for outdoor enthusiasts. 

During the beginning of the pandemic her company strived to teach people how to cook with minimal options. One of her latest projects has been creating emergency food boxes with a variety of different meals for those in tough situations. Her food options at Good To-Go have vegan and gluten free options, are hand-made locally in Maine, and simply only need water.

Skida

Corrine Prevot, owner of a successful winter headwear and accessory business, started her business in high school and her mother helped carry her workload throughout Prevot’s college career. Her products are made locally in Vermont and that idea is woven into their mission — local. Buying locally is better for the environment and ensures high quality products. Prevot’s company strives to create a sense of community through her products. 

Skida also cares about sustainability. According to the Skida website, “When we cut our fabric, we strategize how to best use every single bit. This allows us to provide an ever-changing collection of fun, fresh prints, knowing that less than 1% of our fabric is wasted in the production process.”

Purple Rain Adventure Skirts

Purple Rain Adventure Skirts was created by an Oregonian herself. Mandy Bland’s world changed when she hiked the Appalachian Trail. After conquering that goal she set her sights on the Pacific Crest Trail. However, she wanted to conquer her next goal while wearing a skirt. 

She began making her own skirt; skirts are comfortable to layer with other clothes and make it easy for women to pee while outdoors. Bland began her business after she hiked the Pacific Crest Trail and the headquarters were originally located at her dining room table in Portland, Oregon. Bland’s company is the definition of gear for women, designed by women.

Building Community

It is important to support our fellow community members as well as strong independent women with a great mission. In the world of outdoor recreation our lifestyle is impacted by the community we choose. Each of these women (and many more) have devoted their lives toward creating sustainable products, life-changing gear or nutritious meals that keep you fueled in the wilderness. Women supporting women is a powerful force.

 

Education is the future of the outdoors and responsibility

Learning in outdoor spaces is one of the most remarkable experiences imaginable. Students of the wilderness grow in a beautiful way that you just don’t get in any classroom. Not only do students learn about the outdoor environment they also learn how their actions and choice affect the environment. They learn to be sustainable consumers and in affect become stewards of the natural world. Outdoor education is a fundamental learning block of corporate social responsibility in the outdoors. Without knowledge of how we can take care of our planet the socially and environmentally ethical aspect of outdoor recreation would be nonexistent.

I dove into learning about more local and other U.S. based outdoor education programs.

Locally Grown

• UO Outdoor Program

Located just on the edge of the University of Oregon campus is our very own Outdoor Program. Through the barn students and community members have the opportunity to enjoy renting various outdoor equipment, a bike repair shop as well as social and educational trip opportunities. The Outdoor Program encourages all skill levels to get outdoors and strives for inclusivity of all in the outdoors. The low-cost outings of the OP are a great learning environment for students to enjoy outdoor spaces while meeting new friends. 

Whole Earth Nature School

Teaching kids about the value of social and environmental responsibility is crucial for our future. Whole Earth Nature School is located in Eugene and is dedicated to teaching kids “confidence, resilience and nature kinship.” They have a variety of different programs for children ranging from age 3 to 17. WENS is also dedicated to “More than just playing outside…Changing lives with mentoring in nature connection.” The program offers internships, volunteer opportunities, scholarships and endless programs that make this a great opportunity for everyone.

Out of Town Options

• NOLS

Young leaders in the world are shaping the future of our planet and how businesses handle corporate social responsibility and other important topics of inclusion. The National Outdoor Leadership School dedicates its resources to education in beautiful wilderness areas all over the world. NOLS offers courses on medicine, expeditions, risk management and more. The organization has a deep connection between alumni, instructors and current students. Through this sense of community, students learn the value of taking care of themselves, creating an inclusive place for others, responsibility in the outdoors, ethical practices and more.

Through these dignified programs everyone can learn how enjoyable outdoor adventure is while learning how to take care of the planet and being socially responsible individuals.

 

The New Age of Old Gear

The world is full of stuff. Some of this stuff is used every day while the rest of it hides away never to be seen again. Outdoor gear is not always used in your everyday life, yet it can be essential for your survival. Does it need to be the prettiest item in the world if it is meant to keep you alive? No. It is time to start thinking alternatives due to the overproduction and overconsumption of new products on the market. If you can’t seem to get rid of your excess stuff, then the next step may be to buy second-hand or used items if you need a new item of clothing or gear. In regard to outdoor gear, it sometimes is best to buy new. In order to live more sustainably, I recommend striving to buy used gear!

REI

REI’s motto on used gear is “Good gear deserves a second life.” REI provides quality gear for all outdoor enthusiasts.

When gear is returned to REI, thanks to their generous return policy, the slightly used gear is inspected and resold. This cuts back on the production of new items and gives buyers the opportunity to acquire nice gear at a lower price. REI’s used gear program gets more people outside while keeping unnecessary waste out of the landfills. The website lists gear’s original price and new discounted price. Many of the items have dozens of reviews as well. 

 Arc’teryx 

Arc’teryx designs and distributes high quality outdoor, climbing and winter gear and is based in Canada.

Arc’teryx says that “We build our gear to last the tests of time. If you’re not using your jacket to the fullest, we will find someone who will.”

The company will take back returned gear and resell it on their website. The company is dedicated to getting the most out of their products by building them to last through all weather conditions and giving others the opportunity to re-use quality gear.

The North Face

The North Face is an outdoor recreation product company. The North Face’s used gear program, NF: Renewed, is dedicated to “Waste Less. Explore More.”

They have options for everyone from kids to adults in the used clothing section. The repaired items that the company will resell goes through a thorough eight step process to make the product appear and function as if it was brand new. The company offers a one year warranty on these products. The company strives to provide the best possible products even if the product was previously owned.

Used Gear is Changing the Outdoors

Buying used gear saves you money and is good for the environment. You can buy higher quality items that you might not otherwise buy full price. Older gear also has more reviews which it makes it easier to make the right decision.

 

Corporate social responsibility in the food industry

Now more than ever, consumers expect business to be socially and environmentally responsible. As new options to become more sustainable appear, the more consumers expect of corporations. 

I try my best to be conscious of my effect on others and the planet when choosing where I buy my products and food. We have a responsibility to the next generation to take care of our bodies, others and the planet. I have reviewed the statements and actions of several popular corporations in the food industry. 

Coca-Cola

According to the Coca-Cola’s website, the company’s mission statement is: “Our planet matters.We act in ways to create a more sustainable and better shared future. To make a difference in people’s lives, communities and our planet by doing business the right way.”

The popular fountain drink company has devoted resources towards reducing its carbon footprint by 25% in 2030. The company makes its packaging entirely out of recycled materials. It also strives to recycle a can or bottle for every one they sell. Coca-Cola is invested in a project providing third world countries with drinkable water. The company’s main areas of focus listed on the website are, “sustainable packaging, water stewardship, in our products, sustainable agriculture, climate solutions and product quality & safety.”

Cafe Yumm!

According to the Cafe Yumm! Website, it is dedicated to “Healthy Food; Healthy People; and Healthy Environments” and the company’s mission statement is: “consciously maximize our contribution to sustainable business practices and healthy living within our workplaces and communities.” 

The popular restaurant chain is registered as a benefit company. Benefit companies participate in promoting corporate responsibility and provide an annual report about how they benefited the public. 

The company donates each year to several non-profits focused on important community factors such as local food banks, public education, recycling programs, physical fitness programs, food distribution and water protection.

Whole Foods

Whole Foods has always strived to make its values incredibly clear. The company is dedicated to food safety, animal welfare, ethically sourced foods, protecting the environment and more. 

According to the Whole Foods website, the mission of the company is: “Our purpose is to nourish people and the planet. We’re a purpose-driven company that aims to set the standards of excellence for food retailers. Quality is a state of mind at Whole Foods Market.”

The company makes sure that each employee understands that they are part of the team and are leaders in the customer service world.

Several of the programs Whole Foods sponsors include: 

Environmental Stewardship

How We Do Organics

Local Produce Loan Program

Caring for Local and Global Communities

 

COVID-19 responses in the outdoor industry

Last March, when the pandemic began, everyone’s attention shifted to COVID-19 and focused all their energy on the news. Just like much of the economy in 2020, the outdoor industry took a huge hit while Coronavirus swept the nation. 

During the beginning of the pandemic it became so apparent to me which corporations cared about its employees’ working conditions, the well-being of its consumers, the essential workers and who simply cared about making a profit. Even if companies didn’t like it the pandemic made its mission, beliefs and social responsibility crystal clear.

Many companies in the outdoor industry pride themselves in their timely responses to the pandemic to answer concerned consumers questions and how they redirected their resources to support others. I have listed a few of the most impressive brands that are fighting the spread of Coronavirus.

Chaco Footwear paddles onward

Chaco, originally a whitewater sport footwear brand, has expanded its products to fit the needs of all adventure enthusiasts. Chaco was one of the brands that I was most impressed with at the beginning of the pandemic. 

The website states, “In response to the COVID-19 pandemic at hand, Chaco is retrofitting our ReChaco factory operations to aid in the production of protective masks. Please pardon our delay as usual factory operations are temporarily paused to serve this need.”

 In addition to producing masks, Chaco has followed strict sanitation protocols to protect workers. The company also temporarily halted orders to produce masks for essential workers.

Coronavirus hits Outdoor Research hard

Outdoor Research prioritized the health and safety of the company employees in a big way last year. The company is based in Seattle which was one of the first hot spots in the US, so they had to take action quickly. OR found ways to keep the workplace clean such as making doors to the restrooms hands free to open and close. The company dedicated an entire floor to mask production, after purchasing proper equipment, in record time. 

L.L. Bean steps up

Last April, L.L. Bean joined the list of companies willing to fight against the spread of Coronavirus. The company stepped up and rerouted their production line. Instead of producing dog beds out of its material, the company created medical-grade masks. Its goal was 10,000 masks a day to support its local health care system.

Every class I took in the spring, as I pushed through the abrupt transition to online learning, was focused on COVID-19 in some sort of a way. In a way it was exhausting not being able to have school be an escape from the daily news. But, every day I remembered why I study public relations. We have a responsibility to be the ethical storytellers of the world. We are essential for holding others accountable and making the world a better place. Large corporations have the power to make a huge difference in the world.

 

 

Faith Briggs and her Mission

This week we will continue to celebrate Black History Month by discussing one of the outdoor industry’s most influential and fierce female athletes.

Since Thanksgiving day of 2019, I set my sights on completing a new goal. I signed up for a half marathon.  I trained through the cold winter months, ran the same old Amazon river trail nearly every day, and pushed myself to be better every week. When Coronavirus swept through the nation the entire world seemed to stop. Things were cancelled and much larger and more terrifying issues appeared in the world. As I sat in my house for weeks at a time, trying to complete online classes, I couldn’t help but ask myself, “why?” What was the point in running anymore.

One spring afternoon changed all of that for me. Our Outdoor Program was hosting a film festival and encouraged students to hop online to partake. One film in particular took me by surprise and really changed my perspective. It felt like an answer to my “why?”

This Land

Faith Briggs, runner and advocate for public lands, lived in New York for years. She ran the busy city streets until one day she found herself running over 150 miles of dirt through US Monuments in the Southwest. She wanted to provoke change in the world, and brought along her own fleet of diverse running companions wanting to change the world with her. The goal of her journey was to empower others, strive for inclusivity and take back public lands that are losing the protection they deserve. Briggs produced the film This Land and has it available for screening on the website. You can also find resources on the website for how to take action, where the film will be screened, how to learn more about protecting our lands, information on the political plans for public lands, and education on important conversations about environment, policy, race, history and culture.

Orvis Mission: #5050OntheWater

Briggs is paired up with several corporations to continue to force change in the world. Briggs works with Orvis, a successful flying fishing company, to represent equality and diversity on the water through the 5050 On the Water campaign. She represents a woman of color in an industry generally dominated by men, and Orvis supports that. She now lives in Portland and works with several other Orvis sponsored non-profits to bring youth and veterans together and educate them on conservation as well. 

Just Add Water

Last February Orvis teamed up with NRS, a white water focused gear distributor, to work on the Just Add Water campaign which is dedicated to breaking down barriers in the outdoors. Briggs co-hosted the film project. They are striving to put more focus on diversity and representation in the outdoors.

The Future

So many corporations in the outdoor industry are finding ways to support a wider range of representation in the great outdoors. Briggs is passionate about connecting with others, using her voice to make change happen, taking action in the conservation world and never giving up on the fight to make the outdoors a place for everybody. 

 

Inclusivity in the Outdoor Industry: Black History Month Edition

Today we will celebrate Black History Month! Thank you for joining us again this week for a new blog post. We will continue to dive into the relevance of sustainability in the outdoor industry, consumer behavior, doing good in the outdoors and of course, CSR in the outdoor recreation world. Most importantly, this week we will be discussing inclusion in the outdoors and how we can all be better.

Outside — the largest level playing field on Earth

For years people have enjoyed outdoor recreation in a number of different forms. Whether that looks like trudging through fresh winter snowfall, biking through the countryside, summiting mountains, catching a morning wave or simply taking a stroll around the block. People find peace in wide open spaces. However, as many may know of the history of America, this has not always been a place of inclusivity and equal opportunity.

Take a look at just about any advertisement. Many individuals are frustrated, but not surprised, at what they see. They see extreme athletes at the peak of fitness, white males, everyone decked out in expensive gear, and traveling to unimaginable, and quite frankly, unaffordable places. Models for commercials for the outdoor enthusiast are anything besides unpredictable. Our society is in desperate need of a wake up call for diversity in the outdoors. We need to change societal norms.

How do we change a culture of exclusion?

Diversify advertisements and tell everyone’s story

Finding a woman on the cover of an outdoor magazine is a rare thing. Except, it is even more rare to find a woman of color published in anything except a group shot. There is a lack of diversity in gender, color and body type. Underrepresented people need to see people who look like them or celebrate their culture in the media. This encourages people to get outside or try new things. We need role models in the outdoor industry to make sure everyone feels seen. We must start representing people of color, women (without sexualizing them), different body types, different sexual orientations, and different abilities. The outdoor industry should be a source of inspiration for all the possibilities of the world while welcoming all.

Keep yourself accountable 

Different backgrounds, upbringings, race, gender, body type, ethnicity and culture all affect someone’s connection outdoors. Everyone is unique, and what nature brings them whether that is peace, an adrenaline rush, a safe space, a classroom or other things is unique too. Economic disadvantages, lack of access to gear and knowledge and lack of representation ALL make it more challenging to feel accepted in the outdoor recreation community. Advocate for authentic storytelling; keep yourself accountable and preserve everything that makes the outdoors a place we come to connect.

We need to work together to create an inclusive community of lovers of the outdoors!

Check out an amazing documentary produced by Faith Briggs called This Land to learn more about the fight for inclusivity in the outdoors and her journey of saving our public lands.

Food Waste in the Outdoor Guiding Industry: How are companies thinking environmentally and socially responsible?

By Hogan Hernandez

I never really thought about being conscious of food waste until I got to college. When I started cooking for just myself and grocery shopping on my own dime I became a lot more conscious of where my money went and how much food waste could pile up if I wasn’t thoughtful. Nothing feels worse than tossing rotten vegetables out of the fridge because you were too lazy to eat them or were busy eating out for dinner every day.  

How to Avoid Food Waste Tips

As my love for the environment and my awareness of my effect on others continues to grow my beliefs have become tied to my work life.

In the late spring, summer and early fall I spend my days guiding guests down various rivers in Oregon. I find myself lugging giant waterproof boxes of food, dragging several heavy and over-stuffed coolers and carefully carrying fragile bags full of guests’ glass containers and cans of alcoholic beverages into boats on a daily basis. Throughout this experience there are a number of tasks involved: long days of working from sunrise to sunset, 100 degree days that add to the challenge of any job, a smile on your face ready to entertain a wild group of kids splashing in the river, but most importantly — cooking several meals and appetizers a day for dozens of people while living outdoors for several days.

With the responsibility of preparing amazing meals for your new friends on the river brings other obstacles. You spend countless hours in the grocery store trying to calculate what the right amount of any product is to feed those dozens of people. Will you buy too much or too little?

The greatest responsibility that lays on a number of guides’ shoulders: how do we reduce food waste without reducing the guests’ quality of experience? Reducing food waste and garbage is a huge part of many outdoor guiding companies missions.

Ways to Avoid Food Waste While Outdoors

I have been lucky enough to work for two very different companies in my past few years as a guide. I have worked for Ouzel Outfitters for many years. Its mission is to provide its various guests with a large variety of options at each meal. Menus have to be built to please picky children as well as provide people with the feeling of a “vacation buffet.” Unfortunately, this means that we spend much of our evening scraping uneaten food off plates and pans into the garbage. There has to be a better option? In the outdoors it is best to have more food than you need in case of an accident. 

 

I also have recently been working for a company known as Eastern Oregon River Outfitters. I have found that the two companies have almost completely opposite approaches to food waste. At eastern Oregon river outfitters, their food can be fit into a single cooler and single dry box. The companies trips are significantly smaller, include older clientele and have more set meals instead of buffet style. EORO makes a certain amount of food each night, and just about all of it is always gone. The guides serve their guests food and they eat what they are given unless they specify a dietary preference. After each trip, almost no food is thrown away. At Eastern Oregon River Outfitters the goal is to be strategic about meals, therefore cutting back on their food waste.

I believe a number of different companies in the food business could be more conscious about what they are doing with their food and where it ends up. Many companies also devote time to buying in bulk or growing their own food when possible. Planning responsibly can save a company money as well as the environment.