Does the Outdoor Industry actually care about the Outdoors?
The "outdoor industry" is interesting because it’s filled with people and businesses that don’t seem to care about the outdoors beyond the recreation and profit it provides.
I’ve noticed a contradiction within the outdoor industry. It’s full of brands and leaders who profit off the idea of the outdoors without truly embracing its core values. For many, it’s just another market to conquer, or a buzzword to leverage.
Whether you like outdoor recreation or not, we all have vested interest in clean air, clean water and protecting the outdoors for future generations. The outdoors is essential to human wellbeing and it deserves respect and protection.
Outdoor brands have a responsibility to do more than just sell the lifestyle. We should be advocates for the outdoor places we love that inspire our products and business. That means prioritizing sustainability, ethical manufacturing, and conservation efforts over short-term gains.
Many people don't realize the clothing industry is one of the biggest, oldest and most polluting industries in the world. Its on par with the energy industry. The clothing industry is so big, and we go through so much of it, that it is really important we do it responsibly and sustainably or it can be very harmful to the environment and subsequently, human health. We all want to do something to improve the world around us, but sometimes it feels like we don’t know what to do. This is something.
If you already have an electric car, and solar panels, or if that is not an option, the next best thing you can do is look in your closet and support eco-friendly brands, and encourage your favorite retailers to carry eco-friendly brands and products like Abode Outside. Choosing eco-friendly clothing is a small change that can make a big impact.
It's time to redefine what it means to be a part of the outdoor industry. Let’s build a community that not only enjoys the natural world but actively works to preserve it for future generations.
Tune into Twin Cities Live on Monday to learn more about Abode Outside, a Minnesota-based clothing brand dedicated to nature, and inspired by family trips into the Boundary Waters Wilderness.
