Environment - Greener Outdoor Gear

We love the wilderness or those places, whch inspire us to move fluidly throughout life and we would like to see them preserved. The outdoors is gear mad and in many cases the brands associating with the outdoors spare little thought for it despite it sustaining their livelihood. This is crazy! There is, however, some great work going on. So here are some options and companies that are working towards a more environmentally friendly business and outdoor model.

1) Paramo (The UK Standard) - http://www.naturallyparamo.co.uk/Why-Paramo/Environmentally-friendly
2) Patagonia (The Standard) - http://www.patagonia.com/us/environmentalism
3) Alpkit (The UK Standard) - https://www.alpkit.com/company
4) Vaude (A Bluesign Company) - http://www.vaude.com/en-GB/VAUDE/About-us/Good-reasons-for-VAUDE/
5) Jack Wolfskin - http://jack-wolfskin.co.uk/corporate-responsibility/corporate-responsibility.aspx
6) Howies - http://www.howies.co.uk/about-us
7) Deuter (Good Efforts) - http://www.deutergb.co.uk/company/responsibility/environment-nature/
8) North Face (Info Improving) - http://www.thenorthface.com/en_US/innovation/sustainability/
9) Black Diamond (A Good Environmental programme) - http://blackdiamondequipment.com/en/sustainability.html
10) Rohan (Exploring) - http://www.rohan.co.uk/
11) Osprey (On A budget but Good Effort) -http://www.ospreypacks.com/images_pages/The%20Evolution%20of%20Sustainability%20in%20an%20Outdoor%20Company.pdf

As far as we're concerned there is, in all honesty, very little that's been purchased by us with a high environmentally friendly rating. Regatta, for example, is not known for its eco friendliness although it must be said the Regatta we do have was surplus. One or two of the brand names present that are and have moved in the right direction are Jack Wolfskin and Deuter, which we have purchased because of its ethical rating. This page then is to voice our intent, which is to - FIND A GREEN ADVENTURE WAY. So, watch this space to see what we do.

Here's What the Outdoor Trades Are Doing - A Point of Interest

Sustainable Apparel Coalition - http://www.apparelcoalition.org/
Bluesign - A Fantastic Guide - http://www.bluesign.com/
Ethical Consumer Guide for Outdoor Gear - Paramo Link
Sarah Howcroft - Founder of Gift Your Gear (see below) - http://sarahhowcroft.com/category/read-more-sarah-howcroft/

We don't know how much green washing is out there amongst the manufacturers in the Ethical
Consumer Guide. One thing is certain if we request ever increasing standards from our suppliers
it will eventually be met. It's up to us if we want good ethical kit!

Recycled Gear & DIY

Did you know there are outdoor gear recycling initiatives out there?

'Gift Your Gear' initiative by Rohan. Check it out here. http://giftyourgear.com/

Recycle Outdoor Gear. http://recycleoutdoorgear.com/

Re-use, Explore, Discover (RED). http://www.explorered.com/

Ifixit is a way of predominantly fixing Patagonia gear. It could apply to all. https://www.ifixit.com/Guide

Geocaching could come under the heading of gifting. It's a big and fun movement at present in the outdoors. The link. https://www.geocaching.com/

Instructables is an excellent resource if you're looking to make, for example, an alcohol stove or even repair something. The Link. http://www.instructables.com/

Gas Canister Refilling is of real potential. The Link. http://adventuresinstoving.blogspot.co.uk/2012/01/gas-canister-refilling.html

Charity Shops. We are big charity shoppers and we encourage anyone to take a look. Much of our clothing we wear outdoors comes from the charity shop, which is 100% reused gear.

Nordisk - A Great Light Tent

We have nordisk as part of our gear. Renowned tent maker nordisk are the ultimate in light weight. There social record is a good one and they are consistently working towards technological and material advances in their products that are good for the environment. Check out this brilliant range of tents and gear here. http://www.nordisk.eu/nordisk/sustainability/

The Nordisk Telemark - Named after a region in Norway

Nikwax

Looking After & Keeping Clothes For Longer

to

Make Our Contributions

Although we understand the motor car and benefit from it we've made a decision, as outlined in the previous page, not to solely use it during the Wye Explorer project. Consequently, we ride, walk in, use public transport or car share when exploring the Wye environment, other remote areas or our national parks. It's a kind of mix where reducing our imapact is the result of intent. So, although we cannot at present afford all the eco gear or find the gear we need that's being gifted we do ensure successes elsewhere. It's vital no matter how small a contribution that we make one - all of us. This contribution can be extended to the purchasing of plastic throwaway junk items on the trail (coke bottles etc). We say refrain from it or if you do purchase these items recycle when you can on the trail or keep waste to recycle back home. If you can afford it then purchase from companies who are operating ethically and let's not forget the energy we use. Can we recharge it? Can we charge using solar power? If so let's give it a go. It's not going to power the world but it's an advert and that's the point with small charging devices, which can be divisive amongst some circles who argue the cost to the environment in the manufacturing process.

Other Ideas include: Recycling Gas Canisters, use Jetboil and or its Crunchit kit to recycle canisters (also see video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s-ZBGpWQmjg), leave no trace, working with land owners (respect), volunteer for conservation projects, making our own gear like a stove such as this one off Instructables and donate to worthy causes such as those above. If you know of anything else let us know and we would be happy to expand upon this page.

Meanwhile here is a stove list: http://zenstoves.net/Canister.htm

See The Jacket In Action
Go To Full Flow Video

See Hunker Video
Full Moon