This is the dirty little secret of the outdoor industry: the very things we use to recreate outside harm the environment that outdoor lovers cherish. Even in the outdoors, change is sluggish, despite eco-friendly and sustainable hiking gear being at the center of industry news and discussion.
Even though there has been a lot of progress in the past ten years in cleaning up our hiking gear and clothing, there is still a lot of greenwashing going on, so it's critical to be able to get past the greenwashed façade of many businesses when looking for sustainable solutions. I'm available to assist.
Why Is Eco-Friendly Hiking Equipment Important
Our purchases of outdoor apparel and hiking equipment have an influence on the planet's and our own well-being in addition to our financial situation. Reusable and sustainable clothing and equipment assist prevent trash from ending up in landfills, chemicals from entering rivers, and consumption from rising. Brands may significantly influence the environmental effect of their production by using ethical manufacturing practices and material selection. Additionally, you're investing in your physical and emotional health by bringing hiking gear and dressing in clothing created without "forever chemicals," hazardous ingredients, or unethical labor.
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Leading Eco-Friendly Brands for Outdoor Clothing and Equipment
In terms of sustainability, some companies flaunt their eco-friendly qualities, while others subtly alter the introduction of new or old products with much fanfare. Prominent sustainability icons include Picture Organic, Cotopaxi, Tentree, and Patagonia. Smartwool, Houdini, Outerknown, and Prana all have environmental initiatives.
How can I recognize environmentally friendly hiking gear
Learning about sustainable certifications to check for when purchasing is the first of several trustworthy ways to choose really eco-friendly hiking gear and sustainable outdoor apparel. Among these are Fair Trade Certified, Certified B Corps, Bluesign Approved, Climate Neutral, 1 Percent For the Planet, and more. Looking for these badges when shopping is a useful way to find out if a product is created sustainably. Brands who receive any of these badges for their supply chains or goods must pass stringent third-party vetting in order to be authorized.
Examining the list of materials used to make an item of outdoor hiking clothing is another way to tell if it is environmentally friendly; really sustainable businesses frequently mention every material, and some even include links to the sources of each one. It takes time to find really environmentally friendly outdoor gear, but the work is worthwhile for both the environment and you.
Advantages of selecting eco-friendly hiking equipment
There are several advantages to selecting eco-friendly hiking equipment over alternatives, as I have already discussed. We all consume commodities in one manner or another since we live in a capitalist society. Investing in and maintaining environmentally friendly outdoor equipment can assist prevent trash from ending up in landfills if you care about the environment. Although sustainable outdoor apparel and equipment might occasionally cost more than their rivals, they are frequently of greater quality, especially when it comes to materials. Other advantages of choosing eco-friendly hiking clothing and equipment include conserving water, guaranteeing safer working conditions, lowering your carbon footprint, and ultimately saving money.
Tips for environmentally responsible upkeep and cleaning of hiking equipment
You've done your homework on your environmentally friendly hiking equipment. After purchasing and using it, you'll need to learn how to maintain it sustainably to keep up your sustainability streak. Our first bit of advise is to always wash your eco-friendly hiking clothes and equipment using non-toxic, biodegradable soaps.
There are several solutions available, but Dr. Bronner's Sal Suds is my first choice. Reduce the amount of power and energy you use by letting your cleaned clothes and equipment air dry. (I understand that this is more of a summertime suggestion, but it's still helpful to remember.) If your clothing or outdoor gear is torn or has a hole in it, apply a patch to fix it so you can keep using your sustainable outdoor gear. Even if outdoor equipment is sustainable, preventing it from ending up in a landfill has an impact. Lastly, to extend the life of your waterproof clothing, re-impregnate it using washes like Nikwax.
