I always get excited when I hear about companies taking risk. Sadly I don’t get excited to often (epically in the outdoor industry). With profit margins generally speaking, razor thin, most companies don’t want to take real risks and step out and set themselves apart from other companies. Yes, you get a new design here or there but I find that it is the hurry up and wait to see what other people are doing game. There is some money spent in R&D but compared to other sports or leisure activities it is a drop in the bucket.

What makes me even more excited is when companies put their money where their mouth in relation to the environment. Hands down, the king would be Patagonia’s effort to make their environmental footprint as small as possible.

They do quite a few different programs but the one I really like is their clothing recycling program. What’s that you ask? Well, you can drop off or mail in your old worn out Capilene underwear and they will recycle it and turn it back into new garments. What a great idea. They recently expanded it so it now so that all Polertec fleeces made over the past 16 years is now completely recyclable.

Take a peek at their website for more info about the program. They also developed an executive summery and a whitepaper about the program that breaks down the amount of energy saved through the recycling program.

Malden Mills Industries, Inc., announces that all Polartec(R) fabrics produced over the past sixteen years are now recyclable through Patagonia's expanded Common Threads Recycling Program.

Gladly you don’t see this every day. It seems that the other day in Juneau a power outage for 10,000 residents was caused by an eagle that was trying to carry a deer head back home. It seems that it found it in the dump but proved to be to heavy and couldn't get enough height to get above the power lines.

Read the story here.

Source: boing boing

 

Sea to Summit USA, the new U.S. distributor of Stick Protection Technology (SPT) products, the Australian brand that is developing the future of water and snow sports hardware, introduces a unique system that combines tie-down straps with an integrated keyed locking system to protect your gear from theft. Originally designed by a team of serious Australian surfers to transport and secure their boards from theft, the SPT Lockable Tie Downs work with any paddling/watersport, snow or cycle gear.

Sierra Designs, an authentic leader in developing technical outdoor products, announced today that it has enhanced its Green Effect program and created a blueprint to build upon its mission of practicing and promoting a harmonious relationship between its business world and the outdoor world.

Sea to Summit USA, distributor of Sea to Summit products, the Australian brand of innovative, lightweight backpacking and adventure travel gear, introduces the Pocket Shower. This compact shower bladder is the newest addition to their family of minimalist essentials for adventurers, backpackers and travelers in the Pocket series, including the Pocket Soap (50 dry antiseptic biodegradable tissues) and the Pocket Towel (lightweight microfiber in large and small sizes).

The Paddlesports Industry Association today announced that Kelley Woolsey has taken an at-large position on the association's Board of Directors. Woolsey is SVP Sales and Marketing at Confluence Watersports of Easley, South Carolina.

Garmin (the GPS company) have been working on a commercial for the super bowl. According to their blog, they had enough footage left over to make a music video. Here it is below. Probably the worst thing I have ever heard! At least their products are better then the video!

I will admit though, it is better the second time round. Spoiler alert: Wait for the twist in the last 30 seconds! You don't see it coming...

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National River Cleanup Week (June 2-10, 2007) Presented by Green Mountain Coffee Roasters.

Outdoor Retailer, the leading outdoor industry trade event today announced that the Trade Association of Paddlesports (TAPS) will have a strong presence at this year’s Winter Market in Salt Lake City. TAPS will make their Winter Market debut in response to the Paddlesports market’s desire to explore sales and marketing efforts on an annual basis instead of just a summer one, according to Michael Pardy, Executive Director of TAPS.