Even among these uncertain times the one thing that is for certain is the fight to combat climate change shouldn’t stop during a pandemic—even if the EPA feels differently. Fortunately, many outdoor companies haven’t forgotten this, and are still working towards standardizing more environmentally friendly materials and mentalities. Helping guide this conversation are a series of certifications that signal which brands are making the biggest strides towards more conscious and livable production practices—beyond upcycling, repairing and reselling vintage product.
Among the newest, and perhaps most significant, is Climate Neutral. In short, the earned certification tells you, the buyer, that a particular brand “measures, reduces, and offsets all of the carbon generated by making and delivering their products.” It’s significant in that it offers a trackable and feasible way to deal with the carbon emissions that come with the production of reputable outdoor gear.
With over 150 companies having already either earned the certification or committed to offsetting their 2019 emissions in 2020, opportunities to vote with your dollar are aplenty. Below are our nine top picks for design-driven, sustainable outdoor gear that isn’t just functional for you, but functional for the planet too.
