Trump Wins, and the Climate Loses: Thoughts on the 2024 Election Results
We know the climate fight specifically just got a whole lot harder. Trump’s back in the White House, and with Republicans holding the Senate, we’re facing a serious uphill battle. We’re talking about a president who’s called climate change a "hoax," pulled the U.S. out of the Paris Agreement, and rolled back major environmental protections like the Clean Air Act. He’s promised to open up more drilling, and he’s even said he’ll stop offshore wind energy projects on day one. Add to that his plan to gut the EPA and pull funding from clean energy programs... it's not looking good for the climate. But here’s the thing—we can’t afford to tap out. So, take a breath. Remember your why. Get outside, take in some fresh air, and give yourself space to process. Don’t forget to check in on your people. Some folks might be struggling more than others right now, and that’s where community comes in. We might not agree on everything, but we’re in this together. And lastly, don’t disengage. The fight isn’t over—it’s just going to look a little different right now. INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/outdoor.minimalist.book/ WEBSITE: https://www.theoutdoorminimalist.com/ YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@theoutdoorminimalist ORDER THE BOOK: https://www.theoutdoorminimalist.com/book LISTENER SURVEY: https://forms.gle/jd8UCN2LL3AQst976 -----------------
7 Nov 202414min
156. Why ISLE Paddle Boards is Saying No to PVC with Jimmy Blakeney
Unfortunately, we use a lot of toxic materials in the outdoor industry and have for some time. This reliance on synthetic and sometimes harmful materials has seen some major shifts due to regulations, but there are always some brands at the forefront of big changes. One change we're seeing in the watersports industry is the phase-out or move away from using PVC. In episode 156 of the Outdoor Minimalist podcast, we explore what PVC is, why it's been a popular choice for inflatable paddle boards, and the environmental concerns associated with its production and use. To help break down these talking points and share a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes for a brand to make these types of material changes, I sat down to chat with Jimmy Blakeney. Jimmy has stayed true to his passion for board sports and paddle sports for his entire life, even when it meant living in a van down by the river and budgeting $10 a day for food just to spend more time on board and in boat. His stubbornness led to full time sponsored athlete status for 10 years and a US National Championship title, interspersed with gigs in every facet of the business side of things, from marketing and branding to product design, sales, logistics, customer service and more. He's currently President and product designer at ISLE, where he tries to balance his brain's inability to stop focusing on new product ideas and customers needs with running one of the industry's top brands. ISLE believes life is better in balance and that creating balance can be as simple as taking your first paddle strokes or catching your first wave. Established in San Diego, CA, ISLE is the original surf and SUP company manufacturing products and accessories to keep you balanced, equipped, and inspired for adventures on the water. Since its inception in 2004, the brand has expanded its watersports offerings to include variations of hardtop and inflatable paddleboards, surfboards, hybrid kayaks, paddles, bags, and accessories. Learn more at: https://www.islesurfandsup.com INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/outdoor.minimalist.book/ WEBSITE: https://www.theoutdoorminimalist.com/ YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@theoutdoorminimalist ORDER THE BOOK: https://www.theoutdoorminimalist.com/book LISTENER SURVEY: https://forms.gle/jd8UCN2LL3AQst976 ----------------- ISLE Paddle Boards Website: https://islesurfandsup.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/islepaddleboards/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/islesurf Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ISLEpaddleboards
4 Nov 202424min
BONUS: Outdoor Media Summit Recap and Reflections
Last week, I attended the Outdoor Media Summit in Missoula, MT, and here are some highlights! 😎 Meeting everyone that I've only ever talked to online 🎙️ Getting to speak on TWO panels related to the Forever Chemicals podcast 🎣 Hanging out with friends, old colleagues, and making new connections 💡 Learning from so many inspiring and innovative podcasters, journalists, editors, PR folks, brands, and storytellers 🏆 Winning Best Podcast Episode of 2023 and being included the 40 under 40 INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/outdoor.minimalist.book/ WEBSITE: https://www.theoutdoorminimalist.com/ YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@theoutdoorminimalist ORDER THE BOOK: https://www.theoutdoorminimalist.com/book LISTENER SURVEY: https://forms.gle/jd8UCN2LL3AQst976 ----------------- Episode Resources OMS Website: Confluence of States: https://www.confluenceofstates.com/ Field and Stream Magazine: https://www.fieldandstream.com/1871-club/ ORI Magazine: https://ori-mag.com/ Páramo Website: https://paramo-clothing.com/en-in/ The Rock Fight: https://www.rockfight.co/ Backpacker Radio: https://backpackerradio.libsyn.com/ TerraDrift: https://terradrift.com/ Episode 93 - How to Identify Your Gear Needs Echolocation by Sage Marshall: https://www.sagemarshall.com/echolocation Episode 77 - What is Eco-Anxiety?
23 Okt 202416min
154. The Importance of Outdoor Advocacy in the Climate Movement with Bill Barron
We are halfway through our first climate month on the Outdoor Minimalist podcast, and in episode 154, we explore the intersection of outdoor advocacy and climate action. To me, loving the outdoors means more than just enjoying nature– it means standing up for it in all aspects of my life. In a polarizing political climate, it can be difficult to know how to use your voice and if it will be heard at all. But that’s why we’re discussing how outdoor enthusiasts can amplify their voices in policy discussion and why action across all levels of government is necessary for achieving climate solutions. The outdoor industry can step up its role in climate advocacy. And whether you’re a seasoned activist or just starting out, my guest, Bill Barron, provides actionable steps to engage in the climate movement because, after all, we are all in this to create a better outdoor space as we recreate. Bill Barron an Alta ski patroller of 24 years, has blended his passion for the outdoors with advocating for meaningful bi-partisan action on climate change- including 5 climate advocacy bike tours. Bill is a three time single-issue federal climate candidate, founded the first Utah Citizens’ Climate Lobby (CCL) Chapter in Salt Lake City 2010, and has been the Mountain West Regional Director for CCL since 2013 covering MT, WY, UT, CO, NM, AZ and NV. Citizens' Climate Lobby- is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, grassroots advocacy climate change organization with 231K volunteers organized into over 375 chapters around the country, focused on national policies to address the national and global climate crisis. Our consistently respectful, nonpartisan approach to climate education is designed to create a broad, sustainable foundation to drive climate action across all geographic regions and political inclinations. By building upon shared values rather than partisan divides, and empowering individuals to work in keeping with the concerns of their local communities, we advocate for the adoption of fair, effective, and sustainable climate change solutions. INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/outdoor.minimalist.book/ WEBSITE: https://www.theoutdoorminimalist.com/ YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@theoutdoorminimalist ORDER THE BOOK: https://www.theoutdoorminimalist.com/book LISTENER SURVEY: https://forms.gle/jd8UCN2LL3AQst976 ----------------- Citizens' Climate Lobby Website: https://citizensclimatelobby.org/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/citizens-climate-lobby/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CitizensClimateLobby Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/citizensclimate Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CitizensClimateLobby/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@citizensclimate
21 Okt 202434min
153. How Brands Can Play a More Active Role in the Climate Change Conversation with Ali Wines
What is the role that brands should play in our climate change conversations? We see some brands being consistent champions for the planet in their marketing campaigns, even beyond Earth Day, but is it enough? As consumer concern about climate change grows, so does the demand for brands to take an active role—not just in marketing but in genuine engagement with policy development and community dialogue. Yet, many companies still hesitate to make their voices heard. Why is that? What do consumers genuinely want from brands? In episode 153 of the Outdoor Minimalist podcast, we explore how brands can have more meaningful conversations, the importance of aligning actions with values, and how to break through the fear that might be holding some brands back. To help us challenge the status quo and uncover how brands can better connect with consumers who care deeply about the future of our planet, I sat down to chat with Ali Wines. Ali is a communications strategist who helps companies talk about sustainability and climate change. She runs Uncommon Ground Communications, where she works with clients from the ski and outdoor industry to nonprofits and construction companies to tell their sustainability stories with authenticity and courage. Before starting Uncommon Ground, Ali was the Executive Director of Protect Our Winters Canada. She’s a skier, a dog person, and a mum to two daughters who are faster than her on a mountain bike. INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/outdoor.minimalist.book/ WEBSITE: https://www.theoutdoorminimalist.com/ YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@theoutdoorminimalist ORDER THE BOOK: https://www.theoutdoorminimalist.com/book LISTENER SURVEY: https://forms.gle/jd8UCN2LL3AQst976 ----------------- Ali Wines | Uncommon Ground Uncommon Ground: https://www.we-are-uncommon.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uncommon-ground-comms/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weare_uncommon ----------------- Episode Resources Aspen One: https://aspen.com/ Seventh Generation: https://www.seventhgeneration.com/ Potential Energy Coalition: https://potentialenergycoalition.org/ Clean Creatives: https://cleancreatives.org/
14 Okt 202427min
152. Are You Voting for the Climate in November? with Kate Gaertner
During October, we are focusing on climate change and climate change policies. While I am not a single-issue voter, aligning who I vote for, no matter the office, with my values is important. As someone who cares deeply about the planet, climate policies greatly influence how I choose to cast my vote. So, this month, we will be hearing from experts nationwide who specialize in different aspects of climate change action and policies. Be sure to subscribe to our weekly newsletter to stay updated on the latest climate discussion each week this month. In episode 152 of the Outdoor Minimalist podcast, we kick off our climate month by looking at the intersection of climate policy and everyday life. We discuss why strong climate policies are essential for the future of the United States, touching on their impact on both the environment and the economy. To help lead this timely discussion, I am excited to introduce Kate Gaertner. Kate has 25 years of corporate and entrepreneurial experience in corporate sustainability. As the founder and CEO of TripleWin Advisory LLC, she specializes in GHG inventories, TCFD analyses, supply chain mapping, and developing company sustainability roadmaps. Kate has held roles in digital marketing at XM Satellite Radio and Time Inc., consulted for Fortune 500 companies, founded a sustainable activewear brand, and served as an adjunct professor at the Fashion Institute of Technology. She is the Board Chair of XXcelerate, supporting women-led businesses, and advises the Loopt Foundation on zero waste goals in manufacturing. A leading sustainability expert, Kate is a sought-after speaker and opinion writer featured in top publications. She hosts a monthly sustainability column for Portland's Star-News and is the author of "Planting a Seed: 3 Simple Steps to Sustainable Living." Kate holds a Master's in Sustainable Management, an MBA from Wharton, and a degree from Dartmouth College. INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/outdoor.minimalist.book/ WEBSITE: https://www.theoutdoorminimalist.com/ YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@theoutdoorminimalist ORDER THE BOOK: https://www.theoutdoorminimalist.com/book LISTENER SURVEY: https://forms.gle/jd8UCN2LL3AQst976 ----------------- Kate Gaertner Website: https://kategaertner.com/ Book: https://kategaertner.com/book LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-gaertner-935478/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kategaertner/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kate.gaertner/ ----------------- Episode Resources Clean Air Act: https://www.epa.gov/laws-regulations/summary-clean-air-act Clean Water Act: https://www.epa.gov/laws-regulations/summary-clean-water-act Silent Spring Book: https://www.nrdc.org/stories/story-silent-spring Climate Reality Project: https://www.climaterealityproject.org/ 350.org Environmental Entrepreneurs: https://e2.org/ vote411.org/
7 Okt 202441min
151. You're Never Too Old to Start Camping with Lesa McDermont
In episode 151 of the Outdoor Minimalist podcast, we explore the joy of camping at any age! Many guests I've had on the show share their experiences from a young age, getting outside and growing up with a love for nature. But what happens when you don't have a childhood that fosters that connection? How can you get started? Today, we're chatting with the Vice President of Operations at Girl Camper, who shares her journey from novice camper to community leader. Growing up in Nebraska, Lesa's early camping memories were made in a musty canvas tent in her backyard. Though her family wasn't into camping, they spent countless hours outdoors, laying the foundation for her passion. Lesa is a true adventurer at heart, with an impressive background as a golf pro, ski instructor, PADI divemaster, EMT, and lawyer. As Vice President of Operations for Girl Camper, she now oversees business operations and manages the website, all while contributing to the magazine and hosting exciting events. INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/outdoor.minimalist.book/ WEBSITE: https://www.theoutdoorminimalist.com/ YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@theoutdoorminimalist ORDER THE BOOK: https://www.theoutdoorminimalist.com/book LISTENER SURVEY: https://forms.gle/jd8UCN2LL3AQst976 ----------------- Girl Camper Website: https://girlcamper.com/ Podcast: https://girlcamper.com/girl-camper-podcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@girlcamper1 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/girl_camper/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CampLikeAGirl/
30 Sep 202425min
