The REI Public Land Controversy Explained
In this bonus episode, I break down the controversy surrounding REI’s support for Doug Burgum as the new Secretary of the Interior under the Trump administration. The Outdoor Recreation Roundtable’s endorsement of Burgum has sparked backlash, with calls for a boycott of REI. But what’s really happening?We explore Burgum’s background as a pro-fossil fuel businessman, his legal battles against the Department of the Interior, and his priorities for public lands. We also analyze REI’s role in the conversation, the industry’s response, and what this means for conservation efforts moving forward.Finally, we discuss REI’s official statement on the issue and share actionable ways to support public lands. Episode Resources:Read the ORR letter: https://recreationroundtable.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/ORR-Burgum-Nomination-Letter-of-Support-Final.pdfREI's Recent Statement: https://www.rei.com/newsroom/article/we-will-never-stop-defending-our-public-landsVoice Your Opposition to Burgum's Actions through the REI Cooperative Action Network: https://www.rei.com/action/network/campaign/protect-public-landsBurgum's First Day Orders: https://www.doi.gov/pressreleases/secretary-doug-burgum-signs-first-round-secretarys-orders-unleash-american-energyRelated Episodes Episode 163. Fighting for Outdoor Policy and Protection in 2025 with Adam Cramer Episode 164. Is an Outdoor Recreation Economy How We Stop Off-Shore Drilling? with Chad NelsenSourcesProPublica: https://www.propublica.org/article/doug-burgum-north-dakota-interior-department-trumpAlaska Wild: https://alaskawild.org/blog/doug-burgum-the-billionaire-governor-turned-trumps-doi-secretary/Inside Climate News: https://insideclimatenews.org/news/05022025/new-interior-secretary-weakens-public-land-protections-fossil-fuels/
13 Feb 17min
168. The Dirty Truth About Your Skincare Routine with Mercedes Pepper
When it comes to skincare, we all want products that are safe, effective, and good for the planet. But the reality is that many skincare brands, even those marketed as "natural" or "eco-friendly," hide some dirty secrets. From greenwashing tactics to hidden microplastics and PFAS, the industry is full of misleading claims that can make it hard for consumers to know what they’re really putting on their skin.In episode 168, I sit down withMercedes Pepper from Nation Botanics to uncover the truth behind skincare marketing and explore how different ingredients shape effective skincare formulations. We’ll talk about how to spot greenwashing, why microplastics and PFAS are a growing concern, and what choosing sustainable, plant-based ingredients really means.Mercedes helps people who get outdoors - particularly surfers, skiers, and snowboarders - get healthy skin without the fuss. She is an international development and social impact director turned skincare founder and formulator of Nation Botanics. The brand’s flagship product, Surf+Slope, provides easy, high-performance skincare designed to combat the elements while supporting North American small businesses, farmers, and our environment.I haven’t had much of a skincare routine until the last two years. During that time, first of all, I struggled to find anything I could use because I am allergic to aloe, but I also wanted to avoid products that not only harmed the planet but likely contained toxins. When I learned about Nation Botanics, I was excited to try their products because of the brand's mission and clean ingredients. That said, I’ve been using their Surf+Slope moisturizer for the last few weeks, and I've appreciated it, especially after a day of cross-country skiing with my dogs when my face is dry and my cheeks might be a little wind-burned. If you listen to this episode and want to check out Nation Bonanic’s Surf+Slope, go to nationbotanics.com and use the code minimalist to get 15% off.INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/outdoor.minimalist.book/WEBSITE:https://www.theoutdoorminimalist.com/YOUTUBE: @theoutdoorminimalistORDER THE BOOK: https://www.theoutdoorminimalist.com/bookLISTENER SURVEY: https://forms.gle/jd8UCN2LL3AQst976--------------------Nation BotanicsWebsite:https://nationbotanics.com/LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/nation-botanics/about/Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/nationbotanics/Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/nationbotanics
10 Feb 41min
167. How Can a Brand Actually Prove Their Sustainability Claims? with Ombraz
Sustainability is a buzzword in the outdoor and apparel industries, but how do we know if a brand’s claims are actually legitimate? With greenwashing becoming more common, it's harder than ever to separate real impact from clever marketing. In this episode, I sit down with the co-founders of Ombraz Sunglasses to explore what it takes for a company to back up their sustainability claims with real data. We’ll learn Ombraz’s origin story, their approach to designing with sustainability in mind, and the process of securing third-party verification. From partnering with organizations like Greenticket to tackling supply chain transparency, this conversation sheds light on how brands can maintain accountability and communicate their efforts honestly. Jensen Brehm - Ombraz Cofounder - Hails from Bellevue, WA. Big creator and problem solver. Graduated in 2014 with a BA in Environmental Business that focused on ecological design, entrepreneurship, and vegetated roof systems. Designing products, brand direction, writing, ideating, and executing creative media are a few things Jensen does nicely. Nikolai Paloni - Ombraz Cofounder - Hails from Moscow, Russia. Impressively efficient and quick to tackle the most critical task. Graduated in 2014 with a BA in German and International Business. Nikolai is currently focused on building out Ombraz’s wholesale program & in-person experience. Implementing scalable processes, thinking critically with data, seeing tasks through to completion, solving problems, and creating are Nikolai's sweet sweet forte. INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/outdoor.minimalist.book/ WEBSITE: https://www.theoutdoorminimalist.com/ YOUTUBE: @theoutdoorminimalist ORDER THE BOOK: https://www.theoutdoorminimalist.com/book LISTENER SURVEY: https://forms.gle/jd8UCN2LL3AQst976 -------------------- Ombraz Website: https://ombraz.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ombraz/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ombrazsunglasses/
3 Feb 29min
Know Your Rights: What to Do If ICE Approaches You
Today’s bonus episode is one worth sharing with everyone in your community: What to Do If ICE Agents Approach You. Whether you’re directly impacted, a concerned family member, or an ally, understanding these rights and sharing them with others is a step toward protecting vulnerable members of our communities. In this episode, we will cover your rights when interacting with ICE or law enforcement, practical steps you can take if approached, where to find those small but powerful red “know your rights” cards, and what bystanders can do to help. Este episodio también estará disponible en español. https://www.ilrc.org/red-cards-tarjetas-rojas https://www.aclu.org/know-your-rights/immigrants-rights All information in this episode was provided by the ACLU.
24 Jan 5min
Conoce Tus Derechos: Qué Hacer Si ICE Se Acerca a Ti
El episodio de hoy es uno que vale la pena compartir con todos en tu comunidad: Qué hacer si agentes de ICE se acercan a ti. Ya sea que te impacte directamente, seas un familiar preocupado o un amigo, comprender estos derechos y compartirlos con otros es un paso hacia la protección de los miembros afectados de nuestras comunidades. En este episodio, cubriremos tus derechos al interactuar con ICE o con las fuerzas del orden, pasos prácticos que puedes tomar si se acercan a ti, dónde encontrar esas pequeñas pero poderosas tarjetas rojas de "conoce tus derechos", y lo que los testigos pueden hacer para ayudar. Este episodio también estara en ingles. Tarjetas Rojas: https://www.ilrc.org/red-cards-tarjetas-rojas Más información: https://www.aclu.org/know-your-rights/immigrants-rights ----------------------------- All information in this episode was provided by the ACLU. Thank you to Karla Cazarez for recording this episode in Spanish.
24 Jan 6min
165. Conservation is a Human Right with Bray Beltrán
In episode 165 of the Outdoor Minimalist podcast, we discuss conservation, how the movement needs to change, and how to reframe conservation as a human right. We cover the historical inequities in conservation, how social justice and environmental protection intersect, and what a rights-based approach to conservation could look like in practice. We’ll also discuss ways you can influence policymakers and advocate for a more inclusive conservation movement. This conversation is packed with insights and actionable steps to help us reimagine conservation as a right for everyone, not just a privilege for a few. To help guide our conversation, I had the pleasure of chatting with Bray Beltran. Bray was born and raised in Colombia. He moved to the United States when he was 21 and has been living here for 24 years. Bray is a recent transplant to the mid-Atlantic, but he spent nine years living in the deep South and 13 years in the Intermountain West. Bray earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in the US academic system, studying ecology, climate change, and conservation. After school, Bray started his career in conservation and worked on private land protection in the Northern Rockies for 10 years. During this time, Bray started to understand conservation not only within the historical context of American culture but also within the cultural context of 15,000+ years of Indigenous tenure and 500 years of Afro-descendant history in the Americas. Since then, Bray has strived to practice conservation considering the full historical and cultural context of the Americas to make sure our conservation actions and outcomes benefit the whole of society and include the perspectives, histories, and knowledge of historically marginalized communities. Bray is a father, a husband, an only child to his mother, a brother, a cousin, and an uncle to his very large family. He can often be found tending to his garden or enjoying his surroundings near and far. INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/outdoor.minimalist.book/ WEBSITE: https://www.theoutdoorminimalist.com/ YOUTUBE: @theoutdoorminimalist ORDER THE BOOK: https://www.theoutdoorminimalist.com/book LISTENER SURVEY: https://forms.gle/jd8UCN2LL3AQst976
20 Jan 36min
164. Is an Outdoor Recreation Economy How We Stop Off-Shore Drilling? with Chad Nelsen
First, let me start by saying that the devastation from the wildfires in the LA area is horrific. Our hearts go out to everyone who has had to experience a climate disaster. Unfortunately, these events will likely become more frequent and widespread. We plan to discuss climate disasters more and how to prepare for them in the future, but for now, we will focus on some policies that no doubt influence and fuel climate change. In episode 164 of the Outdoor Minimalist podcast, we discuss offshore drilling. More specifically, we will learn about the intersection between outdoor recreation economies and how activities like offshore drilling impact them. To help explain the scope of this issue, I had the pleasure of sitting down to chat with Chad Nelsen. Dr. Chad Nelsen is the CEO of the Surfrider Foundation, the world’s largest grassroots coastal and ocean conservation organization dedicated to protecting and enjoying the world’s oceans, waves, and beaches. Chad has over 25 years of experience in ocean and coastal conservation and works at the intersection of advocacy, ocean recreation, and grassroots organizing to confront some of our most pressing challenges, including climate change, plastic pollution, and poor water quality. With a geology degree from Brown University, a Masters in Coastal Environmental Management from Duke University, and an Environmental Science and Engineering doctorate from UCLA, Chad has a strong foundation in science, policy, and management. Through his research at UCLA, Chad became a founder in the field of “surfonomics,” the study of the economic values of surfing and ocean recreation. Chad lives in Laguna Beach with his family and enjoys surfing, hiking, mountain biking, climbing, and snowboarding with his family. After this interview was recorded, President Biden announced the withdrawal of the entire US East Coast, the eastern Gulf of Mexico, and the Pacific off the coasts of Washington, Oregon, and California, and additional portions of the northern Bering Sea in Alaska from future oil and gas leasing. Taken under the authority of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, this permanently protects more than 625 million acres of US Waters from any future oil and gas development in 5-year offshore drilling plans developed by the federal government. Surfrider and Chad Nelsen released a statement about this on January 6th: "The Surfrider Foundation applauds the Biden administration for withdrawing these waters from future oil and gas leasing. Offshore drilling is a dirty and damaging practice that harms our ocean as well as communities and businesses while worsening climate change. The President's historic action is a key step toward ending oil and gas drilling in US waters. We call on our federal leaders to take further steps to ensure that all US coasts are protected from this harmful industry," INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/outdoor.minimalist.book/ WEBSITE: https://www.theoutdoorminimalist.com/ YOUTUBE: @theoutdoorminimalist ORDER THE BOOK: https://www.theoutdoorminimalist.com/book LISTENER SURVEY: https://forms.gle/jd8UCN2LL3AQst976 ---------------------- Surfrider Foundation Website: https://www.surfrider.org/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Surfrider/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/SurfriderFoundation Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/surfrider/
13 Jan 23min
