THE MARKET
Sustainability Is a Mindset Here’s how Grassroots vendor partners are creating better gear for the planet—and people. By Doug Schnitzspahn
W e’re at an inflection point,” says Alex Lauver, owner of sustainability consultancy Douglas Strategies and former director of materials, innovation, and sustainability at Outdoor Research. “We talk about ‘innovate or die,’ but right now we’re under immense pressure from climate change and public land challenges—the very places we depend on for recreation and business are in danger. At the same time, consumers have less disposable income, and the linear ‘make-use-
discard’ economy is clearly unsustainable. The question becomes: What truly makes us dif- ferent, and how do we keep performance high while meaningfully reducing impact? There’s no easy answer.” The phase-out of PFAS chemicals is a first step. It’s forcing brands to reengineer water- proof gear and rethink what performance means. That shift could actually extend gear life because when consumers maintain and repair what they own, they replace it less often.
“For specialty retailers, this evolution opens opportunity,” says Lauver. He points to repair stations, used-gear programs, and consignment sections (see page 12) that don’t just cut waste, drive traffic and keep perfectly good gear in play. The gear that follows shows how Grassroots vendor partners are doing their part to contin- ue to produce gear that moves sustainability forward. While not perfect, it places a priority on better materials, recycling, circularity, local supply chains, repair, and education.
GRASSROOTS STORIES 25
Photograph by Julia Vandeoever
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