3 Simple Gear Swaps for More Eco-Friendly, Sustainable Adventures
We don’t all have to be perfect zero-waste warriors to make a positive impact on the environment.
Anyone who loves outdoor adventures has a responsibility to protect and preserve the planet that serves as our playground. While the climate crisis makes this seem like an uphill battle, there are plenty of small and manageable lifestyle changes we can make to shift our actions in a sustainable way.
Many outdoor adventurers are going back to basics with simpler lifestyle choices, using natural, eco-friendly products that are also effective. The outdoor apparel industry is prioritizing the planet by making a shift towards natural fibres like wool rather than using outdated plastic-based materials. Canadian companies are becoming leaders in the sustainability space by making plastic-free products, allowing for small lifestyle changes that can spur positive environmental impacts.
Here are three simple swaps that hikers, campers and explorers can make for an eco-friendlier, adventurous lifestyle.
Swap plastic bandages & moleskin for BlistWool
Any outdoor adventurer knows the struggle of getting blisters while conquering the trails. Long hikes, new footwear or just a bad day can all result in that painful bubble or peel of the skin off your foot (sorry, is that gross?). We can use bandages or moleskin to protect our skin, but these both come with plastic waste and extra materials, from the bandage adhesive backing to the scissors needed to cut the moleskin.
While these methods are effective, this plastic waste isn’t environmentally friendly nor is it necessary, as there are more sustainable alternatives available like Blistwool. Inspired by the method used commonly in New Zealand, Blistwool uses 100 per cent Canadian-grown sheep wool to prevent the pain of blisters without harming the environment.
Natural, simple and effective, Blistwool attaches itself to the sock fibres so it can stay in place without leaving any residue. The wool uses its moisture absorption, anti-bacterial and friction-reducing properties to keep your skin safe and happy on your outdoor adventures. Best of all, Blistwool is sustainable, as the wool can be composted after use and biodegrades to create zero waste. The company is sustainable throughout the entire process, naturally washing and processing the wool in Alberta and even using its scraps to make laundry dryer balls.
Swap plastic laundry jugs for Tru Earth eco-strips
Any true outdoor adventure will leave you with sweaty, dirty clothes, and we mean this in the nicest way possible. When putting your clothes in the laundry, scrap the plastic bottle detergents that go on to populate landfills after use and create a huge footprint to be shipped. You’ve been breathing in fresh air all day, so it’s important to do your part to keep our atmosphere free of toxins at the end of the day.
Canadian company Tru Earth has created a revolutionary way to do the laundry that is free of parabens, phosphates, added dyes, chlorine, animal-based ingredients and 1,4 dioxane, making it as friendly to your skin as it is to the environment. Tru Earth Eco-Strips are ultra-concentrated, hypoallergenic, eco-friendly cleaning powder in the form of a tiny strip. Pop that in the washing machine with your nature-smelling clothes and they’ll come out as fresh as can be for your next adventure.
Swap single-use plastic bags for Colibri Canada reusable snack bags
Food is fuel while hiking, and it’s nice to have a variety of options to keep your taste buds tickled throughout your adventures. While there are plenty of snacks to stock in your bag, many come with plastic packaging in the form of wrapping or a bag that will end up decomposing in a landfill and damaging our environment and the beings that live on it.
Colibri Canada has created reusable bags that allow you to take your snacks to-go. They are durable, machine-washable and last for years, so you won’t have to worry about single-use plastics for your trail snacks. The bags come in a variety of fun prints and have specialized zippers which have been tested to be safe and easy and are also certified to meet FDA and Health Canada standards for food safety. Pack yourself some trail mix, a sandwich, dried fruit, energy balls or whatever you like, and you’re ready to hit the trails!
As conscious consumers and adventurers, we have a responsibility to keep the planet in mind as we continue to explore. We’ve all seen firsthand the damage that humans can do to our world, so every step we take must be a step forward for the environment.
This article was sponsored by BlistWool
BlistWool’s natural moisture absorption, anti-bacterial & friction reducing properties aid in the prevention of hotspots & blisters. Not requiring any adhesives, it works by attaching itself to the sock fibers so it stays in place without leaving any sticky residue behind. After use, BlistWool simply pulls away from your sock & can be discarded or composted.