Earth Day’s Great Global CleanupTM Open for Cleanup Registrations

Thousands of Cleanups Activating Four Million Volunteers To Take Place in U.S. Cities and States

Washington D.C. (March 4, 2020) – The Great Global Cleanup, in honor of the 50^th anniversary of Earth Day, is the most ambitious volunteer event in history. The Cleanup’s goal is to remove a billion pieces of trash from our parks, beaches, cities, waterways, and wherever waste is found.

Organizers across the U.S. and the world are being urged to join this movement, with prominent visibility of their events and organizations on The Great Global Cleanup map. Cleanup event organizers registrations are now open here.

“Participation in the Great Global Cleanup reflects the expanding network of the cleanup movement. Together we’re tapping on the enthusiasm to make communities clean and address out-of-control waste. It’s inspiring to see people of all ages, backgrounds, and locations demonstrating their commitment to a waste-free future,” said Earth Day Network president Kathleen Rogers.

Improved health and positive growth can be achieved once people gain the expectation that their community will be clean. Communities large and small, rural and urban, global and domestic, are all taking the reins and setting that expectation by cleaning places they live, work and play this Earth Day.

Cleanups begin later this month and will continue through early May. If you don’t see a cleanup near you, learn how to organize a cleanup of your own here. 

The Great Global Cleanup is made possible thanks to a vast network of partners including Let’s Do It World, World Cleanup Day, National Cleanup Day, Keep America Beautiful and many others.

About Earth Day Network

Earth Day Network’s mission is to diversify, educate, and activate the environmental movement worldwide. Growing out of the first Earth Day (1970), Earth Day Network works with more than 100,000 partners in 190 countries to build environmental democracy. More than 1 billion people now participate in Earth Day activities each year, making it the largest civic observance in the world. Learn more at earthday.org

About National CleanUp Day

National CleanUp Day is a call to action. National CleanUp Day is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, dedicated to keeping our nation’s urban, rural, and outdoor public spaces free of litter and trash. Learn more at nationalcleanupday.org

Terra Bella, CA (March 3, 2020)- Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella, Inc., the nation’s second largest pistachio grower and processor based in California’s Central Valley, is thrilled to announce that U.S grown roasted pistachios meet the generally accepted definition of a “complete protein.” This means pistachios now join the ranks of a select few plant proteins such as quinoa, chickpeas, and soybeans, offering a plant-based alternative to animal proteins. 

 

According to the Food and Drug Administration, protein is made up of 20 different amino acids. The FDA explains that 9 out of the 20 amino acids are considered “essential,” meaning they cannot be made by the body and must be obtained through food. The FDA defines a complete protein as a food that contains “all of the essential amino acids in adequate amounts.” Most complete proteins come from meat, fish, eggs, and dairy products. [1] Roasted pistachios are now considered a complete protein source for those who are over 5 years of age.

 

“It feels great to be able to offer consumers a complete protein that will meet a variety of dietary needs,” said Setton Farms COO Mia Cohen. “This new analysis gives our customers another great reason to enjoy the nutritional benefits of our pistachios.”

 

A Protein Digestibility Corrected Amino Acid Score (PDCAAS) for pistachios, presented at the Federation of European Nutrition Societies (FENS) Conference in Dublin, Ireland on October 17, 2019 reported representation of adequate levels of all nine essential amino acids in roasted pistachios.^[2]  Boasting a PDCAAS of 81 percent and 80 percent of casein, roasted pistachios meet the USDA definition as an alternate source of protein for school meals. ^[3]

Setton Farms Pistachios are sold in stores nationwide, including Kroger, Meijer, Wegmans, Jewel, Lunds & Byerlys, Woodmans, Shoprite, Winco, Bed Bath & Beyond, Albertson/Shaws, At Home, Hudson News, and online at Amazon.com.

Grown in California’s Central Valley, Setton Farms’ pistachios are vegan, Non-GMO Project Verified, Certified Gluten Free, accredited by the American Heart Association and Kosher. All of Setton Farms’ pistachios are grown, processed, and packaged using renewable energy and eco-friendly practices.

The Setton family is dedicated to providing healthy and delicious pistachio snack options that consumers of all ages love. In addition to their full line of roasted pistachio items, Setton Farms produces Seasoned Pistachio Kernels, Pistachio Chewy Bites, Dark Chocolate Covered Pistachios, Premium Nut Blends, and other nutritious, pistachio-based snacks. 

For more information on Setton Farms, visit www.settonfarms.com or follow on social media at: Instagram @setton_farms, Facebook @settonfarmspistachiochewybites and Twitter @settonfarms

About Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella, Inc.

Since 1986, the Setton family has taken a hands-on approach to growing and processing America’s Best Tasting Pistachios in the Central Valley of California. As the second largest pistachio processor in the United States, Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella, Inc. provides pistachios to more than 60 foreign markets. Using proprietary techniques, the Setton Farms brand offers the highest quality pistachios with a fresh-from-the-orchard taste.

 

[1] https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/interactivenutritionfactslabel/factsheets/Protein.pdf

 

[2] https://www.morressier.com/article/p33705–digestible-indispensable-amino-acid-score-diaas-better-estimates-protein-value-pistachios-digestibility-corrected-amino-acid-score-pdcaas/5d5e5188bedcf39b766368c3

 

[3]  https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CFR-2011-title7-vol4/xml/CFR-2011-title7-vol4-part210-appA.xml

Fireside Outdoor, the family-owned brand dedicated to making outdoor fires safer and more accessible, is pleased to introduce the Trailblazer, the lightest full-size firepit ever made. At just 3 pounds and 14 inches long, the Trailblazer is packable and portable, with the strength to hold up to 35 pounds of wood and the capacity to burn a large fire or cook a complete meal.

 “The Trailblazer allows anyone to have a leave no trace campfire even into the farthest reaches of the backcountry,” said Mark Wolf, founder and president at Fireside Outdoor. “The current rate of human-caused wildfires, scorched earth fire-rings, and trashed campsites simply isn’t sustainable, and the Trailblazer is an adept solution.”

The Trailblazer folds up into a 14-inch-by-4 inch sleeve, roughly the size of a large water bottle. Designed with aerospace-inspired aluminum alloy that cools in under 90 seconds, open-airflow design that burns hotter than grounded fires, and grill grate to cook up dinner (and s’mores) for four people, the Trailblazer is ideal for canoeing, kayaking, packrafting, overlanding, vanlife, camping or any adventure where space and weight are at a premium. Lastly, the Trailblazer was designed to meet all federal fire regulations for worry-free warmth and cooking anywhere the trail may lead.

The Trailblazer is now live on Kickstarter but is ready and available to ship to customers immediately.

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About Fireside Outdoor 

Founded in 2016 in Phoenix, Arizona, Fireside Outdoor was created with a simple purpose in mind: Engineer products that make managing an outdoor fire easier and safer. With the help of innovative materials and a team of skillful engineers, we are creating common sense solutions to long lasting problems. From wildfire prevention, to reducing the impact our fires have on the environment. For more information, visit www.firesideoutdoor.com

Astral, manufacturer of award-winning PFDs and footwear, is excited to announce the addition of Tad Fox of DIY Outdoor to its sales team. Fox will represent the brand across the Mid-Atlantic region, covering New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Washington, DC.

 

A seasoned rep with outdoor footwear experience, Fox brings a well-honed skillset and invaluable connections to the table. Based out of Hackettstown, New Jersey, Fox has represented footwear brands such as Hoka, Asolo, and Forsake. Fox has worked with Astral in the Mid-Atlantic previously, and now the brand joins his current portfolio, which consists of Farm to Feet, Korkers, Asolo boots, Toad & Co, Polar Max, and Sealskinz.

 

“We’re excited to work with Tad again moving forward,” says Bryan Owen, Sales Manager for Astral. “His experience and passion for the outdoors will surely be a huge benefit to Astral and our customers in the Mid-Atlantic.”

 

For more information on Astral please visit www.astraldesigns.com or contact Dan Arnett at dan@darbycommunications.com. Tad Fox can be reached at diyoutdoor@gmail.com or 973-722-4491.

 

About Astral

Established in 2002, Astral has grown to specialize in high performance footwear alongside its industry-leading safety gear for paddlers. Independently owned and operated with a sincere commitment to making products of the highest performance and style for use in Nature. Astral is based in the year-round outdoor wonderland of Asheville, NC and has satellite offices in Bend, Oregon and Saigon, Vietnam. #NatureFirst

For over 40 years, Nikwax has made sustainability and performance a priority. Throughout this ongoing journey, the international brand has hit many significant milestones, including never using PFCs, making safe and effective washes and waterproofings to extend the life of outdoor gear, carbon balancing all of its operations, and in 2020, bottles made from 100% recycled plastic.

In 2019, to support the 100% recycled plastic bottle launch, the Nikwax NA team made the decision to produce a completely recyclable booth made from sustainable products. The entire booth was produced from renewable forest resources and recycled materials. The material used is completely recyclable and produces no chlorofluorocarbons and emits no VOCs during manufacturing. It is Sustainable Forestry Initiative® (SFI) certified and promotes closed loop recycling. It’s baler friendly, renewable and reusable, lessens dependence on petroleum-based resins and decreases landfill waste. The booth was shipped in a recyclable crate, and booth carpet was eliminated.

This exercise, while intended to be a one-time occurrence, made the team deeply consider their impact at trade shows. For the Winter 2020 OR Show, they produced a similar booth, incorporating lessons learned. They continued with the same material but found a local Denver manufacturer. This meant no shipping; money was saved and carbon impact was reduced. They were also able to cut out plastic and foam packaging and padding. The only packaging was two cardboard boxes (recyclable).

What was learned? It’s a balance. While the company is treating the booth as single-use, they believe choosing recycled and recyclable, sustainable products lessens the impact vs. manufacturing a booth that is used for years and updated each year, without the use of sustainable materials. What happens to that booth in the end?

With the 100% recyclable booth, Nikwax saved money on shipping, storage, and set-up. The new booth had less impact on the staff who could set it up and tear it down quickly and easily. Unsustainable products were eliminated and a booth that creates excitement and interest from all who pass by was created.

There’s no perfect answer to the trade show booth. But, with thoughtfulness and creativity, an impactful booth that shares the brand’s message of sustainability through example can be showcased.

About Nikwax
Nikwax was founded in 1977 by Nick Brown, an avid hiker and traveler, who designed his own waterproofing wax to keep his leather hiking boots dry. Today, Nikwax is the trusted global leader in environmentally safe aftercare solutions. Nikwax products extend the performance life of technical clothing, footwear and equipment. Nikwax’s 40+ year commitment to clean chemistry means not using PFCs or aerosols, and not testing on animals. The carbon balanced company’s product line is water-based and biodegradable. All product bottles are made from 100% recycled plastic that can also be recycled. Nikwax North America is a subsidiary of Nikwax Ltd, a UK company. For media inquiries and more information, please contact Kate Ketschek at Revolution House Media, kate@revolutionhousemedia.com.

REI Co-op’s adventure travel company has introduced its first active trips in Shenandoah National Park, along with new trips in Norway and Slovenia. The global leader in small group active travel also announced its first international backpacking trip in Patagonia and continued expansion of its Grand Canyon and cycling collections.

“We intentionally design every active adventure to connect with local communities in a meaningful way that only REI can offer,” said Mark Seidl, REI divisional vice president of Experiences. “By doing so, we want our guests to gain a broader perspective of the world and be transformed through the experience.”

National park expansion: Shenandoah and Grand Canyon
Created in 1925, Shenandoah National Park was one of the first national parks in the eastern United States. Three REI itineraries are now available – a multisport Shenandoah National Park Adventure, Shenandoah Lodge-to-Lodge Hiking and Shenandoah National Park Weekend Cycling. All trips are four days in length with departures during spring blossoms through fall’s vibrant colors. Next month, REI will add a four-day Shenandoah backpacking trip to the collection.

On REI’s multisport trip, guests hike to Shenandoah’s highest point and through deep caverns with streams and anthodite formations, zipline through the treetops, and float down the South Fork of the Shenandoah River. Star-filled evenings at camp are complete with hearty meals to refuel guests. The company’s lodge-to-lodge itinerary hikes a section of the Appalachian Trail from the doorsteps of iconic lodges that boast unique histories. The company’s cycling weekend stays at charming inns and lodges, providing a welcome reward from vigorous daily rides of 40 to 60 miles along the spine of the Blue Ridge Mountains. 

Adding to REI’s postcard-perfect national parks adventures is its expansion in the Grand Canyon. The company recently added six itineraries for a total of 14 adventures Grand Canyon National Park that range from three to eight days of hiking, backpacking and cycling. With so many options, adventurers can confidently select a trip based on his/her available time, interests and ability.  

Backpacking Patagonia – where nature reigns supreme
Building on REI’s widely popular North America backpacking trips, the company is introducing its first international itinerary to explore the undiscovered heart of Patagonia’s remote and rugged beauty. On Backpacking Patagonia – Fitz Roy and Los Glaciares National Park, the eight-day adventure starts in the small outpost of El Chalten known as the region’s trekking capital. Guests hike through meadows and lenga forests, across moraines and glaciers, and up to breathtaking vistas. A trip highlight is a trek past iceberg-laden bays and over high passes to reach the unparalleled views of the second-largest non-polar ice mass in the world.

The co-op now offers seven itineraries in Patagonia ranging in length from seven to 13 days for hiking, cycling, kayaking and volunteer trail maintenance to protect the famous “W” trail.

New Europe trips: Norway and Slovenia
Known as the “land of the midnight sun” because one-third of the country is in the Arctic Circle, REI is expanding its classic Norway offering with the launch of two more itineraries – Norway Lofoten Islands Hiking and Norway Fjords Cycling. The nine-day archipelago hiking trip offers unparalleled beauty as guests hike up glacier-carved mountains to the reward of epic views, kayak “little Hawaii,” and experience life in remote fishing communities. Highlights also include a cruise through one of the country’s steepest and narrowest fjords in search of Europe’s largest eagle, a visit to the outermost and wildest islands of Værøy, and plenty of opportunities for traditional cold-water swims.

On REI’s Slovenia Hiking – The Alps to the Adriatic trip guests venture into the quiet solitude of the Julian Alps and more. The rugged Julian Alps are just as awe-inspiring as their Swiss and French cousins, with a big difference: far fewer hikers. Over eight days, marvel at high limestone peaks and dense spruce forests; raft the Soča River and swim in its pools and waterfalls; take a private tour of the subterranean chambers of the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Škocjan Caves; and discover the region’s wine, olive oil and local cuisine with visits to a prosciutto producer and local beekeeper farm. For such a small country, its beekeepers produce up to 2,500 tons of honey a year.

Continued cycling expansion
Last year REI doubled its cycling itineraries to more than 40 fully guided tours around the world, and nearly all offer an e-bike option at no additional charge. In North America, the company had 100 percent growth in participants. As part of its continued expansion to meet consumer interests, the travel leader is introducing two more Eastern US options rich in history to complement its Shenandoah cycling tour.

On its GAP Trail and C&O Canal Gravel Riding trip, guests cycle and camp for six nights along two iconic trails that comprise the longest off-road, easily bikeable trail system in the nation. Highlights of the car-free route include visiting Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater house, experiencing the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers in historic Harper’s Ferry, W. Va., and learning the important history of Civil War and Revolutionary War sites.                      

REI’s Richmond to Colonial Williamsburg Weekend Cycling tour offers guests four days of laid-back cycling on quiet country roads to some of the nation’s most charming towns and important cultural sites. Riders visit the Yorktown Battlefield, Colonial Williamsburg and Chippokes Plantation; explore the first successful English settlement in North America founded in 1607; and camp nightly in Virginia’s historic triangle.

About the REI Co-op
REI is a specialty outdoor retailer, headquartered near Seattle. The nation’s largest consumer co-op, REI is a growing community of more than 18 million members who expect and love the best quality gear, inspiring expert classes and trips, and outstanding customer service. REI has 162 stores in 39 states and the District of Columbia. If you can’t visit a store, you can shop at REI.com, REI Outlet or the free REI shopping app. REI isn’t just about gear. You can take the trip of a lifetime with REI Adventures, a global leader in active adventure travel that runs more than 300 custom-designed itineraries worldwide. The REI Outdoor School is run by professionally trained, expert-instructors who teach beginner-to advanced-level courses about a wide range of activities. To build on the infrastructure that makes life outside possible, REI invests millions annually in hundreds of local and national nonprofits that create access to—and steward—the outdoor places that inspire us all.

 

 

The 1Climb Foundation, a non-profit organization founded by professional rock climber Kevin Jorgeson, is partnering with one of the largest operators of indoor climbing facilities in the U.S., El Cap, to bring climbing to kids across the country. Marking the beginning of the new partnership, El Cap and 1Climb opened a rock wall at Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver on December 17.

 

The new wall, donated by El Cap, brings climbing and climbing related programs to 10,000 kids in the Denver area. The donation supports the clubs goals of helping kids achieve better academic success, healthy lifestyles and civic engagement through climbing. It also brings climbing to a community that might not otherwise have the opportunity. In addition to the Denver wall, El Cap and 1Climb have plans to open walls in Portland and San Francisco in 2020. Which is just the beginning, the two brands will continue to partner on walls around the country into the future.

 

El Cap, who owns Planet Granite, Earth Treks and Movement, is the largest nationwide network of indoor climbing gyms. Continuing to grow its network, El Cap not only donated the wall to Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver, but they committed to ongoing programming and instruction with their expert staff. The partnership ensures a positive experience for the kids and the walls continued success.

 

“This partnership allows us all to share our love of climbing with Boys & Girls Clubs and ensure aspiring climbers walk away feeling a bit more proud and inspired,” explains Robert Cohen, CEO of El Cap. “Our hope is that eventually they decide to join the kind-hearted and encouraging community that exists in climbing today.” 

 

1Climb was founded in 2017 by Kevin Jorgeson and Dan Chancellor, the founder and owner of SoiLL Climbing Holds. The foundation started with the goal of introducing 100,000 kids to climbing. Today, 1Climb has opened five walls, including the Denver wall, and has introduced more than 18,400 kids to climbing. 

 

For more information about 1Climb, or to donate to the organization, visit www.1climb.org.

 

For more information about Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver and their climbing program, visit www.bgcmd.com.

 

About 1Climb

The 1Climb Foundation was founded in 2017 with the mission of introducing 100,000 kids to climbing. 1Climb funds the installation of climbing walls in Boys and Girls Clubs across the United States, and creates partnerships between the clubs and the local climbing community. For more information about 1Climb, visit www.1climb.org.

Save the Boundary Waters to Host Series of Screenings of New Mini- Documentary, “In Deep Water,” on Threat to the Wilderness from Risky Mining

Screenings will be followed by a panel discussion and question and answer period

ELY, MN–Today the Campaign to Save the Boundary Waters announced a series of screenings on the threat to the wilderness from sulfide-ore copper mining, most significantly from Chilean mining conglomerate Antofagasta’s Twin Metals project. Each screening will include a presentation of the mini-documentary, “In Deep Water,” panel discussion, and question and answer period. 

A Star Tribune/MPR poll released yesterday showed that by nearly 3 to 1 Minnesotans do not want mining near the Boundary Waters Wilderness. This tracks with other polling that has consistently shown over the years that Minnesotans oppose threats to America’s most visited Wilderness. Significantly, opposition did not change greatly across regions of the state. 

The screenings and conversations will help inform the public on the threat sulfide-ore copper mining poses to the Boundary Waters Wilderness.

Schedule of screenings (all shows at 6PM)

Feb 27–Duluth
Zeitgeist Theater
222 East Superior Street
Duluth, MN 55802

March 4–Minneapolis
Parkway Theatre
4818 Chicago Ave
Minneapolis, MN 55417

March 6–Ely
Vermillion Community College Theater 
1900 E. Camp St.
Ely, MN 55731

March 9-Grand Marais
Arrowhead Center for the Arts
51 W 5th St
Grand Marais, MN 55604

March 15–Madison, WI
Canoecopia
1919 Alliant Energy Way, 
Madison, WI 53713

March 16–Milwaukee, WI
Indeed Brewing
530 S 2nd St,
Milwaukee, WI 53204

March 17–Chicago, IL 
Revolution Brewing
2323 N Milwaukee Ave
Chicago, IL 60647

For more information on the film and screening schedule please see: https://www.savetheboundarywaters.org/film-screenings

 

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360 Adventure Collective (360 AC), the trusted member association that has hosted regional, focused events for sales reps and retailers for over 40 years, welcomes a new Executive Director, Stacey Gellert. The Board of Directors unanimously approved the appointment following a search process that started last September. Effective April 1, Gellert will move into the role following the retirement of former director Debbie Motz, who served 30 years with the non-profit.

“I’ve known and worked with Stacey for most of the 17 years she’s been with EORA and 360 AC,” notes Phil Flamand, 360 Adventure Collective’s Board President. “She has proven to be dedicated, diligent and a tremendous asset. Her experience will be critical in leading 360 AC in the right direction during the ever-shifting future of trade shows and the challenging times we are living in.”

Gellert is an outdoor industry veteran with more than 17 years of experience in trade show management. Most recently, she has overseen 360 Adventure Collective’s Mid-Atlantic and New England regions. During her tenure, Gellert has helped the organization grow to over 675 members with 14 annual shows servicing 2,900+ retailers. She is a long-time resident of Asheville, NC, a hotbed of outdoor activities.

 

“I am thrilled to continue my partnership with 360 Adventure Collective,” notes Gellert. “My vision for the organization includes attracting younger demographics, improving show efficiency by implementing more technology, and expanding our retailer base to include a greater variety of channels.”

To learn more about 360 Adventure Collective, visit https://360adventurecollective.org/ or email Mandy Giles at mandy@darbycommunications.com.

About 360 Adventure Collective

EORA (Eastern Outdoor Reps Association) and NESR (New England Sports Reps) united in 2017 to create 360 Adventure Collective, a greater organization boasting a combined 40 years of success in connecting the most comprehensive offerings in outdoor and ski apparel, footwear, accessories and hard goods to the industry’s retailers who matter the most. By hosting smaller, more conveniently located expos and markets than the national alternatives, 360 Adventure Collective is the traveling sales rep’s most trusted support system for maximizing connections with retailers and vendors. 360 Adventure Collective has over 675 members with 14 annual shows, and services over 2,900 retailers. For more information or to become a member visit https://360adventurecollective.org/.