Type: OIA Press Room

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 16, 2023

 

BOULDER, Colo. – Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) interim Executive Director Kent Ebersole today released the following statement celebrating the reintroduction of “America’s Outdoor Recreation Act” in the Senate:

“After building significant support for the legislation in the last Congress with lawmakers, industry leaders and other stakeholders, we are thrilled to see Senators Manchin and Barrasso reintroduce this historic comprehensive outdoor recreation bill. This package would provide meaningful support for outdoor recreation opportunities across the country at a time when a record number of Americans are getting outdoors and benefitting from the mental and physical health benefits these spaces provide.

“Federal outdoor recreation legislation will have a real impact on the ability of all Americans – regardless of zip code – to spend time outside and will bolster the $862 billion outdoor industry and its 4.5 million jobs in communities across all 50 states.

“We applaud these forward-thinking lawmakers for their leadership and commitment to improving access to America’s lands and waters. We also greatly appreciate the strong interest from Houses members—including Reps. Curtis and Neguse—in producing similar bipartisan companion legislation. We were very excited to learn this week of plans for a legislative hearing in the House to consider several bills that could be incorporated into the House version of this legislation. We thank House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Westerman and Ranking Member Grijalva for prioritizing this legislation and taking action in their committee to move us closer to final passage of this important legislation.”

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About the Outdoor Industry Association 

Based in Boulder, Colo., with offices in Washington, D.C., Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) is the leading trade association for the outdoor industry. For more than 30 years, OIA has served as the trusted convenor, resource, and voice of the outdoor industry. OIA unites and serves manufacturers, suppliers, sales representatives, and retailer members through its focus on trade and recreation policy, sustainable business innovation, and outdoor participation. The association provides its members with insights, advocacy, and opportunities for action that support the long-term success of outdoor businesses and ensure the outdoor experience for all.  For more information, visit outdoorindustry.org.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 16, 2023

BOULDER, Colo. – Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) interim Executive Director Kent Ebersole today released the following statement commending the re-introduction of the bicameral, bipartisan Outdoors for All Act:

“Regardless of location, background, or income, all Americans deserve parks and green spaces that are within walking distance to their homes. Unfortunately, more than 100 million Americans live without suitable access to the outdoors. We are thrilled to see Congress prioritizing inclusive outdoor recreation programs in low-income, urban communities across the nation.

“This legislation will provide traditionally underserved communities with the resources they need to revitalize their neighborhoods and invest in new green spaces, which in turn will provide countless economic opportunities and mental and health benefits.

“Addressing outdoor equity in our country must be a priority and we applaud U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Susan Collins and U.S. Representatives Nanette Diaz Barragán and Michael Turner for leading the way to provide sustainable and accessible outdoor experiences for all – regardless of zip code.”

The outdoor industry — which contributes $862 billion outdoor industry and supports 4.5 million employees — is committed to ensuring each person the opportunity to enjoy outdoor spaces in their own community by supporting public-private initiatives to create more close-to-home infrastructure projects in communities that have been traditionally underserved and lack many of the amenities that contribute to a higher quality of life. These projects include accessible walking and bike paths, “parkifying” underpasses, beautifying alleyways, redesigning green space in industrial buildings.

The outdoor industry and its partners are working with policymakers to focus on increasing protection and accessibility to natural areas near cities, especially those with historical ties to nature-deprived groups. By increasing the voices and representation of our diverse populations, more people will be encouraged to participate in outdoor recreation.

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About Outdoor Industry Association 

Based in Boulder, Colo., with offices in Washington, D.C., Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) is the leading trade association for the outdoor industry. For more than 30 years, OIA has served as the trusted convenor, resource, and voice of the outdoor industry. OIA unites and serves manufacturers, suppliers, sales representatives, and retailer members through its focus on trade and recreation policy, sustainable business innovation, and outdoor participation. The association provides its members with insights, advocacy, and opportunities for action that support the long-term success of outdoor businesses and ensure the outdoor experience for all.  For more information, visit outdoorindustry.org.

Burton, New Balance, Patagonia, REI Co-op, W.L. Gore & Associates, and OIA come together through OIA’s Climate Action Corps to Decarbonize the Textile and Apparel Sector

BOULDER, CO [February 13, 2023] — Burton, New Balance, Patagonia, REI Co-op, and Gore’s Fabrics Division (Gore) – five members of OIA Climate Action Corps – and OIA are pleased to release the results of a joint-commissioned study regarding the feasibility of electrifying the textile and apparel industry. The study outlines substantial opportunities to implement practices that save companies money and reduce supply chain emissions. Patagonia served as the main sponsor of the study which OIA helped to facilitate. This collaborative project is the latest in a series of steps the industry is taking to mitigate the impacts of the climate crisis.

The study, Electrification of Heating in the Textile Industry: A Techno-Economic Analysis for China, Japan, and Taiwan, explored the potential energy savings, CO2 emissions reductions, and costs for electrification technology pathways. The main findings of the study demonstrate that shifting to industrial heat pumps can lead to substantial energy reductions, reduced CO2 emissions, and lower costs compared to conventional systems. The study also provides several key recommendations for the textile industry and policymakers to scale up electrification in the textile and apparel industry and accelerate carbon emissions reductions.

“One of the biggest issues in reducing greenhouse gas emissions in our apparel and textile supply chains is thermal energy – steam and hot water for heating processes in factories. Can we use something other than coal, natural gas, or other fossil fuels? Our study demonstrates how there is an opportunity to decarbonize thermal heating processes in apparel and textile factories in a way that reduces emissions, energy, and cost over time,” said Sarah Rykal, Senior Manager of OIA’s Climate Action Corps. “This is the first research of its kind, and we are thrilled to now be sharing these findings with suppliers in China, Japan, and Taiwan to help increase sustainability on a broader scale. These results impact the entire fashion industry, not just the outdoor industry.”

Burton, New Balance, Patagonia, REI, Gore, and OIA worked with the industrial decarbonization consulting firm Global Efficiency Intelligence to conduct the study. The goal was to gain critical insights into reducing emissions in the apparel industry’s supply chain by shifting from carbon-intensive thermal heating processes currently powered by fossil fuels to more efficient, clean electrified processes where low- or zero-carbon electricity is used. The research focused on the textile industry with a special focus on tier 2 factories – facilities where materials are produced and finished before going into finished products – in China, Japan, and Taiwan, and applies to other geographies.

“Electrification of process heating will play a vital role in the deep decarbonization of the textile industry and apparel supply chain when tied to renewable electricity. However, it seems like not many managers and engineers in the textile and apparel companies are aware of this huge opportunity. There is certainly a need for more work in this area,” said Ali Hasanbeigi, Ph.D., Research Director at Global Efficiency Intelligence and lead researcher for this study.

“Our global supply chain is the source of most of our carbon emissions, so we must work with factory partners to transform how we make products and reduce the harm done in our name,” said Kim Drenner, Head of Supply Chain Environmental Impact at Patagonia. “We joined REI, New Balance, Gore, and Burton to collaborate with the OIA on this study, so the researchers were able to cover a diverse range of factories and stakeholders. This research is a step forward because it provides tangible, cost-effective ways for suppliers and brands to end their reliance on fossil fuels. We look forward to helping implement these improvements.”

The collaborators have also hosted stakeholder engagement activities to inform stakeholders of the research findings and empower them to adopt clean heat processes that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the textile and apparel industry. The research results have been published on GEI’s website.

 

About the Outdoor Industry Association

Based in Boulder, Colo., with offices in Washington, D.C., Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) is the leading trade association for the outdoor industry. For more than 30 years, OIA has served as the trusted convenor, resource, and voice of the outdoor industry. OIA unites and serves manufacturers, suppliers, sales representatives, and retailer members through its focus on trade and recreation policy, sustainable business innovation, and outdoor participation. The association provides its members with insights, advocacy, and opportunities for action that support the long-term success of outdoor businesses and ensure the outdoor experience for all.  For more information, visit outdoorindustry.org

 

About Burton

In 1977, Jake Burton Carpenter founded Burton Snowboards out of his Vermont barn and dedicated the rest of his life to snowboarding. Since its founding, Burton has played a pivotal role in growing snowboarding from a backyard hobby to a world-class sport by creating groundbreaking products, supporting a team of top snowboarders, and pushing resorts to allow snowboarding. Today, Burton designs and manufactures industry-leading products for snowboarding and the outdoors. As a sustainability leader within the outdoor and winter sports industries, Burton is the world’s first snowboard company to become a certified B Corporation®. Privately held and owned by Donna Carpenter, Burton’s headquarters are in Burlington, Vermont with offices in Austria, Japan, Australia, Canada, and China. For more information on Burton, head to www.burton.com and follow our line at facebook.com/burtonsnowboards, twitter.com/burtonsnowboard, and @burtonsnowboards on Instagram.

 

About Gore’s Fabrics Division

Gore revolutionized the outerwear industry with waterproof, breathable GORE-TEX Fabric more than 40 years ago and remains a leading innovator of performance apparel. Gore fabrics products provide comfort and protection in challenging environments and in everyday life, enabling wearers to safely and confidently achieve and experience more. From hiking in downpours to defense operations and fighting fires, Gore’s deep understanding of consumer and industry needs drives development of products with meaningful performance advantages. For more information, visit gore-tex.com and goretexprofessional.com

 

About New Balance

New Balance, headquartered in Boston, Ma has the following mission: Demonstrating responsible leadership, we build global brands that athletes are proud to wear, associates are proud to create and communities are proud to host. Manufactured in the U.S. for more than 75 years and representing a limited portion of our U.S. sales, New Balance MADE U.S. is a premium collection that contains domestic value of 70% or greater. New Balance owns five factories in New England and one in Flimby, U.K. New Balance employs more than 7,000 associates around the globe and in 2021 reported sales of $4.4 billion. To learn more about New Balance, please visit www.newbalance.com and for the latest press information please visit http://newbalance.newsmarket.com.

 

About Patagonia

We’re in business to save our home planet. Founded by Yvon Chouinard in 1973, Patagonia is an outdoor apparel company based in Ventura, California. As a certified B Corporation and a founding member of 1% for the Planet, the company is recognized internationally for its product quality and environmental activism, as well as its contributions of nearly $200 million to environmental organizations. Its unique ownership structure reflects that Earth is its only shareholder: Profits not reinvested back into the business are paid as dividends to protect the planet.

 

About 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 21.5 million members who expect and love the best quality gear, inspiring expert classes and trips, and outstanding customer service. REI has 181 locations in 42 states and the District of Columbia. If you can’t visit a store, you can shop at REI.com, REI Outlet, or the REI shopping app. REI isn’t just about gear. Adventurers can take the trip of a lifetime with REI’s active adventure travel company that runs more than 100 itineraries across the country. In many communities where REI has a presence, professionally trained instructors share their expertise by hosting beginner-to advanced-level classes and workshops 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.

January 04, 2023, Boulder, CO — Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) and Shift Advantage are pleased to announce that Shift Advantage is now an official partner of OIA’s Climate Action Corps, supporting OIA members on their climate journey. With the new Shift Advantage partnership, OIA members can now save up to fifteen percent (15%) on climate sustainability consulting services. *

Shift Advantage has an experienced team of climate and sustainability leaders from the outdoor, apparel, and footwear industry. They have supported dozens of outdoor-related brands and suppliers on their climate journey over the last two decades. Shift Advantage works closely with each client to identify relevant opportunities and provide customized support. Offerings include measuring greenhouse gas emissions (carbon footprint), setting emission reduction targets, initiatives for reducing GHG emissions in operations, products, and supply chain, partnerships for removing carbon emissions from the atmosphere, and publishing reports that follow the leading global standards. Shift Advantage enables brands to take action that sets them on a path to success, and they can help your brand achieve OIA Climate Action’s Corps goal for the industry to become climate positive by 2030.

*Savings vary per member and their individual consulting agreement. Please reach out to Shift Advantage to confirm your savings amount.

Please join us on Thursday, January 26, 2023, from 1:00-2:00 pm MT for a special webinar to find out more.

About Shift Advantage:
Shift Advantage utilizes corporate responsibility and sustainability expertise to empower brands to meet new market demands, reduce costs, create competitive advantage, and foster long-term growth. They have proven success in designing and implementing a wide range of sustainability strategies and initiatives for brands of all sizes. By understanding the unique needs of each client, Shift Advantage delivers customized solutions with a focus on business value.

Shift Advantage’s services include: GHG inventories, carbon reduction planning, and climate strategies; climate risk/opportunity assessments; setting Science Based Targets (SBTs); Higg Index assessments; materiality assessments; product, material and packaging lifecycle assessments (LCAs)/footprints and improvements strategies; environmental preferred material guidance, sustainability vision creation, goal setting, and strategies; metrics & KPIs development; supply chain sustainability initiatives and assessments; chemistry programs; employee trainings and engagements; B Corp certification; and sustainability/ESG reports aligned with GRI, CDP, SASB & TCFD requirements. www.shiftadvantage.com

Industry remains focused on advancing ‘America’s Outdoor Recreation Act’ next Congress

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 20, 2022

BOULDER, Colo. – Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) interim Executive Director Kent Ebersole today released the following statement regarding the 2023 omnibus spending bill:

“We are thrilled to see increased investments have been included in the omnibus spending bill to advance implementation funding for the landmark Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA), as well as increased funding for national parks and key climate change initiatives. It is also encouraging to see the Growing Climate Solutions Act has also been included in the package, along with increased investments in renewable energy and research development.

“The $3.5 billion in funding for the National Park Service and $1.9 billion secured for GAOA provisions will both address deferred maintenance projects and staffing needs. These funds will boost local economies, support thousands of jobs, and protect and improve our national parks and public lands and waterways.

“A $260 million increase over fiscal year 2022 levels for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) will go a long way to encourage a further transition toward a renewables-based economy. In coordination with the Growing Climate Solutions Act, this investment will advance clean energy initiatives and help facilitate our nation’s ongoing transition to a clean energy economy.

“Although these investments are crucially timed to align with record numbers of Americans getting outdoors and experiencing the mental and physical health benefits of outdoor recreation, we are disappointed America’s Outdoor Recreation Act will not be passed this congressional session. OIA would especially like to thank Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Chairman Manchin and Ranking Member Barrasso for their leadership and work with our industry on AORA. As an industry, we remain optimistic that lawmakers will revisit this legislation in the next Congress, as a strong outdoor industry is not only beneficial to Americans’ health but is also integral to the economic success of our far-reaching $862 billion industry that supports 4.5 million jobs throughout all 50 states.

“We look forward to working with new and returning members of Congress and the Biden administration to provide sustainable and accessible outdoor experiences for all – regardless of zip code – and ensure continued investment in the American tradition of the outdoors.”

 

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About Outdoor Industry Association

Based in Boulder, Colo., with offices in Washington, D.C., Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) is the leading trade association for the outdoor industry. For more than 30 years, OIA has served as the trusted convenor, resource, and voice of the outdoor industry. OIA unites and serves manufacturers, suppliers, sales representatives, and retailer members through its focus on trade and recreation policy, sustainable business innovation, and outdoor participation. The association provides its members with insights, advocacy, and opportunities for action that support the long-term success of outdoor businesses and ensure the outdoor experience for all.  For more information, visit outdoorindustry.org.

Study Supports Recent Data Showing Historically High Outdoor Participation Rates 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  

November 9, 2022 

BOULDER, Colo. – The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) today released new data on the economic impact of outdoor recreation in 2021. BEA found outdoor recreation accounted for $862.0 billion in gross economic output, 1.9 percent of gross domestic product, and 4.5 million jobs in 2021.  

“These encouraging numbers showcase an industry that generates millions of jobs across the country and contributes billions to the total economy every year – $173 billion more than last year. This show of economic strength is coupled with data OIA released this fall revealing the highest ever recorded number of new and returning participants in outdoor recreation,” said Kent Ebersole, Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) interim executive director. “This resurgence in outdoor participation demonstrates an ever-growing appreciation for America’s outdoors that is fueling tremendous mental and physical health benefits for millions of people and supporting new investments in green spaces for all Americans.” 

“Keeping up with the increased demand for outdoor recreation requires bipartisan collaboration at all levels of government, investments in local recreational infrastructure and parks, and an increase in access to public lands and waterways for all Americans. It further supports the need for Congress to pass the America’s Outdoor Recreation Act, which would inject critical federal support for outdoor recreation infrastructure, public parks, and our industry.” 

BEA launched its outdoor recreation economy project in 2017 to “deepen the public’s understanding of the economic impact of outdoor recreation, inform decision making, and improve governance and long-term management of public lands and waters.” 

 

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About the Outdoor Industry Association  

Based in Boulder, Colo., with offices in Washington, D.C., Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) is the leading trade association for the outdoor industry. For more than 30 years, OIA has served as the trusted convenor, resource, and voice of the outdoor industry. OIA unites and serves manufacturers, suppliers, sales representatives, and retailer members through its focus on trade and recreation policy, sustainable business innovation, and outdoor participation. The association provides its members with insights, advocacy, and opportunities for action that support the long-term success of outdoor businesses and ensure the outdoor experience for all.  For more information, visit outdoorindustry.org.  

  

Klean Kanteen, MiiR, Stanley, and YETI come together to support the reduction of emissions across the drinkware supply chain

 

BOULDER, COLO [November 2, 2022] – Making a significant move to create a more sustainable future, four drinkware brands have come together in a first-of-its-kind effort to identify opportunities and actions that will reduce carbon emissions across the drinkware supply chain. Deemed the Drinkware CoLab, the project supports the Outdoor Industry Association’s (OIA) goal to make the outdoor industry the world’s first climate-positive industry by 2030. Klean Kanteen, MiiR, Stanley, and YETI are participating in the Drinkware CoLab as part of OIA’s Climate Action Corps, a climate-positive initiative that goes beyond net-zero emissions to create a positive overall carbon emission benefit.

These four leading brands and OIA’s Climate Action Corps spearheaded this collaboration to drive changes that will reduce the environmental impact of manufacturing, one of the largest components of the environmental footprint of food and beverage containers. The primary goals are to move industry suppliers to 100% renewable electricity and to develop science-aligned emissions reduction targets for supplier facilities.

“Stanley is proud to join forces with these esteemed drinkware brands to reduce the collective environmental footprint of our products,” said Terence Reilly, Global President of Stanley. “Collaborations like these – combined with deep engagement with our suppliers – are critical to ensure that our shared emissions reduction goals are in reach and that we continuously improve the sustainability of every bottle we design.”

“It has been such a pleasure getting to work with other drinkware brands in a truly collaborative way,” said Devon Richardson, Giving and Sustainability Manager at MiiR. “The threats of climate change are real, impending, and affecting our most vulnerable populations. The only way we can make meaningful change is together, and we are so grateful to be a part of this cohort.”

The Outdoor Industry Association has facilitated all aspects of the CoLab and provided project management for the brands. The cost of the Climate Action Corps Drinkware CoLab is being shared by the participating brands, suppliers, and third-party funding OIA received for this specific project. A sustainability consulting agency has been hired to identify and oversee areas of improvement, emission goals, and progress. The agency will assess each of the facilities and work to develop decarbonization roadmaps. These strategies will outline the changes each supplier can undertake to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by increasing energy efficiency, developing renewable energy procurement, implementing management systems, and more.

“This project is enabling our drinkware brands to work together to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in their supply chains with increased efficiency,” said Sarah Rykal, senior manager of the OIA Climate Action Corps. “Many supply chain problems are too grand for any individual company to address single-handedly. We see these types of collaborations as a key puzzle piece in reaching the Corps’ climate goals, as well as each brand’s individual goals, and we ultimately plan to use this project as a model for future CoLabs to follow.”

“The Drinkware CoLab truly embodies the concept of strength in numbers, and Klean Kanteen is proud to link arms with fellow drinkware leaders on climate action,” said Jeff Cresswell, co-owner of Klean Kanteen. “This project will allow us to make meaningful progress together in a way that none of us could accomplish on our own, and it exemplifies a core tenet of the outdoor industry and its sustainability work: together we are a force.”

“We love the outdoors and want to keep the wild, wild for generations to come,” said Hannah Mara, Vice President, Product Management at YETI. “We hope to see this type of collaboration expand across the industry so we can continue making an impact.”

Climate change is one of, if not the most crucial issues the outdoor industry faces today. OIA is in a unique position to rally the industry behind this cause as no one company should feel the burden of facing this ever-growing problem alone. The Climate Action Corps’ work is crucial in making changes. Collaborations of this kind will greatly impact the overall work being done to reach a climate-positive industry by 2030.

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About Outdoor Industry Association

Based in Boulder, Colo., with offices in Washington, D.C., Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) is the leading trade association for the outdoor industry. OIA unites and serves manufacturers, suppliers, sales representatives, and retailer members through its focus on trade and recreation policy, sustainable business innovation, and outdoor participation. For more information, visit outdoorindustry.org.

About Klean Kanteen

Founded in 2004, Klean Kanteen is a family and employee-owned leader in reusable stainless-steel drinkware and food containers with distribution worldwide. With a focus on environmental stewardship, Klean Kanteen is a B Corporation, proud 1% For The Planet member, and Climate Neutral Certified. Working closely with values-aligned companies and organizations, Klean Kanteen supports efforts towards health, the reduction of single-use plastic, and environmental education and awareness. For more information visit www.kleankanteen.com.

About MiiR

Based in Seattle, Wash., MiiR makes premium stainless steel vessels for coffee, water, bar, and food. We create timeless, innovative, and responsibly designed products and set aside a portion of revenue from every sale for our giving initiatives. Those dollars accumulate over time and are then invested back into non-profit organizations who work to empower both people and the planet. To date, MiiR has given over $3.5 million, and you can learn more about some of MiiR’s non-profit partners by registering the Give Code™ on the base of your MiiR product. www.MiiR.com.

About Stanley

Invented by William Stanley, Jr. on September 2, 1913 (official patent date), the all-steel vacuum bottle revolutionized the way people enjoyed food and beverage. Since then, Stanley brand has been delivering superior food and beverage gear for active lifestyles and remains dedicated to this simple promise: buy Stanley products, get quality gear. Built for Life®. Learn more, visit www.stanley1913.com.

About YETI Holdings, Inc.

Headquartered in Austin, Texas, YETI is a global designer, retailer, and distributor of innovative outdoor products. From coolers and drinkware to backpacks and bags, YETI products are built to meet the unique and varying needs of diverse outdoor pursuits, whether in the remote wilderness, at the beach, or anywhere life takes our customers. By consistently delivering high-performing, exceptional products, we have built a strong following of brand loyalists throughout the world, ranging from serious outdoor enthusiasts to individuals who simply value products of uncompromising quality and design. We have an unwavering commitment to outdoor and recreation communities, and we are relentless in our pursuit of building superior products for people to confidently enjoy life outdoors and beyond. For more information, please visit www.YETI.com.