Happy Friday!

I'm excited to bring you all my second newsletter. To celebrate Earth Day, many of the articles in this newsletter are centered around sustainability and what brands/groups are doing to make a positive impact in the world we live in.

As always, please let me know any thoughts or recommendations you may have.

Jacob
LATEST NEWS IN THE INDUSTRY
A summary of recent events happening in the sports and outdoor industry.
My Takeaways on Sustainability

  1. Be aware of greenwashing: Many brands today talk the sustainability talk, but don't walk it. Even 5 minutes of research into a brand's background or how a new piece of clothing you're about to buy is made can make a big difference in our role as consumers.
  2. Start small: Thinking about sustainability from a wide lens is overwhelming. Taking small steps today is important to ease into good, sustainable habits. This can be anything from finding a second life for an old pair of shoes that you were about to throw out or run commuting to and from the office once a month (had to throw that in here).
  3. Be vocal: I am in no way a sustainability expert, but I am learning more each day. I believe that sharing articles with others is a great conversation starter and further helps to create a collective effort in the fight to save our planet.

Nearly 20% of all global wastewater comes from the apparel & fashion industry (edgexpo.com). Waste is an issue that is extremely relevant in our world today. Pattern Project addresses this issue through at-home creativity. Similar to how you would assemble IKEA furniture, Pattern Project sends you every piece you need to sew together your own garments.

Being an eco-conscious consumer can be overwhelming, but here are a few steps you can take to start good habits.
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5 ways you can shop sustainably:
  1. Consider a brand's ethos
  2. Look for certifications
  3. Ask questions / be curious
  4. Examine materials
  5. Buy less

The production of traditional leather from cowhide is extremely taxing on the environment. In recent years, brands have made strides to find solutions. Desserto, a material manufacturer based in Mexico, has developed a sustainable alternative to leather in the form of nopal (cactus) vegan leather. Current applications include apparel, bags, footwear, and furniture.

On a bike path outside of Eugene, Oregon, the same town that the legendary Bill Bowerman pushed the boundaries of Track & Field and footwear innovation, ultrarunner Des Linden set a world record time in the 50K. In a year where we've been deprived of in-person races, Linden reminded us of the thrill that racing provides athletes and fans alike.

If you navigate to Converse's site right now, you'll be directed to a street view of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, a floating mass of garbage that's double the size of Texas. By purchasing sustainable sneakers, sharing social posts, or interacting with the brand, you'll help contribute to the brand's donation to charitable foundations that are in the fight against ocean pollution.

In Nike's quest to a Move to Zero, their refurbished program gives footwear a second life and extends the circularity loop. Shoes that are gently worn or have small manufacturing defects can be re-purposed by Nike's team and sold at a discount back to consumers. This move joins other programs such as Nike Grind that break down shoes for a second life as a turf field or gym mat.
PERSONAL SHOUTOUT!

I wanted to give a shoutout to my integrative product team in grad school at UO that accomplished a lot of great things during our 18 months together. For those who haven't read this article, take a look into our collaboration with Hyosung, a South Korean textile supplier whom we met at ISPO Munich last January.