If you remember, in one of our earliest episodes, episode 23, I spoke with Austin Whitman, to unpack the meaning behind carbon-neutral certifications and what they really mean for consumers, companies, and the planet.

Since then, a lot has changed, including the name of the Climate Neutral certification. 

Climate Neutral has officially rebranded as Change Climate, and in today’s episode, I’m excited to welcome Austin back to talk about what that shift represents and what’s next for their mission.

Austin Whitman is co-founder and CEO of The Change Climate Project, a nonprofit with a mission to eliminate carbon emissions by accelerating corporate investments in climate solutions. The organization manages The Climate Label certification, a mark of climate leadership for consumer brands. Austin has spent more than two decades advocating and building solutions for the climate transition across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors.

In episode 174 of the Outdoor Minimalist podcast, you’ll get an inside look into how the nonprofit is evolving, what their vision looks like for the next five years, and how the outdoor industry has responded to growing calls for sustainability and climate action. 

Whether you’re a conscious consumer, a sustainability-minded brand, or just curious about what’s happening behind the scenes in outdoor gear manufacturing, this episode is full of insights on how we can better align our choices with climate action.

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Change Climate Project

Website: https://www.changeclimate.org/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thechangeclimateproject/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/changeclimate/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheChangeClimateProject/

In this episode, we discuss the ongoing threats to our public lands and the attacks on US environmental protections under the current administration.

From the push for fossil fuel extraction to rollbacks of key policies like the Antiquities Act and NEPA, the Trump administration's agenda is having devastating impacts on public lands and the environment.

We hear from:

Jocelyn Torres, Chief Conservation Officer for the Conservation Lands Foundation

Louis Geltman, Vice President for Policy and Government Relations at Outdoor Alliance

Tania Lown-Hecht, the Vice President of Communications and Strategy at Outdoor Alliance

Do you have questions or potential guests for future episodes covering public lands policy? Submit any information to our Google Form: https://forms.gle/VQW5ZoVcr6nDEd9t8

or reach out via email on our website (theoutdoorminimalist.com)

Key Topics:

• The ongoing dismantling of protections for public lands, including national monuments and the Antiquities Act.
• The shift towards corporate-friendly policies under the Trump administration and the rise of fossil fuel extraction on public lands.
• The environmental consequences of rapid resource extraction and the increasing threat to ecosystems, wildlife, and local communities.
• The impact of staffing cuts within federal land management agencies, weakening both recreational management and wildfire response.
• How public advocacy is making a difference: Over 100,000 letters sent to Congress and restored positions within land management agencies.
• What you can do to make your voice heard and protect public lands through organizations like Outdoor Alliance and the Conservation Lands Foundation.

Resources:

• Outdoor Alliance: Take Action
• Conservation Lands Foundation
• Sign up for updates and more at The Outdoor Minimalist Newsletter

Episode Sources:

PBS: https://youtu.be/-sDtdCzMIKA?si=VSw4NdskP7Lw1Wl1

PBS: https://youtu.be/vYtDOq-EhYU?si=_-JMWFnbLkZsrSLU

https://www.outdooralliance.org/blog/2025/2/25/press-release-threats-to-rural-recreation-economies-from-poorly-managed-oil-and-gas-developmentnbsp 

https://www.outdooralliance.org/blog/2025/3/6/public-lands-staffing-crisis-worsens-as-more-layoffs-threatened 

https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2025/03/republican-plan-privatize-sell-federal-public-lands-west/ 

https://www.wilderness.org/articles/press-release/map-illustrate-public-lands-reach-trump-energy-dominance 

https://www.nrdc.org/media/executive-orders-direct-massive-expansion-logging-public-lands 

https://www.npr.org/2025/03/13/nx-s1-5325959/federal-employees-court-firing 

https://www.outdooralliance.org/blog/2025/3/13/press-release-outdoor-alliance-rallies-120-businesses-brands-organizations-to-correct-public-land-staffing-reductions 

https://www.conservationlands.org/new_legislation_seeks_to_gut_public_process_on_federal_public_land_management_in_colorado_montana_oregon_and_wyoming

Sustainability in the outdoor industry has come a long way, but the challenges of waste, microplastic pollution, and textile biodegradability remain an issue many brands struggle to address. 

That’s where 37.5 Technology comes in. Known for creating high-performance fabrics that enhance comfort and moisture management, 37.5 has also been pushing the boundaries of sustainable textile innovation. One of their latest advancements, the Enhanced Biodegradation Additive (+EB) technology, is designed to accelerate the breakdown of synthetic fibers—helping to combat plastic waste and reduce environmental impact.

In episode 172 of the Outdoor Minimalist podcast, I sat down with Blair Kanis from 37.5 Technology to discuss their journey in sustainability, the development of their biodegradation technology, and the challenges of integrating this innovation into the broader textile industry. 

Blair Kanis is the president and general counsel at Cocona Labs, the creator of 37.5® Technology, and a global leader in sustainable thermoregulation material science. She joined Cocona Labs in 2020 as General Counsel and Director of Sustainability after a decade as an attorney at Kutak Rock LLP, specializing in intellectual property and Corporate Social Responsibility compliance. Active in the sustainability field since 2012, Blair has also taught business and human rights at the University of Denver Law School.

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Cocona Labs

Website: https://www.thirtysevenfive.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thirtysevenfive

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cocona-inc./

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYnXO2QJNaQ-FwYGuNHZ8Uw

If you’re into outdoor adventure, photography, or just well-designed gear, chances are you’ve heard of Peak Design. 

In episode 171 of the Outdoor Minimalist podcast, Meg is joined by Peter Dering, CEO and founder of Peak Design, to talk about something that sets them apart: employee ownership. 

They discuss what that actually means in practice, how it influences everything from product development to sustainability initiatives, and why Peak Design believes this model is the future of ethical business.

Peter Dering is the founder and CEO of Peak Design, a San Francisco-based company he started in 2010 making photography, outdoor, and lifestyle carry gear.

Since launching Peak Design, Dering has overseen 13 Kickstarter campaigns, raising $40M and proving the validity of crowdfunding as a method to maintain financial and operational independence from outside investors.

Growing acutely aware of his company’s increasing carbon footprint, Dering co-founded Climate Neutral (now the Change Climate Project): an independent non-profit organization that enlists private businesses to achieve net-zero carbon emissions through a simplified, four-step process.

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Peak Design

Website: https://www.peakdesign.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peakdesign

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/peakdesignltd

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/peakdesignvideo

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@peakdesign

Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/peakdesign/

In the outdoor and environmental space, conservation is at the heart of so many discussions, but how those stories are told can make a difference. Whether it’s connecting policy to personal experiences or framing climate change through the lens of recreation, good storytelling has the power to inspire action.

Joining me today is journalist and poet Sage Marshall. Sage has built a career covering outdoor recreation and conservation, with a focus on hunting and fishing media. In this episode, we’ll explore what makes a conservation story compelling, how to find and develop relatable figures, and the role that place and personal experience play in shaping narratives. Plus, we’ll discuss how storytelling in outdoor media is evolving and what the future might hold for conservation journalism.

Sage Marshall is a poet, essayist, and outdoors journalist from southwest Colorado. He has lived across the U.S. and currently resides in Western Montana, where he explores the rivers and mountains around Missoula with his partner Bela and their adopted bird dog Gunney. 

He’s a student of many outdoor pursuits, from skiing and backpacking to fly fishing and duck hunting. Marshall is a contributing writer and former editor of Field & Stream. His creative work has been featured in publications such as The Missouri Review, Sport Literate, swamp pink, and elsewhere. Echolocation (Middle Creek Publishing), which weaves the landscapes and ecologies of the American West against themes of violence, adolescence, and beauty, is his debut poetry collection.

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Sage Marshall

Website: https://www.sagemarshall.com/

Book: https://www.sagemarshall.com/echolocation

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sagemarshall/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sagemwrites/

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for outdoor gear skyrocketed, leading brands to ramp up production. But as the dust settled, it became clear that the industry had overestimated long-term consumer demand. 

Now, we’re left with an oversaturated market, constant sales cycles, and a looming question: 

What do we do with all this extra gear?

To help unpack this issue, I’m joined by Megan Davin, the founder of Adventurous Threads. 

We’ll explore what led to this oversupply, how it’s affecting retailers and consumers, and what steps companies and individuals can take to shift the industry toward a more sustainable future.

Megan Davin is a passionate outdoor enthusiast with over 18 years in the outdoor industry. Based in Vermont, Megan has dedicated her career to blending the worlds of customer service, sales, and marketing to help brands tell meaningful stories that drive connection and sales. 

Megan is the Founder and Owner of Adventurous Threads, a Vermont-based mobile and online outdoor consignment business that provides affordable, high-quality gear to outdoor lovers. By keeping quality equipment in circulation, Adventurous Threads aims to make outdoor adventures accessible while reducing waste and promoting sustainable practices. 

Together, Megan and Adventurous Threads are dedicated to inspiring responsible, sustainable outdoor practices and connecting people to the outdoors in a way that fosters appreciation, understanding, and stewardship of nature.

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Adventurous Threads

Website: https://adventurousthreads.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adventurous_threads

In this bonus episode, I break down the controversy surrounding REI’s support for Doug Burgum as the new Secretary of the Interior under the Trump administration.

The Outdoor Recreation Roundtable’s endorsement of Burgum has sparked backlash, with calls for a boycott of REI.

But what’s really happening?

We explore Burgum’s background as a pro-fossil fuel businessman, his legal battles against the Department of the Interior, and his priorities for public lands.

We also analyze REI’s role in the conversation, the industry’s response, and what this means for conservation efforts moving forward.

Finally, we discuss REI’s official statement on the issue and share actionable ways to support public lands.

Episode Resources:

Read the ORR letter: https://recreationroundtable.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/ORR-Burgum-Nomination-Letter-of-Support-Final.pdf

REI's Recent Statement: https://www.rei.com/newsroom/article/we-will-never-stop-defending-our-public-lands

Voice Your Opposition to Burgum's Actions through the REI Cooperative Action Network: https://www.rei.com/action/network/campaign/protect-public-lands

Burgum's First Day Orders: https://www.doi.gov/pressreleases/secretary-doug-burgum-signs-first-round-secretarys-orders-unleash-american-energy

Related Episodes

• Episode 163. Fighting for Outdoor Policy and Protection in 2025 with Adam Cramer
• Episode 164. Is an Outdoor Recreation Economy How We Stop Off-Shore Drilling? with Chad Nelsen

Sources

ProPublica: https://www.propublica.org/article/doug-burgum-north-dakota-interior-department-trump

Alaska Wild: https://alaskawild.org/blog/doug-burgum-the-billionaire-governor-turned-trumps-doi-secretary/

Inside Climate News: https://insideclimatenews.org/news/05022025/new-interior-secretary-weakens-public-land-protections-fossil-fuels/

When it comes to skincare, we all want products that are safe, effective, and good for the planet. 

But the reality is that many skincare brands, even those marketed as "natural" or "eco-friendly," hide some dirty secrets. From greenwashing tactics to hidden microplastics and PFAS, the industry is full of misleading claims that can make it hard for consumers to know what they’re really putting on their skin.

In episode 168, I sit down withMercedes Pepper from Nation Botanics to uncover the truth behind skincare marketing and explore how different ingredients shape effective skincare formulations. We’ll talk about how to spot greenwashing, why microplastics and PFAS are a growing concern, and what choosing sustainable, plant-based ingredients really means.

Mercedes helps people who get outdoors - particularly surfers, skiers, and snowboarders - get healthy skin without the fuss. She is an international development and social impact director turned skincare founder and formulator of Nation Botanics. The brand’s flagship product, Surf+Slope, provides easy, high-performance skincare designed to combat the elements while supporting North American small businesses, farmers, and our environment.

I haven’t had much of a skincare routine until the last two years. During that time, first of all, I struggled to find anything I could use because I am allergic to aloe, but I also wanted to avoid products that not only harmed the planet but likely contained toxins. When I learned about Nation Botanics, I was excited to try their products because of the brand's mission and clean ingredients. 

That said, I’ve been using their Surf+Slope moisturizer for the last few weeks, and I've appreciated it, especially after a day of cross-country skiing with my dogs when my face is dry and my cheeks might be a little wind-burned. 

If you listen to this episode and want to check out Nation Bonanic’s Surf+Slope, go to nationbotanics.com and use the code minimalist to get 15% off.

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Nation Botanics

Website:https://nationbotanics.com/

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/nation-botanics/about/

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/nationbotanics/

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/nationbotanics

Sustainability is a buzzword in the outdoor and apparel industries, but how do we know if a brand’s claims are actually legitimate? With greenwashing becoming more common, it's harder than ever to separate real impact from clever marketing.

In this episode, I sit down with the co-founders of Ombraz Sunglasses to explore what it takes for a company to back up their sustainability claims with real data. We’ll learn Ombraz’s origin story, their approach to designing with sustainability in mind, and the process of securing third-party verification. From partnering with organizations like Greenticket to tackling supply chain transparency, this conversation sheds light on how brands can maintain accountability and communicate their efforts honestly.

Jensen Brehm - Ombraz Cofounder - Hails from Bellevue, WA. Big creator and problem solver. Graduated in 2014 with a BA in Environmental Business that focused on ecological design, entrepreneurship, and vegetated roof systems. Designing products, brand direction, writing, ideating, and executing creative media are a few things Jensen does nicely. 

Nikolai Paloni - Ombraz Cofounder - Hails from Moscow, Russia. Impressively efficient and quick to tackle the most critical task. Graduated in 2014 with a BA in German and International Business. Nikolai is currently focused on building out Ombraz’s wholesale program & in-person experience. Implementing scalable processes, thinking critically with data, seeing tasks through to completion, solving problems, and creating are Nikolai's sweet sweet forte.

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Ombraz

Website: https://ombraz.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ombraz/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ombrazsunglasses/

In episode 166 of the Outdoor Minimalist podcast, we’re discussing outdoor equity and climate justice. We’ll learn how we can push for policies that help everyone, regardless of background or circumstance, have access to the benefits of outdoor spaces.

Our guests also shed light on the barriers communities face in accessing the outdoors, the policy gaps we need to bridge, and the ways local governments, schools, and nonprofits can collaborate to create lasting change.

This is also the first time I’ve had the pleasure of hosting three guest speakers! Today, you’ll hear from Taishya Adams, Ángel Peña, and Gabaccia Moreno. 

Taishya (she/her) is a servant leader focused on collective liberation and stewardship through community building, personal transformation, and systems change. After 30+ years at the intersections of education, health, workforce, science, and environment, Taishya founded the Mukuyu Collective, LLC to transform systems through policy, programs, and play.

Taishya is also an elected official serving as a council member for Boulder City Council. Taishya also serves on the board of Black in Marine Science. Previously, Taishya served as a commissioner to Colorado Parks and Wildlife; the NOAA National Marine Sanctuary Business Advisory Council; and on the Colorado Natural Areas Council.

Ángel Peña was born and raised in the Río Bravo valley, he is a first generation Mexican, American and father of three. Àngel has had the opportunity to support and lead strong effective teams that ultimately secured protections totaling millions of acres across the American Southwest. A founding member of the Next 100 Coalition, and Now the Executive Director of the Nuestra Tierra Conservation Project he is in the business of people empowerment. Working to empower the people that have true, authentic and deep-rooted ties to the land.

Gabaccia Moreno is a first-generation multimedia storyteller, consultant, and passionate outdoor advocate. Growing up, visiting the Maya forest gave her an appreciation for the land and its wildlife at an early age. Today, she serves as the executive director of The Outdoorist Oath, an organization that creates educational tools and equips people ally planet, inclusion, and adventure. She is also an ambassador for Leave No Trace and Sawyer Products. Gabaccia has also served as National Monuments Fellow for Nuestra Tierra Conservation Project, participating in campaigns seeking to make the outdoors more equitable while protecting our shared ecosystems.  Other media credits include guest hosting/producing at She Explores and Dirtbag Diaries podcasts, and contributions to Backpacker.com. In her free time, you’ll find her outside, probably fishing, hunting, hiking, or backpacking.

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Episode Resources

Outdoor FUTURE: https://outdoorfuture.org/ 

Mukuyu Collective: https://mukuyu-collective.com/ 

Nuestra Tierra: https://www.nuestra-tierra.org/