Let’s be honest, though our intentions may be good, trying to buy eco-friendly products that are sustainably made is a bit of a minefield. With so many factors to consider, from air miles and production processes to packaging and materials, it can be hard to know how ‘eco-friendly’ our choices actually are.
As soon as you delve deeper, there seems to be many pros and cons to the sustainable options available, leaving consumers somewhat confuzzled about what to do. For more help on how to make better consumer decisions, read our guide to responsible consumerism in the outdoor industry.
Is buying second hand or not buying at all the only answer?
Thankfully, not. 2019 saw the start of an essential revolution towards sustainable business where companies can become Climate Neutral Certified. Clear labelling on products are helping consumers understand exactly what they’re getting as a result of brands and companies committing to a positive climate future.
What is Climate Neutral
Climate Neutral is a non-profit organisation founded by Biolite CEO, Jonathan Cedar and Peak Design CEO, Peter Dering. Together, they saw the growing need for carbon accountability to be the new normal for responsible business. They created a means to measure and label environmental impact resulting in enlisted and committed brands becoming Climate Neutral Certified.
Climate Neutral believe that:
Brands, together with their consumers, can lead the transition to a low-carbon economy by placing a price on carbon within their business
Climate Neutral enables enlisted brands to measure their carbon emissions, purchase carbon credits to offset their entire footprint, and identify opportunities to reduce emissions.
The end result is greater accountability, a drive towards meaningful change and empowerment of consumers to make informed decisions that support positive climate action.
Climate Neutral Label
Having a climate responsibility benchmark for companies and brands to aspire to will only have positive outcomes. The more brands that get on board, the more pressure there will be for all products to have a Climate Neutral label attached to them. As well as the huge environmental impacts this will start to have, it is also great news for consumers. We are able make informed decisions about purchases without being greenwashed by misleading marketing or sidetracked by brands who aren’t stepping up to their environmental responsibilities.
Look out for the Climate Neutral label and know that the brand you are considering buying from:
- Measures their carbon footprint
- Offsets the carbon they have emitted
- Reduces their carbon where they can
It’s important to mention at this point, the many superb eco-friendly products and brands out there who are not Climate Neutral Certified. Just because they don’t have the certificate, doesn’t mean they’re not doing great things and working tirelessly towards positive environmental change. At some point in the future, we assume that these brands will become Climate Neutral Certified too. But in the meantime, look out for products created using prefered fabrics and brands with other sustainability certifications.
43 Climate Neutral Certified outdoor brands
686
Products: Technical winter and summer apparel
Read more: Sustainability
All Good Products
Products: Sunscreen
Read more: Reef friendly
Ambler
Products: Hats and felt slippers
Read more: About
Ananday
Products: Yoga accessories
Read more: Sustainability
Biolite
Products: Camping stoves, power and lighting
Read more: Mission
Enda
Products: Running shoes
Read more: Impact
Fjord Lifestyle
Products: Insulated bottles and bamboo cutlery
Read more: Values
Foehn
Products: Technical apparel
Read more: Responsibility
Form
Products: Yoga accessories
Read more: Sustainability
Forsake
Products: Footwear and some apparel
Read more: For Goodness Sake
Geartrade
Products: Used gear retail platform
Read more: About
Graphene X
Products: Graphene 3-layer jacket
Read more: About
Hibear Outdoors
Products: Insulated bottle / flask / coffee maker / tea infuser!
Read more: Blog
Iamrunbox
Products: Backpacks, wallets, pannier bags, packing solutions
Read more: Impact
Ibex
Products: Merino base layers and underwear
Read more: Story
Icebug
Products: Shoes for hiking, running and everyday wear
Read more: Sustainability
Icelandic Skis
Products: Skis, ski accessories, swimwear, clothing
Read more: Responsibility
Joob Activewear
Products: Outdoor apparel
Read more: Environment Blog
Kammok
Products: Hammocks
Read more: Sustainability
Klean Kanteen
Products: Insulated bottles and food canisters
Read more: Climate Neutral
LifeStraw
Products: Water filters and filter bottles
Read more: Doing Good
Miir
Products: Camp cups, mugs, growlers and bottles
Read more: Mission
Modl Outdoors
Products: Filter water bottle
Read more: About
Nomadix
Products: Towels, blankets, accessories, ponchos
Read more: Sustainability
Nocs
Products: Binoculars
Read more: Story
Ombraz
Products: Armless sunglasses
Read more: About
Ornot
Products: Cycle clothing and accessories
Read more: Why Ornot
Outer Shell
Products: Cycle bags
Read more: Story
Peak Design
Products: Bags, backpacks and camera gear
Read more: Sustainability
Rebo
Products: Water bottles
Read more: Certifications
REI
Products: Outdoor gear and clothing
Read more: About
Renoun
Products: Skis
Read more: Sustainability
Rocky Talkie
Products: Two-way radios
Read more: Sustainability
Rumpl
Products: Quilted puffy blankets for camping and indoors
Read more: Committments
Season Eqpt
Products: Skis, snowboards, hats, shirts, accessories
Read more: About
Ski Butlers
Products: Ski rental delivery service
Read more: Sustainability
Sterling Rope
Products: Rock climbing rope and climbing safety equipment
Read more: Sustainability
Stranda Snowboards
Products: Snowboards
Read more: Mission
Sunski
Products: Sunglasses
Read more: Sustainability
The Scrubba Washbag
Products: Portable wash bag
Read more: Commitment
Tread and Butter
Products: Insoles
Read more: Sustainability
Wild Rye
Products: Women’s technical mountain apparel
Read more: Impact
Yama Mountain Gear
Products: Lightweight hiking packs, shelters and accessories
Read more: Climate
For a full list of Climate Neutral Certified Brands visit climateneutral.org.
