Outdoor equipment and clothing is enormously popular. According to the Outdoor Industry Association, 161.6 million Americans age 16 and up participated in at least one outdoor activity in 2005. Unfortunately, many of these products are produced through intensive energy and resource use, under oppressive labor conditions or with harmful toxic materials. For example, the EPA recently stated that Teflon is a likely human carcinogen, and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic, which is widely-used in outdoor equipment, releases carcinogenic dioxin and is considered a health hazard from production through disposal. The good news is that a growing number of companies have incorporated sustainable practices into their operations and are producing environmentally friendly products. Sustainable Travel International, STI, has published a Green Gear Guide. The products described in the guide are produced using resource efficient, recycled, renewable, and or recyclable materials, and are offered by distributors that gain fair prices for the local producers of their goods, allowing you to enjoy the outdoors in a more eco-friendly manner. We encourage you not to buy less, but buy better this summer. Remember corporations respond to consumer demand, so vote with your dollars! View the Green Gear Guide