This is part two of five in an earth month series. Check out the intro and other posts here. This week, we’re taking a look at how we can reduce plastic use at home and on our outdoor adventures. Spoiler alert: this one’s tricky! Looking back on my gear wish list in part one of this series, the 2nd “R” of waste management, REDUCE, presents a special challenge. Are you like me? Do you wanna know the thing I find the most challenging to “reduce”? You’ve probably already guessed:  PLASTIC. Removing unnecessary plastic waste from our home life has gotten...

This is part one of five in an earth month series. Check out the intro post here. As an outdoor enthusiast, I have a running mental list of all the shiny new gear I can’t wait to get my hands on. Currently on the list are things such as a paddle seat for my toddler, an updated raincoat, and one of those really cool double-wide inflatable camping pads with a matching ultralight quilt-style duo sleeping bag. But before reaching for my wallet to fuel my adventure-stoke, I always try to take a pause. Why “refuse” to buy before considering other options?...

April is our FAVORITE around here because spring is springing, the redbud trees are getting ready to bloom, and … Earth Day! In truth, we believe every day is earth day, which is why we’re taking the opportunity this month to dive into the 5 R’s for Earth Month: Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose, and Recycle. In that order, please. You’ve probably heard of the three 3 R’s: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. They certainly were drilled into my head in elementary school! When asked, many people recite them as examples of how to live an  “environmentally friendly” life. But when massive environmental...