Most eco-conscious consumers are aware that gear manufacturing negatively affects the environment. But have you ever stopped to wonder what the environmental impacts are for producing gear from synthetic textiles?

ROAM Academy is about learning from the best in the outdoor industry and the Adventure Storytelling course offered by Cory Richards is no exception. As a world-renowned climber, photographer, and alpinist, Cory Richards truly is at the top of his field. He has worked as a photographer for National Geographic for many years and is one of the founding members of ROAM.

Nestled just 30 minutes south of the Canada-United States border in Washington state lies the city of Bellingham. Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the North Cascades National Park, Bellingham is a paradise when it comes to outdoor adventure. And though there are many opportunities for exploring the land and sea, the city is predominantly known for being a mountain biking mecca. But the city wasn’t always the mountain biking destination that it is known as today.

Nestled along the west coast of British Columbia, along the Howe Sound, lies the mountain town of Squamish. This outdoor paradise is located along the Sea to Sky Highway between Vancouver and Whistler. What makes this city so unique is its plethora of outdoor activities. From backcountry skiing, mountain biking, rocking climbing, and trail running, to wind surfing along the waters of the sound, Squamish is full of adventure around every turn.

Have you ever wondered what it takes to embark on a polar expedition or how to master snowkiting? For many people, learning the skills needed for such adventures seems intriguing yet unattainable. But 57hours created a trip that lets you learn from polar experts, implement the skills they teach you, and get a taste of what a remote expedition entails, all while exploring a remote region of Norway.

When I first learned about zero-waste I remember feeling immensely motivated and also incredibly overwhelmed. Just the term “zero-waste” felt daunting. As a movement zero-waste aims to create as little waste as possible, with everything tossed away being able to go in the compost or recycling bin. But if you take one look at your trash can it’s easy to struggle to comprehend where you should even begin.

Be Prepared and Pack it Out When you are picking a hike, check to see if the amenities are available at this time. Right now, many parks still have limited bathrooms, or none at all. If this is the case, be sure to come prepared with toiletries and the ability to pack out your waste. Some trailheads have removed trashcans so be sure you can haul your trash home and #LeaveNoTrace. The same goes for those hiking with dogs.

ROAM is about storytelling and educating. The company was founded by some of the world’s best adventure athletes, photographers, and filmmakers. They have come together to offer their community an insight into their lives. Much of the work that ROAM does comes through their original videos, mini-documentaries, photos, community events, such as the annual ROAM awards, and educational videos.

On August 18th, 1920 the Nineteenth Amendment of the US Constitution was ratified, granting women the right to vote. Though it granted this right, there were still many barriers in place preventing Black and Native American women the ability to vote. And while this was an incredibly monumental moment in our country’s history, it also highlights why voting is so incredibly important.

Have you ever thought that the outdoor industry is free of discrimination? After all, it is supposed to be “for all the people” regardless of our race, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, ability, weight, or socio-economic status. Sadly, this is far from the case. Like nearly every industry, the outdoor industry lacks diversity, especially in management positions. But the outdoors cannot, and will not, truly be for the people until it is available, accessible, and designed for all.