Outdoor Minimalist

This week, we break down the whirlwind of public lands policy battles happening in Congress and at the Department of the Interior. But it’s not all grim. We also share a couple glimmers of good news, including a federal court decision slowing mass staff layoffs in national parks and a creative billboard campaign calling out those responsible for the growing park service crisis. What's covered: The...

What does it really mean to restore the land, and where do you even begin when faced with the complexity of ecological repair? In episode 181 of the Outdoor Minimalist podcast, I’m joined by Paula Whyman, author of Bad Naturalist , to explore what happens when one person takes on the challenge of rewilding a landscape and the lessons learned along the way.  She is also the author of the award-winn...

In this week’s episode, we cover the details of the budget reconciliation package, the agencies and communities affected, and what you can do to help stop these devastating moves before Memorial Day. 📢 ⁠Outdoor Alliance Action Alert⁠ : ⁠https://www.outdooralliance.org/blog/2025/5/6/public-lands-and-waters-deserve-better-than-reconciliation-package⁠ Have tips, testimonials, or insights on public l...

In this episode, we pull back the curtain on how sweeping new tariffs are already hitting the outdoor industry and reshaping the landscape for small, sustainable brands, including those that manufacture right here in the U.S. Small outdoor businesses are being forced to make difficult choices: raise prices, delay product launches, or compromise on the sustainability promises they were founded on....

We’ve officially passed the 100-day mark of Trump’s second administration. In this episode, I break down the sweeping environmental and public lands-related moves made so far, including threats to protections, deregulation, and extractive industry prioritization. I also recap a leaked Department of Interior draft plan, recent BLM energy project approvals, and a new bipartisan effort in the Senate...

As attacks on public lands continue, we are likely still wanting to visit wild spaces and get outside. But now more than ever, we need to be mindful of how we recreate and be sure we are following Leave No Trace no matter how far we roam. In this repost episode, I am joined by Shannon Rochelle, the NOLS InterimExpedition and Leadership Education Director and a Leave No Trace Master Educator, as sh...

This week, we cover moves inside the Department of the Interior (DOI) alongside new polling that shows the public isn’t on board with these drastic changes. Colorado College’s 2025 Conservation in the West Poll reveals overwhelming bipartisan support for clean water, wildlife, and public lands protections, including 51% of MAGA voters siding with conservation over expanded energy development. Yet...

In this special Earth Day episode of the Outdoor Minimalist podcast, we discuss the 2025 theme: Our Power, Our Planet . While this year's campaign focuses on accelerating renewable energy, it also shines a light on the power of people. Because the transition to a cleaner, more just world depends on all of us. From grassroots organizing to transformative climate policy, we explore how individua...

In this episode, we outline the timeline for action as Congress prepares to finalize its budget, one that could include the largest public land sell-off in recent history. With Congress currently in recess (April 14–27), now is the time to raise your voice and make it heard. You’ll also hear about: A new national survey showing overwhelming bipartisan opposition to selling or closing public lands....

In episode 177 of the Outdoor Minimalist podcast, we discuss what it takes to design high-quality outdoor gear using post-consumer recycled materials—everything from how they differ from virgin fibers to the limitations and challenges of working with them in technical products.  We’ll dig into how a commitment to sustainability shapes product development, where circularity fits into the broader pi...

This week’s public lands update covers developments from April 3 through April 11 , with a quick rewind to catch a few major stories we missed last week (because hey, I'm just a girl, and the news cycle waits for no one) Topics Covered This Week: On April 3rd, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins issued a memo that designates 112 million acres of National Forest lands as part of an “emergency” Sec...

When it comes to protecting our rivers and waterways, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the scale of environmental challenges.  But what if one of the most powerful solutions started in your backyard?  In episode 176 of the Outdoor Minimalist podcast, we explore one simple yet incredibly impactful way to protect local watersheds: preventing stormwater runoff. I’m joined by Renee Fortner, the Direct...

Welcome to the first edition of our weekly public lands update, where we break down the most important news and policy changes affecting public lands. Topics Covered This Week: Public Land Sales Back on the Table? – Some Republican lawmakers are considering selling off public lands to fund tax cuts and housing near national parks. DOI Moves on Executive Order: "Make DC Safe and Beautiful" – Trump’...

Since the time of this interview, Youer, and other small businesses like them, have gone under major changes due to rising costs Some of these changes for Youer include: 1. They stopped making things in Missoula due to increased costs and 2. 40%+ tariff on fabric has climbed to 60% When we talk about sustainability in the outdoor industry, conversations often revolve around materials, emissions, o...

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 exci...

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 Cons...

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. On...

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 developmen...

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 o...

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...

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...

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’r...

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 d...

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 govern...

Today’s bonus episode is one worth sharing with everyone in your community: What to Do If ICE Agents Approach You. Whether you’re directly impacted, a concerned family member, or an ally, understanding these rights and sharing them with others is a step toward protecting vulnerable members of our communities. In this episode, we will cover your rights when interacting with ICE or law enforcement,...