Outdoor Minimalist

We've discussed the many issues with travel on this show before, and while travel is never really that "good" for the environment, that doesn't mean that we shouldn't ever do it.  Instead, I believe that we as travelers can and should find better, more environmentally friendly ways to travel, and the travel industry should lead the way.  That's why in episode 186 of the Outdoor Minimalist podcast,...

This week, we take a deep dive into one of the most aggressive and coordinated efforts to undermine public lands protections, clean air rules, and historical integrity at our national parks in years. Key Stories Covered: 🔹 Senate Budget Reconciliation Bill Proposes Sale of 3.3 Million Acres of Public Lands Across 11 Western States https://www.outdooralliance.org/blog/2025/6/12/senate-spending-pac...

By now, we’ve all heard the term greenwashing.  But have you ever heard of green hushing?  Greenhushing seems to be a growing trend where businesses, afraid of backlash or political controversy, choose to stay silent about their sustainability efforts or climate positive approaches.  And while it might seem like a safer, quieter path in a polarized world, green hushing can actually hurt your busin...

This week, we cover a relentless wave of threats to America’s public lands and environmental protections. But it’s not all bad news, because we wrap up with some powerful land-back victories, state park expansions, and global actions to #BeatPlasticPollution. Key Topics This Week: 1. Senate Budget Bill Public Land Sales Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) moves to reinstate a provision to sell 500,000+ acres...

Correction: In this episode, the guest mentioned that the EPA was formed in the 1990s. To clarify, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was actually established in December 1970 under President Richard Nixon, in response to growing public concern about environmental pollution. ------------------------ Water is something that intersects with every aspect of our lives, both at home and in...

This week, we break down the biggest public lands headlines you might have missed. We’cover: How public pressure killed a plan to sell off over 500,000 acres of public lands in Nevada and Utah Why the House bill still poses serious threats to national parks, the Arctic Refuge, and Boundary Waters How Trump’s administration is gutting environmental protections while ramping up reckless oil, gas, an...

In this episode, we're doing something a little different: a group breakdown of the new Netflix documentary Buy Now: The Shopping Conspiracy . This unsettling (and sometimes oddly playful) film looks into the hidden forces behind our consumer culture and how companies manipulate us to buy more, waste more, and stay distracted. We discuss our key takeaways, critiques of the documentary's production...

This week, we’re breaking down a sweeping federal budget package passed by the House on May 22 and what it means for America’s public lands, waters, and environmental protections. In this episode: The public lands sell-offs we stopped — and how grassroots action made it happen. How deep staffing cuts at the National Park Service and Forest Service are hollowing out essential public lands operation...

In episode 182 of the Outdoor Minimalist podcast, we have a conversation about something that every outdoor lover eventually has to reckon with: how do we keep doing the activities we love for as long as possible?  To do that, I’m joined by Linden Loren. Linden is a conservation advocate, co-founder of Camo & Wind, and author of Your Hunting Healthspan: 73 Ways Hunters Can Age Better & Pre...

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...