A Escola Municipal de Educação Básica (EMEB) Alceu de Toledo Pontes recebeu a certificação, na manhã desta quinta-feira (21), do Instituto NOA pela participação no Programa Escola do Bem, que tem como premissa incentivar e difundir as boas práticas sustentáveis estabelecidas nos Objetivos de Desenvolvimento Sustentável (ODSs) da Organização das Nações Unidas (ONU). A partir do próximo ano, várias atividades serão incorporadas ao programa pedagógico da unidade elaborado no conceito Escola Inovadora.

The FDA approved the MiSight 1 day contact lens (CooperVision) to slow myopia progression in those ages 8 to 12. The daily wear, single-use lens corrects refractive errorto improve distance vision. In addition, concentric peripheral rings in the lens focus part of the light in front of the retina. “ . . . We [CooperVision] are learning from other countries in which MiSight is already prescribed to enable the best possible outcomes for the [U.S.] ECP,” says Michelle Andrews, O.D., the company’s senior director, North America Professional and Academic Affairs. FDA approval was based onthe results of a prospective three-year randomized, controlled clinical trial at four sites and real-world evidence, the government agency says. To start, the results of the clinical trial, comprised of 135 children ages 8 to 12, showed patients whowore the MiSight lens vs. a conventional soft lens had less myopia progression and axial length change for the full three years. Also, no serious ocular adverse events were reported in either group.(See https://bit.ly/37mfdTM.)   In regard to real-world evidence, the FDA found the rate of corneal ulcers in contact lens-wearing children was comparable to those of adult wearers. The MiSight lens’ U.S. launch  is March 2020, as part of a CooperVision myopia management initiative, the company says. Visit https://bit.ly/2NYYb6G. Alliances  

• PECAA announced a new program, “90 Days to Dry Eye,”developed in conjunction with Dry Eye University. The program walks participants through the process of building a dry eye profit center in just 90 days. Participating practices can expect to receive clinical dry eye education, staff training, vendor selection coaching, equipment recommendations, facility layout consultations, marketing and referral outreach strategies and more. For information, visit https://www.pecaa.com/dry-eye-education/.
• Vision Source hosted 39,000 visits to its online member event, the Virtual Exchange, which launched in 2016. The seven-day event enables Vision Source optometrist members to purchase ophthalmic equipment and products from vendors at “significantly discounted prices,” Vision Source says. In other news, Vision Source’s senior vice president of vendor relations has been appointed to the University of Houston System Board of Regents, an independent governing body overseeing the administration of education at the university.

  Associations  

• The World Optometry Foundation announced the recipients of the World Optometry Foundation Student Travel Fellowships. They include: Alvin Munsamy, BOptom, MOptom, from South Africa; Isaura Ilorena Dos Santos, BOptom, from Mozambique; Memoonna Arshad, MPhil from Australia; Nabeela Hasrod, BOptom, MPhil, from South Africa; and Nnenne Onu, O.D., MSc, from Nigeria.

  Companies  

• Aerie Pharmaceuticals has agreed to acquire Avizorex Pharma (AVX), a Spanish ophthalmic pharmaceutical company that develops therapeutics for the treatment of dry eye disease. The terms outline an all-cash transaction; Aerie will make an up-front payment of $10 million and AVX Pharma shareholders will be eligible to receive additional payments, for example from clinical and regulatory performance milestones.
• Bausch + Lomb, in collaboration with TerraCycle, donated custom training modules to the Guide Dog Foundation, a national not-for-profit that trains guide dogs for people who are blind or visually impaired. The training modules — including benches, tables, waste stations and an agility ramp — were made from used contact lens materials collected through the Bausch + Lomb One by One Recycling Program as well as other recycled material. The donation was funded through the Bausch Foundation.
• EyePoint Pharmaceuticals Inc. announced the appointment of George O. Elston as CFO and head of Corporate Development. Mr. Elston has previously been a consultant to the company and will now transition into this permanent role effective immediately.
•  Leo Lens Technology (LLT) announced that its drug delivery contact lens product was selected as a finalist in Connect w/ San Diego Venture Group’s (SDVG) Most Innovative New Product (MIP) Awards. Connect w/ SDVG is an innovation company accelerator in San Diego that creates and scales companies in the technology and life sciences sectors.According to LLT, it uses a patented platform technology to harness the power of high-tech digital printing to commercialize a drug-eluting, comfort-enhancing contact lens product. Its first product is a lens to treat glaucoma with contact lens-releasing FDA-approved bimatoprost.
•  MacuLogix Inc. has appointed Christine Silverberg, M.B.A., B.S.N., R.N., as director of national accounts, a role in which she will lead business development and partnerships across the industry.
• Marcolin Group has signed an exclusive, worldwide licensing agreement for the design, production and distribution of sunglasses and eyeglass frames for BMW, BMW M and BMW M Motorsport labels. The agreement is effective for five years through December 2024.
•  NovaBay Pharmaceuticals announced the launch of NovaSight, an ocular nutritional supplement, on Amazon.com. The product is a companion to Avenova Direct, the company’s prescription-strength lid and lash spray.
• Thema Optical hosted Eastern Optical Research Group, a management organization of U.S. optical retailers, recently in Miami.
• Valley Contax recently held the Custom Stable Cup Challenge at Academy 2019 in Orlando. Current optometry students and alumni were encouraged to participate by visiting the Valley Contax booth where they partnered and fit the Custom Stable lens. First place was awarded to Michigan College of Optometry (MCO) at Ferris State University, which received two $500 scholarships and the Custom Stable Cup trophy. The second-place winner was SUNY College of Optometry, which was awarded a $500 scholarship. Five $100 gift cards were also awarded to Kaitlyn Arnold, MCO; Amalia Burrell, Pennsylvania College of Optometry at Salus University; Makayla Porter, Southern College of Optometry; Elise Hoi, SUNY College of Optometry; and Inlanders Coulanges, École d'optométrie — Université de Montréal. Menicon, Contamac, Optovue, and TelScreen were also contributing sponsors, along with special support from the American Optometric Student Association.
• VSP Vision Care and the American Diabetes Association have launched a new collaboration regarding diabetic eye disease. The initiative will focus on the role annual comprehensive eye exams play in early detection, intervention and prevention of eye disease and vision loss caused by diabetes. It will launch in 2020 as part of the ADA’s Overcoming Therapeutic Inertia campaign.
• Warby Parker has launched its own brand of daily disposable contact lenses. Named Scout, the lenses are made of hioxifilcon A lens material, 57% water content and provide 25 Dk/t oxygen permeability.

  In Real Life  

• Daniel Brown, O.D., of Florida Eye Associates, details in a Q and A with Florida Todaythat his passion for optometry began in high school when an optometrist spoke to his class about the profession. “I knew then that it was the right field for me,” he says. Read more at https://www.floridatoday.com/story/life/wellness/2019/11/19/health-pro-visit-real-world-class-led-career-optometry/4205995002/.

  Nonprofit   

• Brien Holden Vision Institute (BHVI) has signed a deal with Optometry Giving Sight USA (OGS) to continue as its preferred project implementation partner. CooperVision has also renewed its sponsorship of the global GOS organization.
• Dr. Ying-Zi Xiong has been selected as a post-doctoral research fellow to conduct studies at the Wichita-based  Gigi & Carl Allen Envision Research Institute. Her research focuses on challenges confronting individuals experiencing hearing and vision loss.

 

A few weeks ago, I decided to dish on my low-waste beauty products in a ‘get ready with me’ style IGTV video.   I was heading to UC Berkeley to guest lecture, and I always wear a bit more makeup when it comes to being on stage with lights. I thought it was the perfect time to go through my makeup capsule collection and I got a TON of questions and requests for a full blog post! As many of you know, I have struggled a lot with skin problems. I have tried numerous zero-waste skincare routines. A lot of the “zero waste” skincare products I was using were still low waste. Yes, they come in a glass bottle, but they almost always have different plastic parts.   After years of searching, I think I’ve finally found a few items that are really working for my skin thanks to the recommendation of my esthetician, but they do come in plastic.   I’ve decided to stop sweating it. I figure if I’m able to reduce 99% of packaging waste but finally found a few green products (that are working!) then that’s fine by me.   I send my makeup and skincare empties back to TerraCycle so I know that they’re in good hands. Many places like Credo and L’Occitane have programs where you can drop your beauty products off and they’ll send them back to TerraCycle for you.  

one-in; one-out rule:

  I don’t know how or why I used to accumulate so many beauty products. I’m not sure if they bred at night, but man, I wound up with so many different colors of eyeshadow that I never wore. Tons of different lip shades and eyeliner and I hardly wore any of them!   When I started going zero waste, I really started to pay attention to how I was accumulating items and what I actually used. I noticed that I wore the exact same products every single day.   I also noticed that when I was halfway through a product I would run out and buy a new one. When I was at the store, I would also pick up one or two other items just because they looked cool.   I would wear those “cool new products” once or twice and then they would languish in my makeup drawer constantly being passed up for my old faithful products.   So, I simply decided to cut all of that out. Now, I don’t go out and buy a new product unless I’m really, really close to being out of it and I buy one item to replace the one that is out not a handful of others.   What I find most fascinating about this, is even though clean beauty is more expensive, on the whole, I’m saving money because I’m not buying a BUNCH of products. I’m only buying a few.

buying in person:

  Another way I drastically reduce my waste in my beauty routine is to buy in person. I can see the colors, I can see what the product feels like.   Since I have sensitive acne-prone skin, I can often tell what’s going to work and what’s not. Almost anytime I’ve ordered something new online, I’ve been really disappointed in a color looking slightly off or the product not performing well.   Credo Beauty is one of my all-time favorite places to shop, but I know Sephora has expanded their clean beauty section quite a bit.  

creating a capsule:

  When it comes to creating a capsule makeup collection my best tip is to simply pack like you’re going on vacation.   You’ll typically bring your go-to day look and then one or two extra elements for a bit more of a dramatic evening look.   After whittling everything down, I’ve found that’s all I need.   Now, I’ve tried a bunch of different green mascaras and I’ve tried a lot of lip products. If you would like for me to review each kind I’ve tried, let me know in the comment section down below!    

my capsule:

 

primer:

I do really like to prime my face. For an every day look, I like to combine a little bit of primer and foundation together.   This gives the foundation thinner more natural coverage and it stays pretty much all day. I currently have the Juice Beauty Primer which has a nice glow to it. Since I have oily skin sometimes the glow can be a bit much. But, I certainly don’t have to worry about using any highlighter.   The Juice Beauty Primer comes in a glass bottle.  

concealer:

I have tried a few concealers. I’m currently still working my way through my RMS concealer which I think is good. I’ve enjoyed using it and I really like the packaging. It’s packaged with a metal top and glass bottom!   However, I really like the Ilia concealer more, but it is packaged in plastic.  

foundation:

I used to exclusively use the Marie Veronique Tinted Sunscreen as my foundation which I love! But, as I’ve started doing a lot more work on camera, I’ve needed something a bit more heavy-duty.   I saw that somewhere that Shailene Woodley used the Vapour Foundation when on set. So, I thought it MUST have a great matte finish for camera so I ordered some online and have been sooooo disappointed. It is so greasy and oily. Since I have oily skin my face is subject to non-stop shine all day no matter how much powder I put on.   I am going to try and finish using the product, but honestly, it’s so bad, I don’t know if I can. After I run out of vapor, I think I’m going to try the RMS foundation which just came out.  

powder:

Once again, having oily skin I typically finish up with a powder to prevent any excess shine. I’ve been using the AU Natural Skin Food Powder. I have really enjoyed using this and how well it travels. I got it because they offered refills which I think is super cool! But, currently, on the website, I’m not seeing where they sell the refills.   They might be sold out? But, I think the premise of the powder and how it’s refillable is really cool. The powder also has an SPF of 25 which is a great addition.  

blush:

I’ve been using the Ilia Multi-Stick in the color At Last for Blush and on my lips if I’m going for a very nude lip. I really like products that can pull double duty. It’s great to have something that works for both my lips and cheeks!   One of the things I love about Ilia is that they package their products in recycled aluminum.  

eyeshadow:

I have two eyeshadow palettes. I have one with more neutral summery colors and I was gifted the Aether Eyeshadow Palette in Amethyst Crystal which is really nice for winter and the holidays.   Even though I’m not a huge fan of the color purple a lot of the colors in the palette are very subtle and I really like wearing them! The palette is made completely from paper.   You will have to remove the small tins and elastic band from the palette before recycling, but it’s really cool how they took their packaging into consideration.  

eyelash curler:

This has to be one of my favorite tools in my makeup kit. I was so excited to find a really good eyelash curler that comes with pad refills.   I had my original eyelash curler since high school, but it broke this summer. I used the opportunity to try and find a really heavy-duty curler that should last me for the rest of my life.   Replacement pads used to be very common, but they can be difficult to find these days. When you buy the curler it comes with refills, but if you run out you can purchase them separately.  

eyeliner:

I have tried quite a few different types of eyeliners. I’ve tried a few of the pencil eyeliners, but they haven’t done very well staying on my face. I have tried the Juice Beauty Liquid Eyeliner which comes in plastic but works very well as well as the Ilia liquid eyeliner which is packaged in recycled aluminum.   I would say the Juice Beauty is a little more difficult to control because it’s kind of like using a small very flexible paintbrush whereas Ilia is a bit more difficult to get a smooth line because it’s like a rigid felt tip pen.   If the Juice had a bit more structure and the Ilia had a bit more flexibility they’d both be perfect! So, for now, I’m just accepting almost perfect and am pretty happy with that!  

mascara:

I have tried five different green, low-waste mascaras and I have to say Ilia has knocked it out of the park. Their mascara is packaged in recycled aluminum like the rest of their products. The mascara stays on all day, it doesn’t flake or run, and it washes off easily at night.   The best part is the brush! Half is a comb and half is a brush. It also has some really nourishing ingredients which strengthens your natural lashes.  

perfume:

I like to buy smaller fragrances so I can change them up pretty often. I haven’t found a clean signature scent just yet, but right now I’m really liking MCMC Maine Perfume. It comes in a cute roller bottle that I plan on upcycling once I’m done with it.  

lips:

I have tried countless lip products and I’m still looking for THE one that can stay on for a few hours. With so many of these green beauty products, I put it on and after I take one sip of water it’s gone.   If I ever find something that stays on longer than a 20 minutes, I’ll be sure to let you know. And, if you want me to compare and contrast the 10 lip products I’ve tried, let me know in the comment section down below!   Currently, I like the Ilia Multistick in a fine romance I keep this one in my purse which is why it wasn’t featured in the video. I have the tata harper in very popular which I wore for my wedding. It’s a great color, but as far as performance goes it’s just OK. The Ilia Multistick is about the same color and I think it lasts longer.   I also have the Kari Gran Lip Whip which is a good clear gloss like lip balm. It works pretty well and is a staple basic.   That is my 15 product capsule make-up beauty collection! I feel like it can pretty easily take me from day to night and through any situation.   I would really like to try some of the 100% Pure Products and maybe a few of the Besame products? And, I definitely am dying to find some lip products that can stay put. If you have any recommendations please let me know!  

NATIONAL – Gerber, the early childhood nutrition leader, has partnered with international recycling company TerraCycle to help give hard-to-recycle baby food packaging a new life. This partnership is rooted in Gerber and TerraCycle’s shared values around eliminating waste and supports the recovery of hard-to-recycle baby food packaging on a national scale.   Participation in the program is easy – parents can simply sign up on the Gerber Recycling Program and mail in packaging that is not municipally recyclable using a prepaid shipping label. Once collected, the packaging is cleaned and melted into hard plastic that can be remolded to make new recycled products.   “Through this free recycling program, Gerber is offering parents an easy way to divert waste from landfills by providing a responsible way to dispose of certain hard-to-recycle baby food packaging,” said TerraCycle CEO and Founder, Tom Szaky. “By collecting and recycling these items, families can demonstrate their respect for the environment not only through the products that they choose for their children, but also with how they dispose of the packaging.”   As an added incentive, for every pound of packaging waste sent to TerraCycle through the Gerber Recycling Program, collectors can earn $1 to donate to a non-profit, school or charitable organization of their choice.   Gerber believes the baby food industry should help create a world where babies thrive, and this partnership is one of many steps toward its goal to achieve 100% recyclable or reusable packaging by 2025. “We’re thrilled to partner with TerraCycle as part of our broader sustainable packaging efforts,” said Gerber President and CEO Bill Partyka. “We know every parent’s top priority is to ensure a healthy, happy future for their baby. Our commitment to sustainability is rooted in giving parents a hand in making their baby’s future that much brighter.”   Gerber was founded on the ambition to give babies the best start in life. That’s why their work doesn’t stop at nutrition. As the world’s largest baby food company, Gerber has upheld some of the industry’s strongest agricultural standards through its Clean Field Farming practices, and is committed to reducing energy use, water use and carbon emissions in its factories.   The Gerber Recycling Program is open to any interested individual, school, office, or community organization. For more information on TerraCycle’s recycling programs, visit www.TerraCycle.com    

  Are you passionate about reducing waste and recycling? Would you like an easy entry point into helping Teton Valley recycle more – including “hard to recycle” items? Would you like to help your school, workplace, daycare, or other group become a convenient TerraCycle location.   Teton Valley Community Recycling is looking for community members interested in joining our team of volunteers to expand TerraCycle collections. The time commitment is less than an hour per month and involves setting up a box, educating work colleagues or students on how it works, sorting, and boxing up recyclable materials for shipment. We will set you up for success and offer ongoing support to prevent waste from going to the landfill. (It almost sounds like a pyramid scheme – but we’re not trying to sell you anything; just reduce waste!)   TerraCycle is a national recycling program which engages manufacturers to take responsibility for the waste that they produce (packaging and disposable items). Teton Valley Community Recycling has been collecting this “hard to recycle” waste successfully for two years in collaboration with area businesses including the Geo Center, General Laundry, the Mountain Academy (formerly Teton Valley Community School), local dentists, and Teton Vision Center.   Our collections include all of the following: - Foil energy bar wrappers - Dental waste (old toothbrushes, empty toothpaste tubes, floss containers and other dental product packaging - Contact lenses and blister packs - Self-care/beauty product containers (mascara, lipstick, lip balm, lotion, etc.) - Over the counter medication packaging (including pill blister packs, non-prescription medicine bottles and more) - Infant formula packaging - Deodorant and mouthwash containers - Razors and packaging - Printer ink cartridges   On Thursday November 21, TVCR will be offering a short 20-minute training/info session for anyone interested in getting involved. Daytime training options: noon and 3:30 pm at the Geo Center in Driggs; evening session 5:30 p.m. at General Laundry in Victor. If you are unable to attend any of the sessions but would like more information, please contact Iris Saxer at tetonrecycling@gmail.com.

STAMFORD, Conn.– On America Recycles Day 2019, Henkel, a leader in hair and beauty care solutions, announced a new partnership with international recycling leader TerraCycle to launch the free Schwarzkopf Recycling Program in the United States. The program, which is slated to begin January 1, 2020, will allow U.S. consumers to recycle all Schwarzkopf retail hair care, color and styling products, through TerraCycle’s innovative recycling platform. By recycling products through this program, U.S. consumers can earn points which can be redeemed for charitable gifts or converted to cash and donated to a non-profit, school or charitable organization of their choice. In January, consumers will be able to collect used packaging from purchased Schwarzkopf products, and when ready, download a shipping label from the TerraCycle website to mail in for recycling. Once received, the packaging will be cleaned and melted into hard plastic that can be remolded to make new recycled products. “Until now, the recyclability of hair color and styling products was difficult due to product packaging needs and the requirements of curb-side recycling programs. Through the TerraCycle program, we’re proud that Schwarzkopf retail products will now be 100% recyclable,” explained Manuela Emmrich, marketing director, Hair U.S., Henkel Beauty Care.   “The launch of the partnership is part of our ongoing commitment to ensuring 100 percent of our Beauty and Laundry & Home Care packaging is recyclable, reusable or compostable by 2025,” added Heather Wallace, senior vice president and general manager, Beauty Care North America.  “The program will not only increase the overall recyclability of products, but also inspire and empower consumers to champion the sustainability of products they’re purchasing.”   “Since our founding, TerraCycle has made it our mission to ‘Eliminate the Idea of Waste’ and provide solutions for difficult to recycle items that are not traditionally recyclable curb-side,” said Tom Szaky, founder and CEO of TerraCycle. “It’s a privilege to continue our ongoing relationship with Henkel and expand our partnership to include the Schwarzkopf Recycling Program. We look forward to partnering with them for many years to come.”   Henkel has been partnering with TerraCycle since 2016. Earlier this year, Henkel and TerraCycle teamed up to create a free recycling program throughout Canada for Henkel’s Sunlight and Purex brand plastic detergent pouches. Henkel’s Adhesive Technologies business unit also launched a partnership with TerraCycle for customers in the U.S., making it possible for them to recycle their used adhesives packaging instead of sending them to a landfill or incinerator.   The Schwarzkopf and Henkel Adhesive Technologies Recycling Programs are available to any interested individual, school, office, or community organization in the United States.

The Green Vanity accepts empty product containers for recycling People have been programmed to perpetually buy beauty products whether they need them or not, creating a sustainability problem for both consumers and the industry.   That’s according to Nikki Hunter, owner of The Green Vanity.   Hunter said The Green Vanity is a “bridge” to help guide consumers as they try to make the switch to a cleaner and greener beauty routine.   “When you’re trying to discover those clean brands, it can be overwhelming because there’s a lot of messy dialogue and really polarized views on performance and ethics,” Hunter said.   “We don’t believe in trial and error, because trial and error is part of the sustainability issue. We continually fill that box under the sink because of overbuying and misunderstanding.”   She said they provide consultation so that people will only buy the items they need and make sure those products work effectively, so they don’t feel the need to keep buying more products.   Hunter said the boutique is also contributing to a cleaner industry by carrying brands that try to be as close to zero waste as possible.   “Zero-waste doesn’t technically exist. Everything we make as humans has waste but the part that we can talk about the most is our post-consumer waste. So what happens to what we have in our hand and who are we going to give our money to who’s doing the least amount of waste before then?”   Hunter said more and more brands are now considering materials used not only in their products, but also their packaging. She said more brands are using water-treated bamboo containers with refillable product, which makes for non-toxic and low-waste products in general.   But at the end of the day, all that packaging still needs to be taken care of.   “We are a recycle depot. We take plastics, we take glass, we take aluminum. We also have TerraCycle (which converts waste to raw materials for new products).”

For the tenth year in a row, Rider has been named a Green College by the Princeton Review. Since the creation of the guide in 2010, Rider has been recognized each year for its attention to the environment and its efforts to keep the campus green.   According to the University press release by Adam Grybowski, Rider made its initial commitment to sustainability in 2007 when the university signed a charter called the Carbon Commitment, which mainly works to make college campuses more environmentally friendly. The importance of an environmentally-friendly campus is an ever-growing factor in the decision of what university to attend, and with that, Rider’s dedication and attention to the environment continues to grow.   Rider’s Sustainability Manager Melissa Greenberg commented on the recognition of the campus’s efforts to better the environment.   “It feels good to know that Rider continues to get recognized for being a green campus and that we have not strayed from the path that we are on,” she said.   Brianne Gallina, a senior and Eco-Rep for the Office of Sustainability, was thrilled to hear the news. She has been involved with the Office of Sustainability for three years. Gallina sees this recognition as confirmation that, “the Rider community is on the right track.”   “We are taking the necessary steps to reduce our carbon footprint,” Gallina said.   Rider has been able to stay on the path to sustainability by creating plans to reduce the campus’s carbon footprint and energy usage. The next step for the Office of Sustainability is the Energy Master Plan. This plan will work to reduce energy usage in campus buildings, and introduce “renewable energy to our campus as well as other forms of on campus energy production and storage,” according to Greenberg.   In previous years, the Office of Sustainability has completed other campus initiatives such as the Carbon Neutrality Plan and the Campus Master Plan.   These large-scale plans definitely put Rider on the map as a green campus, but there are also plenty of tasks that students and faculty can do to keep the campus green.   “The main things students could easily do to help make the campus greener would be to make good choices when it comes to their energy use, water use, recycling and getting educated about global environmental issues,” Greenberg said. “Simple things like shutting off light switches, unplugging electrical devices and appliances, sorting and disposing of their trash and recycling properly.”   Additionally, campus programs including TerraCycle or Cupanion/Fill it Forward, among others, are simple day-to-day tasks in which students can contribute to an eco-friendly environment.   Any student looking to be hands-on with sustainability on campus should check out the upcoming events from the Office of Sustainability such as, America Recycles Day, which will take place on Nov. 14 at 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Student Recreation Center Atrium. In the spring, there will be other events such as the continuation of the Green Film series and a shared reading event hosted by Erin Brockovich.   Students can also get involved with green programs and initiatives by joining the Rider Green Team. Those interested can email broncsgogreen@rider.edu for more information.

Last Saturday, I was hauling my bike and carcass up a fire road approximately 12,500 feet above the altitude I live — and 12,400 feet above the altitude my lungs wanted to be. For some reason, the very limited operating capacity of my brain wasn’t focusing on cadence, or gear selection, or even the view. Nope, there I was in the middle of the Leadville Trail 100 fixating on a gel wrapper that I’d seen dropped on the trail.   The impact that our outdoor fun has on outdoor spaces shouldn’t be underestimated. It’s not just the wrappers we leave, or the trails we erode, or even the carbon we generate flying around the country to have fun outside. The gear we use also has a huge impact on the planet we enjoy.   During my 100-mile mountain bike misadventure, I had ample time to consider the ways we can reduce that impact — and broadly break them down into three categories.   The first is simply buying less stuff, which might mean spending more money, but hopefully less often. How many charge cables or pairs of headphones have you tossed in the past five years? Well they are all in landfills now, possibly being pulled apart by kids for the wire inside, permanently damaging their hands. The second is buying used stuff or stuff made consciously to reduce its impact: you might want those color pop trail shoes, but that dye might mean your grandchildren don’t have trails to run on. The third is limiting the waste from what we do burn through, recycling gel wrappers or using a reusable bottle instead of a disposable one.   Of course, most of the change has to come from all of us, changing our everyday habits. But in the spirit of supporting people who do things right, I wanted to assemble a short list of companies who place a high value on sustainable practices. That way, when you do buy new gear, you can vote with your wallet to support the kind of outdoor future that you want to see, hopefully one without gel packets on the trail. And yes, on the way back down I picked it up.

1. GU/TerraCycle