How to Support and Celebrate Nature – Voting For Sustainability

This blog post is sponsored by Athleta – thank you for supporting the brands that make this blog possible

November 17 is National Take a Hike Day. To celebrate I’m teaming up with my friends at Athleta to talk about the power of getting outside AND the power of sustainable fashion.

The power of getting outside

Let’s talk about getting outside, shall we? Seems pretty obvious right? However, unless your job is inherently outdoorsy it’s really easy to go days if not weeks or months without engaging with nature. I know I’ve been guilty of it myself and I live on an island.

Not to sound super cliche but we are a pretty busy, distracted, work-obsessed society. I’m certainly a part of that. More than ever I’ve found myself so scatterbrained and always on. I love the idea of living a slower, nature-filled life but it’s so easy to get stuck in patterns that keep you sitting at desks and glued to screens.

That’s why I appreciate fun holidays like National Take a Hike Day to remind us of the values we care about. I care about getting outside and I definitely need these pushes to get me out. Walking and hiking in nature is one of the most grounding, calming and perspective providing experiences.

A couple of reasons I love getting outside

Especially when I leave my phone behind, going for walks outside give me space to be present. Suddenly there are no distractions, deadlines or details to stay busy with. Just my thoughts and observing what’s around me. Personally, I’ve found being active is one of the best ways for me to be present. I like having something physical to do to help me feel and notice the sensations in my body. To smell the pine trees or the salty air, to be amazed by the beauty, to listen to the birds or the waves and to feel the earth under my feet.

Getting in nature always gives me a huge dose of gratitude. Gratitude that I get to live in such a beautiful place and get to experience something so universal. It also gives me a huge dose of perspective. When I’m struggling with something I love going to the ocean. It’s so consistent and calming. I feel like it’s ok to just be when I can sync up with those rhythms of the waves.

And finally, from a very practical perspective, vitamin D is pretty essential to feeling good. It’s tough to come by in the winter months especially if you’re living in the north like I am, so intentionally getting outside is EXTRA crucial.

Connecting with nature by supporting sustainability

Nature offers us so much, everything really. So how do we pay it back? How do we act responsibly and with gratitude? How do we protect and preserve something so fundamental to our existence? First, by paying attention. We can’t take what we have for granted. A huge part of protecting our planet is voting at the ballot box for representatives and initiatives that will protect our environment. Another huge aspect is voting with our wallets for companies who are mindful and care about their impact on the planet. I’m so grateful and excited that Athleta is one of those companies I can proudly stand behind.

Why Sustainability and Good Business Can Go Together

I was so excited to learn that this year Athleta earned it’s status as a B Corp. B Corps are for-profit companies that create a positive impact on society, the environment, workers and their community. It means that doing good is also good business. I first learned about B Corps in college and I love the idea that making money and doing well are not mutually exclusive. Instead, they can be synchronistic goals.

Voting for Change With Our Dollars

We have the opportunity as consumers to vote with our dollars. We can choose to support companies that want to support the people and environments they exist in. You’ve probably heard about supporting organic with your dollars, but the same applies to fashion. The fashion industry has a huge impact on our environment and on workers. By supporting the businesses that care about sustainability and leaving the world off better than they found it we are increasing the demand for values-based businesses.

Here are some of the Athleta’s sustainable goals for 2020:

• By 2020, 80% of Athleta’s materials will be made with sustainable fibers.
• By 2020, 25% of Athleta’s products will be made using techniques that save water
• By 2020, Athleta will impact 10,000 women and their communities through programs like Fair Trade, which provides tangible opportunities for the predominantly female garment workers creating Athleta apparel.
• Divert 80% of waste and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50% at all stores and headquarters by 2020.

Two Pieces I’m Currently Obsessed With

Headlands Hybrid Tight

A couple months ago I realized my entire pants drawer was filled with just jeans and leggings. I had no other kinds of pants. So when I got this pair of Headlands Hybrid Tights in olive I was thrilled. Olive is one of my new favorite neutrals and these pants are so comfy and cute. I love pieces with versatility. You can wear these on the trail or around town with a jean jacket. Also, they have pockets so, enough said.

the Nirvana Sherpa Funnel Neck Sweatshirt

Ok, so the best thing to happen to me and fashion in 2018 is how trendy fuzzy things are. Basically, my aesthetic is “wearable blankets” and this Nirvana Sherpa sweatshirt is as cozy as they come. It’s the perfect layering piece for an outdoor adventure and let’s be honest for an indoor couch cuddle sesh too.

This season I’m going to definitely make it an intention to get into nature as often as possible and respect nature by protecting it. Collectively we have so much power to make a change and it can be as fun as shopping for clothes from sustainable brands.

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