Whenever Outdoor Retailer rolls around, it puts tons of outdoor brands on our radar. We find the latest products and hottest trends. But it’s also a time to be inspired by the companies that are doing fantastic things. Check out these five brands doing good across the globe.
LifeStraw
LifeStraw launched in 2005 and was designed for people in developing countries who don’t have access to safe, clean water and for those dealing with natural disasters when the water is contaminated. The “straw” removes nearly all microbiological contaminants that make water unsafe to drink. LifeStraw’s Give Back program vows that for every LifeStraw purchased, a child in need receives safe water for an entire school year. So far, 1,015,652 students have been given clean water.
GoLite
GoLite is teaming up with the leading international relief organizations to manufacture medical uniforms and to start micro-enterprise programs that are empowering local communities around the world. While GoLite doesn’t officially launch until 2019, the brand has donated 12,000 uniforms to Medical Teams International health workers who are helping hundreds of thousands of refugees in Uganda.
United By Blue
Since opening in 2010, United By Blue has removed 1,046,530 pounds from oceans on the entire planet. For every product sold from their collaboration line with conservation group Lonely Whale, United by Blue will remove one pound of trash from the world’s waterways and oceans. In lieu of Black Friday, the company launched “Blue Friday” in 2016 to encourage individuals to take one hour of their day to clean up neighborhoods or local parks. This summer, United by Blue is also embarking on a “Bluemovement Road Trip” where they’ll host 21 cleanups with retail partners and volunteers.
MSR
MSR just launched the MSR Impact Project, which aims to accelerate the global health work they’re doing, including provide access to safe water for countries without it. Since 2015, MSR technologies have made safe water possible for more than 500,000 people. The company also hosts MSR ϳԹs for Impact for those wanting to take a trip to experience adventure while also devoting time in local communities to providing long-term solutions for water.
Biolite
BioLite creates affordable and durable items designed to cook, charge electronics, and light off-grid households by utilizing surrounding energy. The company works with partners across Africa and India to distribute clean energy products. To date, they have impacted almost 300,000 people worldwide. The BioLite BaseCamp generates electricity from fire, reduces smoke by 90 percent, and uses 50 percent less wood. The BioLite SolarHome 620 generates electricity from the sun.