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First words from the Ed
The summer months are nearly over, and with it brings reflection on what a superb one it has been, I for one have been out enjoying our beautiful countryside, participating in far more pursuits than in recent years, which has led to an even greater love of the outdoors, be it hill, mountain, ravine or even water!
And it is this very point that raises the issue of outdoor ethics, after all as an industry each and every one of us generates business (and for the majority a very healthy profit) from the outdoors, so it is perhaps incumbent upon us all (each and everyone!) to give something back. So to this end, we intend running a regular column and series of articles covering good causes that will benefit the outdoors.
Only last month we reported on Berghaus’s volunteer programme in connection with the John Muir Trust, which is one of many superb causes that can simply require the giving of time, although donations are naturally accepted. The recent announcement by the EOG of its Association for Conservation is another step in the right direction - and certainly a very strong one indeed - and in reiterating what I said last month, one in which we should all strive to support.
Sprayway has also become involved in a form of ethical marketing, through its support of the Clubs For Young People, just as we were going to press the brand took a group of under privileged youngsters to Glenborrodale, a centre that offers rock climbing, abseiling, open canoeing, kayaking, hill-walking, mountaineering and coasteering. An exclusive report will be published in next month’s edition highlighting how the outdoor industry can help groups such as this and why Sprayway is donating a great deal of time, energy and products to such a worthy cause. October will also see Cancer Awareness Month, and with numerous brands supporting charities such as this, including the retailer window competition in support of the Breast Cancer Campaign - all highlighting that not only is there a need for us all to give something back, but that the consumer is also becoming more ethically aware. Awareness of our surroundings is also crucial to our future, and Nikwax’s recent seminar on climate change in the mountains brings this point home - identifying that we all need to understand how serious the changes are and that we should all be doing whatever we can to limit future damage - after all what kind of world will we be in if we allow our wonderful environment to be irreparably damaged?
Dawn Davison-Read
Editor
