The Outdoor Rec Industry has become one of the biggest stakeholders in the environmental movement. Contributing domestically to 7.6 million jobs and $887 billion in consumer spending, the outdoor recreation industry has become a political force with widespread leverage to shape environmental policy. Brands like Patagonia, REI, The North Face, CLIF, Klean Kanteen and others have expanded their footprint beyond business as usual, promoting initiatives that demonstrate environmental responsibility as part of their framework. At YSE, students want to work for these companies. Each year, students seek internships and employment to gain experience in topics like life cycle assessment, carbon footprinting, environmental social governance, environmental policy, stakeholder management and others.
The Outdoor Rec Industry SIG aims to provide a space for FE&S students to discuss the outdoor industry, diving in its impacts and opportunities for the environment. Topics will cover sustainability in supply chains, innovations in materials, inclusion policies, among many others. It will also bring students together explore the outdoor recreation opportunities of the Northeast, share past stories, gain outdoor skills, and provide a respite from the stress of academic life.
Chris Perkins chris.perkins@yale.edu
Erin Eck erin.eck@yale.edu