How do we enjoy the outdoors without harming it? It's a question you may have asked yourself in the past, and you're not alone. Leading outdoor brands are increasingly looking to make their products kinder to the environment so that future generations can experience the great outdoors in the same way that we do.

To mark World Environment Day 2021 on June 5th, we're showcasing some of this season's best sustainable pieces from popular brands like The North Face, Berghaus, Montane and Osprey.

How do I know if a product is sustainable?

We've introduced a handy filter on our website that allows you to filter products by sustainability. You should also keep an eye out for the following sustainable signposts:

bluesign® | This certifies that harmful substances have been avoided at each stage of the textile supply chain and applies to chemicals, processes, materials and products. It helps to protect the environment, workers and customers.

MADEKIND™ | This is Berghaus' award-winning sustainability initiative. If a product says it is MADEKIND™, then you can rest assured it has been made using eco-friendly materials and greener processes. For more information, take a look at our guide to Berghaus MADEKIND™.

Natural/Sustainable Energy | Like all textiles, energy is required when producing outdoor gear. Some brands now make use of innovative fabrics that use less energy and produce fewer emissions, such as Sorona®.

Oeko-Tex | Textiles and fabrics that wear the OEKO-TEX® name are certified free of environment-harming chemicals. They are grown following a strict guideline on the use of petroleum-based fertilisers, pesticides and synthetics.

PFC/PVC Free | poly-fluorinated chemicals (PFCs) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) are completely man-made materials that do not occur naturally in our environment. The former is typically used in waterproof garments as a durable water repellent (DWR) and the latter makes up most of the plastic we see every day. Although the materials are effective and extremely durable, they don't easily break down and brands are increasingly looking to replace them with more eco-friendly alternatives.

Recycled Materials | This indicates that a product has been manufactured using materials that have been given a new life through recycling. Some materials are 100% recycled, whereas others will be a blend of new and recycled material. Using recycled materials reduces the amount of new material that needs to be made and helps prevent discarded textiles from going to landfill.

Responsibly-Sourced Materials | If a material has been responsibly sourced, then the company has actively considered environmental and social factors in their supply chain. This may include one or more of the features above, such as recycled or chemical-free materials.

For Him

The North Face

Men's Fanorak Waterproof Jacket

The North Face Fanorak is a stylish and eco-friendly waterproof jacket. With a relaxed fit and simplified cut, it will keep you protected from heavy rain or snow and is perfect for the city or the slopes. It's made from 100% recycled outer fabric that has been treated with PFC-free DWR treatment.

Shop The North Face Men's Fanorak Waterproof Jacket

Berghaus

Men's Torrak Reversible Softshell Jacket

Berghaus have added this reversible softshell jacket to their MADEKIND™ collection. The softshell fabric will keep you protected from wind and showers, while the fleece side is ideal for when it's dry and cold. The 2-in-1 jacket has been made with a sustainability focus and has been given the bluesign® stamp of approval. It's also made from recycled materials and uses COLOURKIND dyeing technology which reduces the use of harmful chemicals in the manufacturing process.

Shop Berghaus Men's Torrak Reversible Softshell Jacket

North Ridge

Men's 90s T-Shirt

Every fibre of this North Ridge T-Shirt has been made using recycled materials. By wearing it you'll be helping to reduce the amount of new cotton that is produced, and in doing so help to protect the world that you love to explore.

Shop North Ridge Men's 90s T-Shirt

Weird Fish

Men's Transom Full Zip Eco Macaroni Fleece

This stylish fleece has been made from a mix of organic cotton, recycled plastics and natural viscose from wood pulp. It's warm, comfy and you can zip it up on a cool day safe in the knowledge that you're helping the planet. What's not to love?

Shop Weird Fish Men's Transom Full Zip Eco Macaroni Fleece

For Her

Berghaus

Women's Darria Half Zip Fleece

This fleece is a part of Berghaus' MADEKIND™ collection, meaning it's a more sustainable choice and kinder to the environment. The fleece is bluesign approved, made from recycled materials and uses COLOURKIND dyeing technology that uses 89% less water, 63% fewer chemicals and reduced CO2 emissions by 60% compared to traditional dyeing methods.

Shop Berghaus Women's Darria Half Zip Fleece

Craghoppers

Women's Atlas Waterproof Jacket

This waterproof jacket has been made free of PFC or PVC in its construction. It features AquaDry technology, making it an ideal choice for anyone in need of a lightweight, breathable rain jacket. It's also super-stylish and has been given the Duke of Edinburgh Awards seal of approval.

Shop Craghoppers Women's Atlas Waterproof Jacket

Merrell

Women's Tencel Short Sleeve Tee

This tee is anything but basic. The short sleeve everyday piece from Merrell has serious sustainable credentials and impressive performance. Tencel fibres made from plants are used in the construction for great next-to-skin comfort and moisture management. Available in a choice of colours, it also features UPF 20+ sun protection and anti-odour performance to keep you feeling fresher for longer.

Shop Merrell Women's Tencel Short Sleeve Tee

North Ridge

Women's Tidal T-Shirt

Half of the polyester in this North Ridge T-shirt comes from recycled materials. With a dropped hem and flattering V neck shape, it combines style with practicality thanks to the lightweight moisture-wicking material that'll keep you cool on the hill.

Shop North Ridge Women's Tidal T-Shirt

Merrell

Men's Moab Speed GORE-TEXShoe

Recycled materials and plenty of tech mean the Men's Merrell Moab Speed GORE-TEX® Shoe lets you put your best foot forward whilst out hiking. With an entirely vegan-friendly construction and sporty aesthetics, this shoe is ideal for those who love to get outdoors. Both the mesh lining and laces are made entirely of recycled material, while the Vibram® Ecostep sole is made from 30% recycled rubber.

Shop Merrell Men's Moab Speed GORE-TEX Shoe

Hanwag

Men's Banks SF EX GORE-TEX® Hiking Boots

Only the best technology goes into the Banks SF EX GORE-TEX® Hiking Boots from Hanwag. Made with breathable GORE-TEX® for complete waterproof protection and Vibram® rubber outsole for exceptional multi-terrain grip, the boots have been designed so that every pair can be re-soled. Not only does this save you money, but repairing instead of replacing is also much better for the environment.

Shop Hanwag Men's Banks SF EX GORE-TEX® Hiking Boots

Merrell

Women's Moab Speed GORE-TEX Shoe

100% recycled mesh lining and laces as well as a 30% recycled rubber sole make up this sporty waterproof hiking shoe for women. With an entirely vegan-friendly construction, it features GORE-TEX® waterproof membrane and a rugged Vibram® outsole for long-lasting protection in the outdoors.

Merrell Women's Moab Speed GORE-TEX Shoe

The North Face

Women's Activist FUTURELIGHT™ Shoes

Created using The North Face's innovative FutureLight™ technology, these walking shoes offer maximum protection with minimum environmental impact. Made with 90% recycled materials, FutureLight™ is a leading sustainably produced fabric and delivers total waterproof and breathable protection. The lightweight shoe also boasts an OrthoLite® Hybrid™ footbed that delivers unbeatable comfort on long hikes.

Shop The North Face Women's Activist FUTURELIGHT™ Shoes

Accessories

Buff

CoolNet UV+ Tubular Buff

Here's one for fans of a versatile accessory. Constructed using recycled CoolNet UV+, the Buff is built with recycled polyester and is highly moisture-wicking, not to mention the ability to be worn at least 13 different ways. Made for sunny conditions, it features UPF50+ sun protection for functionality as well as performance. Pro tip - this is a great alternative to traditional face masks!

Shop Buff CoolNet UV+ Tubular Buff

The North Face

Unisex '66 Classic Hat

A modern take on a timeless classic, this North Face '66 cap is now made entirely of recycled polyester. It still features the structured front panels that help you find your perfect fit and The North Face's unmistakable logo on the front.

Shop The North Face Unisex '66 Classic Hat

Berghaus

Power Stretch Gloves

Exclusive to Blacks, these gloves are made from Polartec® Power Stretch® fabric, which has excellent 4-way stretch and is very breathable, providing warmth without bulk and keeping you dry when you perspire. They're also part of Berghaus' MADEKIND™ range which means they're made using bluesign® approved fabric which helps to reduce the use of chemicals in the supply chain.

Shop Berghaus Power Stretch Gloves

Osprey

Aether II 55 Litre Rucksack

Constructed with high-quality bluesign® approved nylon and PFC-free DWR (durable water repellent), Osprey's Aether II is an eco-conscious rucksack designed for multi-day adventures. The pack features a fully adjustable, injection moulded AirScape™ backpanel with EVA foam padding for ultimate comfort, especially when carrying heavy loads and a Fit-on-the-Fly™ adjustable hipbelt and harness for additional support.

Shop Osprey Aether II 55 Litre Rucksack

How to Make Your Outdoor Gear Last Longer

Buying sustainably made products isn't the only way to reduce your environmental impact. By taking good care of your kit, you'll make sure it lasts as long as possible, helping you save pounds as well as the planet. Here's some quick tips on how to get the most out of your outdoor gear.

Re-proof your waterproofs | Washing waterproofs with standard detergent can damage their performance. We recommend using specialist waterproof cleaners like Nikwax or Grangers. Here's a handy guide on how to properly wash your waterproofs.

Repair instead of replacing | Slight damages don't always have to mean the end of the road for your clothes or equipment. Noticed one of the soles of your walking boots has started letting water in? Get in touch with the manufacturer or a specialist shoe repairer and see if you can have them re-soled.

Donate your old gear | If you're replacing some clothing or equipment, ask around your friends and family to see if any of them would like to take the old gear off your hands. If not, charity shops will always gladly accept any items in full working order.

This is just a snapshot of what Blacks has to offer when it comes to sustainable products. The collection is constantly growing, so be sure to check out the rest of this season's range of sustainable products.

Shop Sustainable

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Blacks Outdoor Retail Ltd. published this content on 04 June 2021 and is solely responsible for the information contained therein. Distributed by Public, unedited and unaltered, on 04 June 2021 09:02:02 UTC.