PROTECT OUR WINTERS: FLYING OUR FLAG FOR THE OUTDOORS
Posted on
29/10/2021
At BUFF® the outdoor world is our natural playground. Our iconic Original EcoStretch Multifunctional Neckwear was invented to provide a warmer, more protective solution to the sun, wind and cold. But for us, it’s not just about protecting ourselves, it’s also about our deep affinity with nature and the need to protect the places we love. That ethos of protection is the unifying force that connects outdoor sports lovers everywhere.
Sustainability is at the heart of what we do, but now more than ever, the natural world needs our protection and we believe every one of us has a role to play. That’s why we are partnering again with Protect Our Winters (POW) in our biggest financial collaboration yet, in the fight to preserve the outdoor playgrounds that inspire us.
Founded by pro snowboarder Jeremy Jones in 2007 when he realized that more and more of the places he loved were closing down, what began as one man’s quest to mobilize his own community has blossomed into an international movement. POW brings together a community of athletes, creative pioneers, and forward-thinking businesses to affect systemic solutions to climate change.
Every big adventure starts small. Solving our climate crisis is no different”
Three years ago, BUFF® Canada began a partnership with POW Canada, paving the way forward for our global collaboration. It was the planting of our first flag in The Outdoor State. This year, we have created three design flags that represent humans, the elements and our playground– an interconnected trinity of the forces at the center of climate change. A deliberate choice of concepts that speaks to the fragile equilibrium between the three. As humans, our choices, both good and bad, have a serious impact on both our playgrounds and the elements. Human nature compels us to seek joy, and for us, that joy is found in our outdoor playgrounds. For all our sakes, we need to make smarter choices so that we can protect and preserve them.
Whatever part of the world we belong to, however your country is defined, be it, states, provinces, or regions, it’s more important than ever that we all belong to the Outdoor State, to come together with one voice, wherever we are, to help combat our climate emergency.
Advocacy matters
We are committed to supporting POW’s advocacy for policy changes at local, national and international government levels. For low carbon mobility solutions, including the introduction of the POW Pass: a campaign promoting intra-European rail travel. For an end to fossil fuel subsidies. And as active members of their brand alliance, being aligned with other outdoor businesses in pursuing carbon neutrality goals.
Our theory of change hinges on the belief that the outdoor community can have a disproportionate impact by driving civic participation at those thin margins”
There is an old saying that skiing is a dance but the mountain always leads. What would happen if we lose our dance partner? Without rapid action, there is a very real chance that glaciers that inspire us to ski and snowboard and hike and climb will not survive beyond another generation. The wildlife that we share the trails and forests with is in danger of extinction. The entire ecosystem of our beloved outdoor playgrounds is under threat. That’s the bad news. The good news is that, every single one of us can make a difference.
Hard work and an appetite for changing the status quo led to the BUFF® Brand mindset. It’s one we have in common with POW and with everyone who wants to take positive action to solve the climate crisis. The global winter sports community is vast, and together we make up a powerful lobby for change. Every one of us can contribute as active members of the outdoor state.
By 2050 there will be 10-20% less days of quality snow across the globe
Together, we can protect and preserve our winters for future generations. We know there is strength in our numbers as a community. When you put on a BUFF® product, we want you to feel emboldened by that shared passion, and to revel in that drive to LIVE MORE NOW.
We want to make every day and every action count. It’s why we are committed to ACT, PROTECT, CARE and DO MORE NOW. Achieving those goals is a journey we’d like to share so that step by step we move forward together to a better future.