Serious about Recreation and Conservation

There are lots of retailers of sports equipment, but none as dedicated to recreation, conservation and the love of the outdoors as REI. No, you won't find them in big splashy commercials touting about how "green" they are. After doing a little research, I'm impressed.

REI has been in business since 1938 and grown the non-profit cooperative way beyond a retail business. They are quite serious about inspiring others to experience, protect and enhance natural spaces. In addition to the classes, programs and projects they are involved in, they went even farther to form The Conservation Alliance.

In 1989 REI partnered with three other companies to establish this alliance whose goal was to raise support for conservation efforts. Their mission is to engage outdoor businesses to help protect and conserve threatened wild places for their habitat and recreation values. Since their beginning, they have raised millions that has benefited outdoor projects in North America.

Who benefits from this money? We all do. The funds raised by the Conservation Alliance supported carefully chosen conservation groups who protected more than 39 million acres - removed or stopped 27 dams - preserved access to thousands of miles of rivers and several climbing areas. Pretty good huh?

If that's not enough, they involve themselves in local communities too. REI and their employees invite members, non-profit partners, experts, customers and entire communities to join their effort on a local level. Furthering conservation causes and outdoor recreation in cities and towns across American, they:

• Provide a path for anyone wanting to help their community with a program they call Volunteer Match - encouraging hands on involvement in local projects;
• Invest in our future by teaching an early appreciation of the outdoors to kids through interactive awareness programs;
• Offer an $80 annual pass - for access to National Parks, Forests, and other outdoor wilderness areas. Available at most stores, if one isn't available you can also purchase one online at usgs.gov.

I like their "attitude".

They truly demonstrate their commitment to the outdoors like no local sporting store does. They hold themselves accountable with an annual public report.

No gimmicks, splash or jingles - they just do it!

It's nice that REI sales support more than the bottom line.

You can visit their site by clicking REI.com