“One Sustainable Brand at a Time”

We currently consume goods & services with little attention to their ecological footprint. For us to reach a sustainable balance between humans and the natural world, our consumption and choices must experience a radical paradigm shift with conscientious purchases that protect our natural resources. 

Here in Summit County, two startups in retail are changing this dynamic. In Breckenridge, Folcland Clothing (https://folcland.com) owner Alyssa Pullekines takes sustainability seriously. She offers a dynamic suite of women’s clothes. “Not only do the lines we offer prioritize natural, up-cycled, and eco-friendly materials and low impact techniques, but also overall production quality and labor standards,” says Pullekines.

In Silverthorne, Minimal Impact (https://www.minimalimpactlifestyle.com) founder Jenny Hammock, offers products for everyday use that will lessen the harm to the environment, water, soil and air.  “Minimal Impact provides a path for consumers to live more sustainably by providing bulk cleaning & personal care products available for refill. We also provide product replacements for single-use plastics & plastic-free alternatives to everyday household items, “according to Hammock. 

There are sustainable products that work in harmony with nature. But it is up to us to make conscious choices to give those businesses our money and support. 

Mountain Flow Eco Wax (https://www.mountainflow.com) out of Carbondale just landed a deal on Shark Tank to increase the distribution of its plant-based ski wax. They saw how everything is interconnected. Chemicals, micro plastics, and toxic microfibers in our everyday products are getting into our natural living systems. Mountain Flow is a certified B Corporation...
(https://bcorporation.net/gclid=Cj0KCQiAvvKBBhCXARIsACTePW82rUATmB8C4PcQeSOh0IEUqRMmTRS0PbHk5j0EDGA7ukGQZi_wnpUaAmQREALw_wcB) 
...which balances profit and purpose. 

If you are thinking about camping this summer, check out Big Agnes (https://www.bigagnes.com), another innovative Colorado company based in Steamboat Springs. They have a commitment to people and our planet. They also try to make a profit to continue creating great products and keep people employed. Their sustainable work extends from production and operations to dynamic stewardship of the Yampa River Valley. The Yampa is a critical water source in the Northwest Colorado.

Making thoughtful sustainable consumer decisions takes effort, but with some time, it can impact corporate outcomes. These companies are using sustainable circular economies within their systems, by making choices for regenerative, zero waste practices. We can show our appreciation for our beautiful mountain community by supporting those striving to preserve and live-in balance with our wild, natural spaces.

Tom Koehler

Sustainable Hiker