Sunny weather have you daydreaming about new outdoor gear? If you're planning to invest, consider the eco-friendliness of that brand-new bag, boot or parka. 

Historically, many manufacturers of outdoor equipment relied heavily on petroleum-based fabrics and toxic solvents to make high-performance gear. But as the hazards of these and other manufacturing practices become apparent, companies are substantially greening their production. And many of those innovators are right in our backyard. 

Want eco-friendly fabrics to wear on your trek? REI's new Eco-Sensitive

label identifies items made with a high percentage of recycled, rapidly renewable, and/or organic fibers, including organic cotton, bamboo, hemp, organic wool and post-consumer recycled polyester.

Portland-based Nau also produces stylish clothing from renewable and recycled materials. To cut wasted energy, Nau's four small "webfront"

stores stock minimal product and offer discounts to shoppers who instead order clothes shipped (for free) from their warehouse, which consumes

1/16 of the energy needed to operate a large retail store.

But green goes beyond materials. Consider the social aspect: Seattle-based Cascade Designs manufactures 90% of its U.S.-sold products here in Seattle, contributing to our economy while minimizing transportation and manufacturing waste. And its factories (one here and one in Ireland) are built deliberately on brownfield to avoid spoiling untouched green space.

And much more is in store. Under the umbrella of the Outdoor Industries Association, leading progressive companies including Northwest-based REI, Cascade Designs, Outdoor Research, PMI,  Nau and Nike, are working together (with six students from the Bainbridge Graduate Institute) to develop new industry standards for the most environmentally and socially sound products imaginable. The goals include renewable non-toxic materials, energy-efficient manufacturing, and impeccable labor practices.

"We recognize that there are certain things we should not compete on," says REI's Kevin Myette, one of the team's original members. "One of them is how we improve understanding and articulating the environmental impact of our products, so that consumers can understand and make better choices, and so that we have a platform for innovation."

According to Myette, the group hopes to have designers working with these standards by this summer--potentially turning out product by 2009.

Learn more about stewardship at Cascade Designs, Nau, Nike, Outdoor Research, PMI and REI on their websites. 

Editor's note: In December, we told you about Toxic Children's Toys. Now a new bill could take hazardous toys off the shelves in Washington state.

Download a copy of the Children's Safe Products Act of 2008, or click here to tell your legislator to Pass the Children's Safe Products Act ESHB 2647. 

Like this tip? More to try:

Ski the Greener Slopes

Winter Biking

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