Environment

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REI's Stewardship Aspiration

Years ago, many of our stewardship efforts started organically among our employees. They asked challenging questions of the co-op and took personal accountability. Today, we operate the company by considering the social and environmental impacts of business decisions.

By being thoughtful in our operations, we can reduce our impacts on the planet. But we have a higher aspiration - use the power of innovation and collaboration with our industry peers to create positive change that is beneficial not only to REI but manufacturers and other consumer outdoor brands and retailers.

Strategic Focus

We've identified five environmental priorities that have the most impact on our operations and in which we wish to inspire broader change: greenhouse gas emissions and energy use, green building, paper sourcing, reducing waste and recycling, and responsible product stewardship.

Growth through a Stewardship Lens

Our products and services help our members and customers experience the outdoors. However, we recognize that our business impacts the planet.

The co-op's continued success and resulting growth allows us to invest in creative solutions, such as stores that incorporate smart design and innovative technology and product offerings made with alternatives to conventional materials.

Green building

Green buildings emphasize water conservation, energy efficiency and indoor air quality. When done well, resulting buildings are more comfortable and healthier to be in, have lover impacts on the environment and can have reduced operating costs.

In the construction of new REI buildings, we consider the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) point system as a measure in meeting our green building goals, when possible. Through our store prototype initiative, we are testing design and green building concepts to help us make decisions in the future. Our first prototype store is located in Boulder, Colo., and our second such store will be located in Round Rock, Texas.

ecoSensitive™ Gear and Apparel

How green is green? Product environmental claims are a complex and significant issue. In 2007, we introduced our ecoSensitive™ label to help identify branded products made from a high percentage of recycled, rapidly renewable and/or organic fibers. We clearly communicate the pros and cons of these fabric choices to our customers. With other outdoor brands and supply chain partners, we are also collaborating in an industry-wide initiative to establish clear and consistent information about "eco-friendly" and "green" products.

REI is Accountable

REI's stewardship report highlights our social and environmental efforts, including progress and opportunities against measurable goals. Our first stewardship report in 2006 established baseline metrics for efforts from community and employee engagement to greenhouse gas emissions. In our 2007 report, we are able to show progress on many fronts, as well as identify areas where we have work to do.

We invite you to read the full report, share our brochure with others and give us your feedback.

How are we doing? Give us feedback on this page.

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