This piece was inspired by a book I have recently read called Let my People go Surfing by Yvon Chounaird. The book details the philosophies of the outdoor company, Patagonia, and how they became the company they are today. Many of the topics touched on in the book center around the themes of consumerism and the growing climate crisis. It opened up a new perspective for me on how I can be held more accountable for my actions and consume less. As a lover of outdoor sports, and a definite gear head, it made me think more deeply about the products that I buy and whether or not they are things that I actually need. It also made me realize the importance of repairing and reusing gear, rather than throwing it away. After all, it is somewhat of a paradox that the equipment people buy to experience the outdoors is harming the outdoors.