EARTH DAY with Guest Blogger Amy Buglione from Skout Backcountry

Happy Earth Day!! How do you plan to spend your Earth Day?! It’s amazing that we live in the Pacific Northwest where we have so many ways to connect with the earth and so many environmentally focused organizations to get involved with. Skout Backcountry is all about providing the best provisions for outdoor adventures. We want to motivate and inspire people to get outside and take care of their bodies with our pumpkin seed mixes and our trail bars which are organic, gluten-free, vegan, date based bars (no added sugar!!). Below are some great ways to spend Earth Day... Earth day is April 22nd and is celebrated all over the world to demonstrate support for environmental protection. Earth Day 2017’s campaign is environmental and climate literacy. From earthday.org, Education is the foundation for progress. We need to build a global citizenry fluent in the concepts of climate change and aware of its unprecedented threat to our planet. We need to empower everyone with the knowledge to inspire action in defense of environmental protection. Skout Backcountry and the Herb Shoppe want to support other organizations that are taking steps to protect our environment and we hope to inspire more people to connect with the earth and take steps to volunteer or contribute to organizations that are making a difference. Now is such an important time for our voices to be heard. Things you can do to celebrate Earth Day! -Connect with the Earth! -Hike! Take a hike and soak up all of the beauty that this area has to offer. This spring is extra magical after such a long winter; the trees and flowers are starting to bloom, birds are chirping, we are getting more moments of sunshine and we need to soak all of this up. It’s so beneficial to disconnect from the busy-ness of the city and travel slowly through nature. One of our favorite local hikes for the spring is Dog Mt! Notorious for epic wildflowers. https://www.outdoorproject.com/adventures/washington/hikes/dog-mountain-hiking-loop -Be outside! You don’t have to be out on a trail to stop and appreciate the beauty we are surrounded by. Take a break from your computer to stand outside, acknowledge the beauty of blooming flowers, take a few deep breaths of fresh air and let the sun shine on your face! -Run with the community and enjoy some beer! Celebrate Earth day with a Brewery Running Series! Running through the NW and finishing at Portland Brewing for some beer and fun with friends sounds like a great way to celebrate. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/earth-day-5k-fun-run-tickets-32830192991?aff=es2 -Attend a local Earth Day event! -Head to Normandale Park in Northeast on Earth Day weekend for one of the country’s largest community-organized Earth Day celebrations. The family-friendly festival features live music, speakers, kids’ activities, volunteer opportunities and a procession of the species parade. Attendees can also browse booths from a hundred sustainable businesses and organizations, from organic kombucha, produce and chocolate to acupuncture and bicycle repair. -Give Back! SOLVE Cleanups- Presented by Portland General Electric, Stop Oregon Litter and Vandalism (SOLVE), is a non-profit organization that has one mission: “Bring Oregonians together to improve our environment and build a legacy of stewardship.” Interested? Good thing there are countless Earth Day clean-ups to choose from this April 22. Transform Barrows Park in Beaverton to a thriving habitat, spruce up the Oregon Human Society Dog Path or join the 2nd Annual Invasive Species Scavenger hunt in Vancouver; those are just a few of the options for volunteer action. Check out the website below to find a volunteer opportunity that works for you and your family. www.Solveoregon.org We hope you find your way to connect with the Earth and take steps to help protect it! Be sure to check out the Skout Backcountry Speaker Series! Apr 18 | Brian Donnelly | The Art of Fast and Light // Brian shares his philosophy and technique for moving fast and light on multi-day adventures. He’ll talk about highlights from his epic adventure setting the overall fastest known time on the Oregon Pacific Crest Trail, how to simplify logistics, optimize gear, and use the body’s natural rhythms to overcome extreme challenges. Amy Buglione is an outdoor enthusiast who is passionate about exploring the wilderness, taking care of herself with optimal nutrition and building community in all aspects of her life.