It's great to see our paper on the website and see that so many have read it. I'd like to get this discussion going though, so I thought I'd start right off with a soapbox/rant on some of the issues in outdoor ed. programming/recreation that concern me (personally) the most...
One of my biggest concerns is that our discussions on sustainability don't focus just on relatively simple solutions like purchasing so-called "green gear" (so-called "credit card environmentalism"). I'm convinced that there is no such thing as "green" or "earth-friendly" mass-produced gear. Even the best industrial methods leave some sort of impact somewhere. Certain types of traditional, hand-made gear (such as a basket) can be made in a way that truly benefits all parties involved (including the plant from which the material was harvested), but in general, at this point, all industry can offer is "greener" gear. Of course, most of us can't raise a sheep, and produce an organic wool sweater in our backyard (at least not yet, so great, let's have the "greener" gear...
The deeper issues though are tough to confront: Do we really need to buy so much stuff in the first place? Should we partake in gear-intensive sports? Must we travel to exotic locales in order to recreate or educate? We've become addicted to convenience and consumerism, and see few problems with driving a few hundred miles for a weekend of recreation. So my question is this: Why not find ways to recreate and educate in the outdoors that truly minimize our impact on the earth, and perhaps even benefit it? (I don't believe humans are some sort of alien plague of locusts, rather I think we can live in harmony w/the earth). In addition to the other mantras we live by (i.e. LNT's Seven Principles), I propose a few others: 1. Don't purchase equipment unless it is absolutely necessary and important. Resist fashion, gotta-have-it impulses, new sports, and gear refinements, and just stop buying stuff. 2. Learn how to repair your gear, and use it until it can no longer be repaired (then use it some more). 3. Get creative! Make use of items you already have, do without, or learn to make your own stuff (ideally from recycled, castoff, or natural materials. The "primitive skills" movements and some of the ultralight backpacking folks have some great ideas! By making your own gear you can be much more in touch with the waste you create and the sources of your materials.
We can't buy our way out of environmental crisis, but we might be able to think and act our way out of it...
Anyway, lots more to say here, but this is a start. Let's get the discussion rolling!