Opting in on REI's #OPTOUTSIDE Campaign

REI's #OptOutside Campaign

The US is shameless when it comes to consumerism and nothing illustrates this more than Black Friday. Beginning a few years ago, retailers began opening Thanksgiving Day to jump start the holiday shopping season. This year, millions of shoppers will indulge in this cycle of shopping sickness and I urge you to do something heroic. Don't.

On 27 November, I'm opting in on REI's #OPTOUTSIDE campaign. While I rarely use my blog as political pulpit, I will when it comes to topics I'm passionate about such as enjoying the outdoors, honoring Mother Nature, and living mindfully.

Thanksgiving is a national holiday devoted to giving thanks for the year's bountiful harvest. We pause to celebrate with one another the many gifts we have received the preceding year like food, shelter, warmth, and water. It's also time to honor our relationships with family, friends, neighbors, and most importantly, Mother Nature herself-the giver of all life. And when I say "we" I mean all of us-the collective whole-not just those who work white collar and government jobs. All of us deserve to take part in this festive holiday, retail workers included.

This year, REI is doing something extraordinary, something I would like to see more retailers do-act ethically. The US Supreme Court has decided that corporations are people, therefore, I expect them to act within the laws of human decency. Those who do not will not have my business-sorry Walmart, your unscrupulous business practices cost you my business long ago.

Going to the Mountains is Going Home

Remaining closed on Black Friday is not the only thing REI is doing right however; they are also a promoting healthy, mindful living. Instead of spending your hard-earned dollars buying things, get outside and do something good for yourself. Breathe fresh air, enjoy Mother Nature, get close to the earth. It's FREE and you deserve it.

In a May 2015 letter to members, REI CEO Jerry Stritzke wrote, "We believe an outdoor life is a life well lived. That single, simple idea unites our community, no matter where you’re from or what your political beliefs are. Seeking adventure and finding ourselves in the outdoors drives a virtuous cycle. We believe that life outside is better for us as individuals, better for society and ultimately, better for the planet. That is what unites us at REI." 

Ironically, closing on Black Friday will most likely earn REI even bigger profits. Putting consumer's well-being ahead of profit margins is not only a best business practice, it's common sense. Mindful shoppers pay attention when corporations do things for the common good versus lining their own pockets. Research has shown that companies who care more about their customers than their bottom line are rewarded with greater consumer loyalty, patronage, and overall profits.

REI Tysons Corner, Virginia

Don't take it from me however, think about it and ask yourself, Who would I rather do business with: a company who genuine cares about me, or one who will take my money regardless of whether I'm satisfied?

Remember the basic laws of supply and demand: corporations exists because we buy their products. If a corporation's business practices posit a moral or ethical dilemma, or doesn't put your needs or the needs of its employee's first, then perhaps patronizing them is no longer right. Consumers have the power to decide which companies and corporations gets rewarded in our society-it's not the other way around.

So this year, be bold and #OPTOUTSIDE. Skip Black Friday and do something good for yourself.

Hiking the Camino de Santiago May 2015