PGC 2024 Day 6: Outdoors – Project Green Challenge

Introduction

Respecting and cherishing the natural world deepens our connection with the Earth as it nurtures our own well-being. Immersing ourselves in the beauty of the outdoors empowers us to become better stewards of the earth, while also soothing our minds, sharpening our focus, and enriching our overall health.

Barriers to Access: Who Gets to Experience the Outdoors?

Everyone deserves the opportunity to experience the wonders of the great outdoors. However, many communities of color and LGBTQ+ individuals often face significant barriers. These communities frequently express feelings of discomfort and insecurity in outdoor spaces. Despite making up only 60% of the population, white people account for 95% of all visitors to public lands. Additionally, 74% of people of color live in areas with limited access to nature.

❝

At some point in life, the world’s beauty becomes enough. You don’t need to photograph, paint, or even remember it. It is enough.
❞

Toni Morrison, American Novelist

Read More
⌄

Understanding the Historical Context

To understand the accessibility gap, it is essential to consider the historical context. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 granted Black people the right to visit state and national parks. However, the vision of “pristine wilderness” promoted by figures like John Muir, who helped establish many of these parks, often excluded Indigenous peoples from their ancestral lands. This exclusion not only erased vital aspects of Indigenous culture but also endangered the ecosystems they had long maintained.

Breaking Barriers and Reclaiming the Outdoors

Marginalized communities are breaking down barriers and reclaiming their place in outdoor spaces. Many organizations and activists are passionately committed to expanding access to nature for historically underrepresented groups. Melanin Basecamp, for instance, promotes representation and opportunities for people of color in outdoor adventure sports, creating safe spaces and celebrating individuals of all skill levels and abilities. Similarly, hiking clubs created by and for people of color, such as Vibe Tribe Adventures and Latinxhikers, are emerging worldwide.

These grassroots initiatives are joined in their mission by companies like Patagonia Provisions, which are also championing inclusive outdoor exploration. Patagonia Provisions contributes by offering nutritious, ethically sourced foods that promote environmental sustainability. By supporting regenerative farming practices that heal soil and water, while rejecting the destructive methods of Big Agriculture, Patagonia Provisions is actively becoming part of the solution.

Take Action: Foster an Inclusive Outdoors

Learn and Share: Educate yourself about how different communities experience the outdoors, and share this knowledge with others to raise awareness.
Advocate: Support inclusive outdoor policies by contacting your local representatives and advocating for broader access and representation in public spaces.
Explore and Define: Discover what the outdoors means to you personally. Experiment with various activities and engage in unique outdoor experiences to enrich your perspective.
Get Inspired: Look to organizations like Leave No Trace, which promote healthy, vibrant outdoor spaces through education and community discussions.
Spend Time Outdoors: Deepen your connection with nature by spending more time outside. Encourage friends, family, and your community to do the same.

By embracing these actions, you can help cultivate a more inclusive outdoor environment for everyone to enjoy.

Deepen Your Connection

Your efforts can transform the outdoors into a more inclusive and welcoming space for everyone. By embracing diverse voices, practicing sustainability, and advocating for equal access to nature, you help build a future where everyone can enjoy the benefits of the natural world. It’s through these small, meaningful actions that we can collectively ensure nature is protected and accessible for all communities.

PARTNERS

EXPAND YOUR KNOWLEDGE

Expand Your Awareness

By advocating for equal access and amplifying diverse voices, you can help ensure that everyone has the opportunity to experience and benefit from the outdoors, building a more sustainable and inclusive future. Explore these resources to deepen your knowledge and inspire meaningful action.

CHALLENGES

Green

20 POINTS

THINK

Is there a destination you have always dreamed of exploring? It could be an old-growth forest in your community, the ocean you long to dip your toes into, a desert perch at sunset, or a mountain trek on the other side of the world. Perhaps there’s an activity like rock climbing, surfing, or biking that you’ve always wanted to try in a new location. The possibilities for outdoor adventures are endless, so let your imagination run wild!

CHALLENGE

Choose Your Adventure: Select one location and activity that you have always wanted to experience. Reflect on why this adventure would be meaningful to you.
Capture Your Vision: Find or take photos that represent your chosen location and activity. Ensure you credit any sources for photos that are not your own.
Share Your Exploration: Post your photo(s) on Instagram. In the caption, describe why this outdoor adventure is significant to you.
Tag and Hashtag: Tag @TurningGreenOrg, @PatagoniaProvisions, and @LeaveNoTraceOrg in your post. Be sure to include the hashtag #PGC2024.

SUBMIT YOUR WORK

Create a PDF: Combine your deliverables and a screenshot of your social media post into a single PDF. Ensure your name (or team name), username, and school are included.
File Naming: Save your PDF as firstname_lastname_challengeday_challengelevel_year.pdf
e.g., kasie_jones_day6_green_2024.pdf)
Avoid using symbols (including #) or spaces in the file name.
File Size: Ensure the file size does not exceed 5 MB.
Submit: Upload your PDF. A green confirmation message will appear if your submission is successful. If you don’t see this, please try again.
Points: If your total points don’t update, your submission may not have uploaded correctly—please retry.
Score: Points can be checked by going to Edit Profile on the bottom navigation bar. Your score is at the top of the page.
Questions: Direct any inquiries to info@turninggreen.org.
Social Media: Share your challenge activities on social media, tagging us on Instagram @TurningGreenOrg, Facebook @Turning Green, and using #PGC2024.

The deadline for entering this challenge has past.

Greener

40 POINTS

THINK

Outdoor adventure should be accessible to everyone, but it often isn’t. Fortunately, inspiring organizations are working to change that. For example, Brown Girl Outdoor World diversifies outdoor recreation, Outdoor Afro fosters Black leadership and connections with nature, Melanin Base Camp makes outdoor sports inclusive for BIPOC and other underrepresented communities, and America Outdoors with Baratunde Thurston highlights diverse perspectives. Together, these initiatives are transforming conservation and promoting inclusion in outdoor activities and land preservation.

CHALLENGE

Find an Instagram Account: Explore organizations that showcase diverse voices and experiences in the outdoors such as @outdoorafro, @latinooutdoors, @fatgirlshiking, @browngirlsurf, @melaninbasecamp, @browngirloutdoorworld, or another one of your choosing.
Share a Favorite Post: Choose a post from the account that resonates with you. In 150 words, explain why this post is meaningful and how it has inspired you. Reflect on how the content highlights diversity and inclusion in outdoor spaces and how it motivates you to support these efforts.
Create a Carousel Post:
- Slide 1: A cover slide with the account’s name and a standout image from their feed.
- Slide 2: The featured post with a brief explanation of why it was chosen.
- Slide 3: Additional images or information about the account’s work.
- Slide 4: Your reflections on the impact of their work and how it inspired you.
Write a Caption: Include one way to enhance outdoor accessibility and inclusion. Tag @TurningGreenOrg, the account you featured, and use the hashtag #PGC2024.

SUBMIT YOUR WORK

Create a PDF: Combine your deliverables and a screenshot of your social media post into a single PDF. Ensure your name (or team name), username, and school are included.
File Naming: Save your PDF as firstname_lastname_challengeday_challengelevel_year.pdf
e.g., kasie_jones_day6_greener_2024.pdf
Avoid using symbols (including #) or spaces in the file name.
File Size: Ensure the file size does not exceed 5 MB.
Submit: Upload your PDF. A green confirmation message will appear if your submission is successful. If you don’t see this, please try again.
Points: If your total points don’t update, your submission may not have uploaded correctly—please retry
Score: Points can be checked by going to Edit Profile on the bottom navigation bar. Your score is at the top of the page..
Questions: Direct any inquiries to info@turninggreen.org
Social Media: Share your challenge activities on social media, tagging us on Instagram @TurningGreenOrg, Facebook @Turning Green, and using #PGC2024.

The deadline for entering this challenge has past.

Greenest

60 POINTS

THINK

As Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “Life is a journey, not a destination.” Every aspect of your adventure—your gear, transportation, food, and what you pack—plays a role in shaping the experience. Whatever outdoor activity you are pursuing, there are countless ways to make your journey more sustainable. By practicing Leave No Trace principles, you help preserve the natural world for future generations. So, embrace the adventure and make every step count!

CHALLENGE

Reflect on what you have learned throughout PGC so far about reducing your ecological footprint. Now, let’s get outdoors!

Pick Your Destination: Choose a local adventure that’s easy and safe to reach. If physical access is challenging, consider a virtual visit to a national park or outdoor destination. Set an intention for your journey and invite at least one friend to join you.
Plan Your Adventure: Detail your adventure plan, whether it’s a physical outing or virtual exploration. Include:
- Location: Specify your destination or the virtual platform you’ll use.
- Gear and Supplies: List sustainable gear for physical trips or items that enhance virtual experiences, like headphones.
- Transportation: Opt for sustainable methods like biking, walking, or public transit.
- Food and Water: Pack minimal-waste, sustainable food, and reusable water containers. For virtual adventures, plan organic snacks and drinks.
Incorporate Leave No Trace Principles:
- Plan Ahead: Research local regulations and prepare accordingly.
- Travel on Durable Surfaces: Stick to trails and campsites. Be mindful online.
- Dispose of Waste Properly: Carry out trash and waste. Use energy-efficient devices.
- Leave What You Find: Avoid disturbing nature or cultural features. Do not share digital content without permission.
- Minimize Campfire Impact: Use stoves and follow fire rules. Online, avoid creating waste or noise.
- Respect Wildlife: Observe from a distance and avoid feeding them. Appreciate responsibly online.
- Be Considerate: Be polite to others, both in-person and online.
Execute and Reflect: Enjoy your adventure! Afterwards, reflect on how well you followed your plan and Leave No Trace principles.
- Capture three pictures or screenshots of your surroundings.
- Observe: What animals, plants, or features do you notice? How would you describe the environment?
- Reflect on your experience:
  - Did your intention guide your journey?
  - Did you stick to the plan, or did you adapt?
  - Did you see examples of inclusion or accessibility?
  - How did the experience make you feel?
  - Has it strengthened your connection to the Earth and your responsibility toward the environment?
Share Your Reflection: Post on Instagram, including your photo(s), intention, important planning details, at least one inspirational takeaway, and a call for others to explore the outdoors! Tag @TurningGreenOrg, @LeaveNoTraceOrg, and use #PGC2024.

SUBMIT YOUR WORK

Create a PDF: Combine your deliverables and a screenshot of your social media post into a single PDF. Ensure your name (or team name), username, and school are included.
File Naming: Save your PDF as firstname_lastname_challengeday_challengelevel_year.pdf
e.g., kasie_jones_day6_greenest_2024.pdf
Avoid using symbols (including #) or spaces in the file name.
File Size: Ensure the file size does not exceed 5 MB.
Submit: Upload your PDF. A green confirmation message will appear if your submission is successful. If you don’t see this, please try again.
Points: If your total points don’t update, your submission may not have uploaded correctly—please retry.
Score: Points can be checked by going to Edit Profile on the bottom navigation bar. Your score is at the top of the page.
Questions: Direct any inquiries to info@turninggreen.org.
Social Media: Share your challenge activities on social media, tagging us on Instagram @TurningGreenOrg, Facebook @Turning Green, and using #PGC2024.

The deadline for entering this challenge has past.

PRIZES

Up to 10 Greener and 10 Greenest outstanding submissions will be selected as winners.

Each Greener Winner will receive:

Selection of items from our partner, Patagonia Provisions, a Certified B Corp and member of 1% for the Planet who makes delicious, nutritious organic foods that help fight the environmental crisis. How? By farming and fishing in ways that regenerate and protect our planet, often drawing on pre-industrial practices. Foods that are the results of these efforts—clean, simple and full of flavor.
Assortment of products from Badger Balm, a B Corp that cultivates goodness through business practices that are trustworthy, ecologically responsible, and respectful of all people inside and outside their walls.

Each Greenest Winner will receive:

Selection of items from our partner, Patagonia Provisions, a Certified B Corp and member of 1% for the Planet who makes delicious, nutritious organic foods that help fight the environmental crisis. How? By farming and fishing in ways that regenerate and protect our planet, often drawing on pre-industrial practices. Foods that are the results of these efforts—clean, simple and full of flavor.
Sunglasses made with recycled materials from Sunski. Inspiring the community to live in balance with nature and raising the bar for sustainable sunglasses.
Parks Project Leave It Better Essential Clean Up Kit. Join the mission To Leave It Better by restoring habitats and preserving the nature around you.
Travel Pack from ChicoBag, a Certified B Corporation and 1% for the Planet member, who every day looks for new ways to do things a #littlebitbetter, and align processes to evolve and grow in tandem with improvements in sustainable manufacturing technology and manufacturing.