Green was a recurring theme throughout the 2010 Outdoor Retailer Winter Market held this past weekend in Salt Lake City. The push towards sustainable design isn't just an option anymore.--- It's a must to stay competitive and give consumers what they want, says Polartec events and promotions coordinator Katie Macomber. "This is the first year that we are able to sell a fully functioning shell that is 100% post-consumer products. Previously it was been a maximum of 80%," Macomber says. Many industry giants, such as Marmot, are are leading the way by turning your old soda bottles into the jackets of tomorrow.

Other smaller organizations are taking to up-cycling. Green Guru product designer Davidson Lewis says, "We take unused billboards and turn them into tote bags or take, say, overstock climbing ropes and make dog leashes. It's really making sure nothing goes to waste and the products are one-of-a-kind." Green Guru's funky, stylish product offerings also include messenger bags and wallets from mountain bike inner tubes. Their larger design company Ecologic Designs works with industry giants, helping them to green their supply chain, minimize waste and reuse products efficiently.

Still, another route companies are taking is to donate monetary contributions—to the environment, local communities or the charity of your choice—from sales revenue. This movement was well established by Patagonia's 1% campaign, and is now taking off in new directions. Hydro Flask, makers of double wall insulated steel bottles, are giving 5% of sales to the charity of your choice. The process is simple: take the serial number printed on the bottle's bottom, register online, choose your charity and they do the rest. If your charity isn't listed, let them know what it is, and they'll add it to their list. 

Hydro Flask, among other reusable products, say that by reducing personal consumption of disposables—like plastic water bottles—individual consumers can go green in a substantial way. Besides the product innovation, the Winter Market reminded us of the 3 R's: Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.