In the world of outdoor gear, durability and waterproofing are essential — but few realize the hidden cost behind these features.
Since the 1970s, PFAS, often called "forever chemicals," have been used to make gear tougher and more water-resistant. The downside? PFAS are incredibly resilient and almost impossible to break down, meaning they persist in the environment and, eventually, in our bodies.
This has raised serious concerns about their effects on human health and the natural ecosystems we rely on. Our video dives deep into the complex story of PFAS, revealing why these chemicals are in so many of the products we trust and how they might be impacting our health.
In this video, we spoke with some of the leading voices on the issue:
- Dr. Kyla Bennett: Ecologist & Lawyer, Science Advisor at PEER, and former EPA Wetland Permit Reviewer.
- Ammi Borenstein: Sustainable business leader and founder of Snaplinc Consulting.
- Meghan Carney: Producer of Forever Chemicals Podcast
With their expertise, we uncover the origins of PFAS in outdoor gear and examine the growing movement to address their presence in the industry. From the science of how PFAS affect our bodies to new solutions emerging from within the outdoor community, we lay out the current state of PFAS and what it means for anyone who spends time in nature.
Chapters:
- 00:00 INTRO
- 00:47 GREENBELLY
- 01:17 WHAT ARE PFAS
- 02:37 PFAS IN OUTDOOR GEAR
- 04:07 THE DANGERS OF PFAS
- 06:50 REGULATORY ACTIONS AND INDUSTRY RESPONSE
- 08:49 ALTERNATIVES AND CHALLENGES
- 10:30 WHAT YOU SHOULD DO TO STAY SAFE
- 11:31 CONCLUSION
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