Introduction: Rethinking the Role of Sustainability For fishing and outdoor brands, sustainability has become a must—not just a nice-to-have. Retailers like REI, Walmart, and Dick’s Sporting Goods are requiring it. Consumers are demanding it. And regulations are enforcing it. But here’s the truth: sustainability alone is no longer enough to stand out. What sets truly…
Category: Sustainable Business
Why Outsourcing Your Brand’s Sustainability Team Saves Money and Delivers Results
In today’s fast-paced business environment, sustainability is no longer optional—it’s a competitive advantage. But building and maintaining a full-time internal sustainability team can be costly, time-consuming, and overwhelming, especially for small to mid-sized businesses. That’s where Emerger Strategies comes in. By outsourcing your brand’s sustainability needs to our team of experts, you not only save…
ICAST 2025 Takeaways: Why Sustainability is the Key to Resilience for Fishing Brands
Every July, the fishing industry converges in Orlando for the American Sportfishing Association’s (ASA) annual trade show, ICAST—the world’s largest sportfishing trade event. As the founder of Emerger Strategies and the creator of the ASA Sustainability Toolkit, I’ve been attending ICAST for years. But this year felt different. For the first time, fishing brands are…
New Podcast Episode: The Power of Honest Sustainability Storytelling with Ali Wines
At Emerger Strategies, we believe that effective sustainability communication is essential to building trust, avoiding greenwashing, and aligning with customer values. That’s why I am excited to share the latest episode of The Sustainable Angler podcast featuring Ali Wines, founder of Uncommon Ground Communications. In this powerful conversation, Ali shares her unique journey—from practicing law…
The 5 Laws of Nature Every Business Must Follow to Be Truly Sustainable
At Emerger Strategies, we help fishing and outdoor brands succeed through sustainability—but sustainability isn’t just a buzzword. It’s about operating within the non-negotiable boundaries of our planet. Businesses that ignore the laws and principles of nature risk rising costs, regulatory backlash, reputational damage, and ultimately, failure. So, what are these laws of nature—and how can…
New Research: Products with Sustainability Labels Sell Better
Consumer demand for sustainability has never been higher—especially among anglers and outdoor recreation enthusiasts who see firsthand the impacts of climate change and pollution on the natural places they love. Today’s outdoor consumers are more aware, values-driven, and intentional with their purchasing decisions. They’re seeking out brands that not only make quality gear but also…