When I first launched Emerger Strategies in 2016, my clients were pursuing sustainability for altruistic reasons, such as doing their part to minimize their contribution to climate change and plastic pollution, and for business reasons such as reduced costs and meeting consumer demand. However, in the last five years, much has changed with the increase…
Tag: Sustainability
Journal Entry: Tarpon Fishing in the Keys
May 31, 2026 My alarm sounded at 4:30 AM and I gladly jumped out of bed. Any other day, I might lay in bed for a few minutes, but not today. Ben Young, Paul Puckett, and I were set to leave at 6 AM for a twelve hour drive down to the Keys. It is…
Why Your Brand Should Become a Walmart Giga Guru
Retailers like Walmart, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Bass Pro Shops, REI, and even specialty retailers now expect brands to measure and improve their social & environmental performance. Why? Because these retailers have their own sustainability goals they are trying to achieve, such as: Net-Zero by 2050, Zero Waste, and others focused on climate, nature, waste reduction,…
What’s New with REI Product Impact Standards (v4.0) in 2026?
Retailers like Walmart, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Bass Pro Shops, REI, and even specialty retailers now expect brands to measure and improve their social & environmental performance. Why? Because these retailers have their own sustainability goals they are trying to achieve, such as: Net-Zero by 2050, Zero Waste, and others focused on climate, nature, waste reduction,…
The Compliance-Ready Brand Blueprint: How Fishing & Outdoor Brands Get Their Sustainability House in Order—Without Hiring a Full-Time Team
Sustainability is no longer a “nice to have” for fishing and outdoor brands—it’s a requirement for doing business with today’s largest retailers, distributors, and increasingly informed consumers. From Walmart and REI to Amazon and specialty retailers, expectations around sustainability, transparency, and regulatory compliance are accelerating. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), greenhouse gas (GHG) reporting, chemical restrictions,…
Why Emerger Strategies Gives Back: Our Commitment to 1% for the Planet and Our Conservation Partners
At Emerger Strategies, sustainability isn’t just the work we do — it’s who we are. Inspired by Yvon Chouinard and Craig Mathews who created 1% for the Planet by deciding to donate 1% of their annual sales to environmental nonprofits, we have are grateful to be 1% for the Planet members since our inception, making…