CragDog is for everyone, not just climbers.
I’ve heard a lot of comments like, “oh, well I’m not a climber” and “how does this help me?”. Whether you are a climber or not, the answer is simple, the environment is important and worth doing everything possible to save.
How do we support the environment?
On a national scale, in 2019, The Access Fund (A national climbing advocacy organization) spent 687 hours lobbying in Washington DC to protect 2.3 million acres of public land. 2.3 million acres of land for EVERYONE to use, not just climbers. Yes, the Access Fund focuses on climbing, but they also advocate and fight to protect public lands in general. Without the Access Fund, millions of acres of public land would still be threatened, or no longer public.
On a local level, in our home town of Duluth, MN, the Duluth Climbers Coalition (DCC) spent years working with the City, developing Quarry Park into a mixed-use city park. For years, Quarry Park had access issues, holding it back from its full potential. With the hard work of the DCC, Quarry Park is thriving. Now, the park boasts a 1000-foot long, 100-foot high cliff within the city limits. Mountain Project shows 14+ ice and mixed routes. Additionally, the park offers a nine-hole disc golf course, mountain bike and hiking trails throughout. Quarry Park is also one of the most dog-friendly parks in Duluth.
On an environmental level, we used recycled gear to make a “new” product. Last week, I sat on a chairlift (a very high and scary chairlift), chatting with a Utah local, we spoke about the effects of consumerism on the environment. Questions such as do we need the newest thing? How much of our future are we willing to risk on the “coolest,” gear? Somethings involve safety, like climbing rope, it has a safety life span that no climber will question. After ~5 years of use, visible damage, or excessive abuse climbers retire their ropes and gear, often ending up in landfills. Yes, a new climbing rope is needed every few years. But, do you need a brand new product to take your dog on a stroll through the neighborhood? No. Now here is the question, where do the old ropes go? Landfills, basements, closets, your neighbors’ garage? Why not turn them into upcycled gear for your adventurous pup?
Climbing advocacy is outdoor advocacy and outdoor advocacy is environmental advocacy. Supporting climbing coalitions also supports general-use outdoor recreation. Whether you are a climber or not, buying through CragDog is good for the outdoors.
Shop Now and protect your outdoors!
