Icebreaker, the New Zealand-based maker of outdoor merino wool apparel, has joined The Conservation Alliance, a group of outdoor industry companies that donate their collective annual membership dues to grassroots conservation organizations working to protect wildlands and waterways for their recreational and habitat values. The Alliance was founded in 1989 by REI, Patagonia, The North Face, and Kelty and now includes more than 170 active members.
Since its founding, the Alliance has contributed almost $9 million to conservation projects throughout North America. The results have been remarkable: their grants have helped organizations protect more than 50.5 million acres of land, stop or remove 28 dams, and preserve access to thousands of miles of rivers and several climbing areas.
“Caring for the environment is one of Icebreaker’s top priorities, and we are thrilled to be joining The Conservation Alliance in their important work of protecting the natural spaces through some of the most compelling conservation projects in North America,” said Lisa Thompson, Icebreaker’s president of U.S. operations. “Like the merino wool used to make all of our apparel, the Alliance is about nature and sustainability, and becoming a member was a natural decision for us.”
As a Conservation Alliance member, Icebreaker will be able to nominate environmental organizations for funding consideration, and to vote on which organizations should be supported each funding cycle.
