Parks Project

Parks Project

Apparel With Purpose: Supporting America’s Parks

Review and Photos by Gale Straub

This is a big year for our National Parks. The American National Park Service turns 100 this year and this milestone is being celebrated in a variety of ways. President Obama just wrapped up a visit to Yosemite where he commented on the reality of climate change and the importance of preserving our most beautiful parks, not just for our future enjoyment, but for the delicate balance of their ecosystems.

It’s easy to feel detached from our National Parks, especially if we’re not frequent real-life visitors. We add them to our bucket list and tag our friends on the gorgeous photos we find on social media. It’s easy to get distracted by the beauty, to assume that these places have been around so long that they will be here forever.

And even if we know and understand the importance of the parks, it’s easy to mistake awareness for action. There are many companies that are benefiting from the increasing popularity of National Parks. I’ve seen products named after “Yosemite” and “Yellowstone” (among others), but there often isn’t a direct connection back to the parks. It’s one reason I think Parks Project is so great: every purchase you make is tied to supporting a specific park.

For example, as described on their “about” page:

• 5 Everglades tees sold = Removal of 2 non-native species affecting native wildlife
• 50 Yosemite tees sold = 50 meters of trail restoration
• 100 Santa Monica Mountains tees sold = A busload of inner city kids visiting the park for the first time.
• 3,000 Smoky Mountain tees sold = The care-taking of one bear from “rescue to release”

So Parks Project apparel isn’t just well-designed, it’s well-intended. Wearing it means that you can say you helped support the emblazoned park, whether it be through habitat restoration, wildlife conservation, or youth education. They also provide opportunities to volunteer in real life, just sign up on their website for updates.

The women’s products are cut for women, which is refreshing for a company that makes apparel for all genders. I do like wearing the men’s raglan, though: just choose a size down or two from your usual. All the shirts are flattering and comfortable, and, best of all, remind you of the good times you’ve had outside while enabling them to continue.

A selection from the women’s line ^

Photos by Gale Straub

See more Parks Project gear and learn more about their mission on their website.

Editor’s Note:  This is Gale’s unbiased review of Parks Project apparel, which she was given in order to review. She Explores also received a small commission on sales using a code (which has now expired), which helps keeps us curating and producing content. Parks Project is a company we’re proud to partner with. Learn more here.

When was the last time you visited a National Park?