Nurture Our Wilderness focuses on chemical pollutants in our outdoor recreational gear and products. These items are designed to endure harsh environments, resist water, and perform at high levels. But the same chemical durability that enhances performance can also increase environmental contamination. Our research examines how those materials interact with the landscapes we depend on.
To ensure our work is grounded in recognized science, we utilize established U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) analytical methods and regulatory benchmarks into our research process. When commissioning or reviewing laboratory analysis, we prioritize EPA-recognized testing methods such as 533, 537.1, and 1633, which establish standardized detection limits, quality controls, and instrumentation requirements. Aligning with these frameworks ensures that our findings are technically defensible, comparable to federal datasets, and transparent in their interpretation.
Although federal standards primarily define acceptable contaminant thresholds in water, they provide measurable context for understanding environmental loading more broadly. By referencing these benchmarks, we can better quantify how gear-related chemical pollutants may move through wash water, wastewater systems, soils, and natural waterways. This approach allows us to move beyond general concern and toward structured, data-informed evaluation.
Our goal is not only to identify pollutants, but to clarify pathways, compare concentrations, and evaluate lifecycle implications. We assess product disclosures, reformulation efforts, fluorine-free alternatives, and brand transparency to highlight companies working to reduce environmental impact. As regulatory science evolves, so does our research. We believe that credible measurement, clear communication, and informed consumer choice are essential to protecting the wild places that inspire outdoor communities.
