Featured in The Oregonian - KEEN Cornell bag was inspired by company leaders' trip to a Chinese factory, where they saw a cyclist transporting empty rice bags tied down with old tire tubes. Because the bags use repurposed materials, each one is unique.

Outdoor Industry Association: Eco Working Group

Read a recent article about the Eco Working Group in The Oregonian

What: An initiative of the Outdoor Industry Association, aimed at developing widely accepted, voluntary tools to measure environmental impact.

Who: More than 150 participants, from more than 80 companies and organizations.  Oregon representation: Includes KEEN, Columbia Sportswear, Nike and Nau; consultants Zero Waste Alliance.

Funding: A $30,000 grant from the Portland Development Commission got things rolling; 37 voting members pay dues. Seeking additional grants.

Accomplishments: Sustainable packaging guidelines, project framework.

What’s next: Launch eco index in early 2010; eventually, consider consumer labeling.