OUREA Adventures

April is Earth Month which is a big deal here at TreeEra. We think that one of the best ways to appreciate this beautiful big rock we all call home is to G.E.T. O.U.T.S.I.D.E. Our friends over at OUREA Adventures, a Calgary-based outdoors company, are challenging you to do just that. We recently caught up with founder Pat and Katherine to learn more about OUREA and their new spring hiking challenges.

Can you start by telling everyone what OUREA Adventures is all about?

OUREA Adventures was founded with the intention to encourage individuals to get outside and explore more of the Rocky Mountains. With hiking challenges designed for all skill levels and abilities, you’ll be able to see more and join a community of dedicated individuals who love hiking and making the most of the incredible backyard we have: the Rocky Mountains. When you join you’ll be awarded a Welcome Kit consisting of a high-performance, moisture-wicking, UV protective T-shirt, a planted tree by TreeEra, Blister protection pads, fantastic tasting Nรคak bar, and energy gels. After reaching the summits of the six hikes and submitting a photo you will be rewarded with a gorgeous OUREA Adventures Medal, and with a custom patch for the level of the challenge completed to celebrate your accomplishment.

What made you want to take action against climate change in a positive way?

OUREA Adventures allows the hiking community to partake and enjoy the Rocky Mountains, the beautiful hiking trails available, and the nature that surrounds us. As we enjoy what the Rockies give to us, it’s important to give back and ensure that we maintain the natural beauty for future generations, and for nature itself. Therefore, we are committed to planting a tree with TreeEra to give back to the communities where we enjoy the outdoors to offset our footprint.

One of the best ways to encourage sustainable business practices is to vote with your dollar. Are there any other businesses that you think we should be putting our dollars towards?

OUREA Adventures has partnered with Nรคak bars, which are much more sustainable than typical energy bars. The protein sources are very sustainable, the packaging is recyclable, and bars are made in Canada.

 

What do you see as the biggest roadblock when it comes to businesses adopting sustainability into their everyday operations? What do you recommend they do?

The biggest roadblock typically associated with adopting sustainability is the cost to do things sustainably. This translates into the final price paid by consumers, who are not always willing to pay a premium for sustainable sources. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the business itself, and the community to inform, educate, and indicate their preferences for sustainable practices.