This is part one of five in an earth month series. Check out the intro post here. As an outdoor enthusiast, I have a running mental list of all the shiny new gear I can’t wait to get my hands on. Currently on the list are things such as a paddle seat for my toddler, an updated raincoat, and one of those really cool double-wide inflatable camping pads with a matching ultralight quilt-style duo sleeping bag. But before reaching for my wallet to fuel my adventure-stoke, I always try to take a pause. Why “refuse” to buy before considering other options?...

April is our FAVORITE around here because spring is springing, the redbud trees are getting ready to bloom, and … Earth Day! In truth, we believe every day is earth day, which is why we’re taking the opportunity this month to dive into the 5 R’s for Earth Month: Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose, and Recycle. In that order, please. You’ve probably heard of the three 3 R’s: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. They certainly were drilled into my head in elementary school! When asked, many people recite them as examples of how to live an  “environmentally friendly” life. But when massive environmental...

written by RBS contributor Molly Slovnik from Minneapolis, MN

I’m a canoeist without a paddling partner this morning, my usual routine thrown off. Time to take it SLOW and get outside in a new way.

1. Stop: I live two blocks from a gorgeous chain of lakes in Minneapolis. SO much trash lines streets and drains to the water we paddle.

2. Look inside: I adopted two storm drains; perfect time to get out and clean them!