Promoting Eco-Friendly Living: How the Outdoor Industry and Print Magazines Are Joining Forces

Adventure has been a cornerstone of my life since childhood, instilled by countless days spent outdoors with my nature loving  Dad and inspired by my fiery, driven sister, who moved away from home to become an activity instructor at 21. My own journey began with a visit to her workplace at age ten. Despite initial fears, the experience left a lasting impression, leading me to a similar path at the same company ‘PGL’ nine years later, as staff myself this time.

Me as Staff at PGL 2022:

Now, I juggle two distinct roles: one that nurtures my love for reading and creativity here at Unique Magazines, and another as a part-time instructor at ‘Go Ape’, an outdoor activity centre. ‘Go Ape Matfen’ challenges adventurers with activities like the daunting treetop challenge and the competitive sport of axe throwing—a perfect social activity to engage in with friends.

One day, while performing routine duties at Go Ape, I noticed a staff member engrossed in ‘Sidetracked’ magazine. Our conversation revealed their partnership with ‘Trash Free Trails’, a movement promoting purposeful adventures with minimal environmental impact. This initiative resonates deeply as I patrol our woodlands in my daily tasks, where signs prompt visitors to preserve the pristine acres surrounding us.

‘Sidetracked’ not only fuels my passion for adventure but also underscores the importance of environmental stewardship. The pride I feel working for Go Ape is magnified by their commitment to such meaningful causes and their practice of offering the magazine free to visitors.

We got the latest standard issue of ‘Sidetracked’ here at Unique Magazines recently, which champions environmentally friendly practices to prevent ecological destruction. Each issue captures the essence of adventurers in their elements—whether at home or in the midst of action—each motivated by change. The magazine blends vivid photography with in-depth stories of real people advocating for sustainability, emphasizing adventure and culture.

In this issue, I was particularly captivated by the article titled “Don’t Imprison the Wind.” This brief yet profound piece advocates for viewing nature as an adult playground. It reminisces about childhood, a time when we explored freely, without judgement or barriers, scaling walls, fences, and trees—each adventure brimming with creativity and potential. The article encourages us, as adults, to reconnect with these formative experiences. It invites us to embrace adventure through free climbing, to seek reminders of nature’s bounty through fishing, and to find equilibrium on the waves of the surf. It’s a poignant reminder of our inner child’s enduring desire for adventure.

As an outdoor enthusiast and a passionate reader, ‘Sidetracked’ speaks to me on a personal level, continually enriching my understanding of our world and reinforcing my commitment to the world around me.