The creators of the Outdoor Minimalist book and podcast will launch a comprehensive ten-part podcast series – Forever Chemicals – exploring per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), chemicals that are used to make fluoropolymer to provide resistance to heat, oil, stains, grease and water on materials.
Specifically, the March 4-launching series will focus on defining PFAS, illustrating their dangerous nature and helping the outdoor industry move forward without them. Meg Carney, the host and co-founder of Outdoor Minimalist, will specifically interview scientists, lawyers, lawmakers and brand manufacturers, offering a more in-depth reliance into PFAS reliance for outdoor gear and apparel.
“PFAS first became a concern for me after seeing the documentary ‘The Devil We Know’ in 2018,” said Carney. “Fast forward to 2023, and the topic of PFAS was center stage at outdoor industry conferences. While it seemed to be a hot topic for outdoor brands, there wasn’t enough media coverage to help consumers understand what PFAS are and why legislation is essential to control the production and clean-up of these toxins.”
“In producing Forever Chemicals, I interviewed experts like Stefan Posner, a chemist with a long history working with PFAS regulations in the EU and the Stockholm Convention; leaders at top outdoor brands like Fjallraven, Outdoor Research, and Nikwax; PFAS lawyers; journalists from outlets like Bloomberg News; and third-party certifying and testing organizations all navigating these new regulations and long-lasting impacts,” she continued. “]As I close out the dozens of interviews done for this show, the central theme is that PFAS need to go. They are far more pervasive than the general public realizes, and as an industry, we must band together to collaborate on the best solution moving forward.”
To learn more about the Forever Chemicals podcast, click here.
