MEC Turns 50, Donates Money & Announces New Membership Program
Mountain Equipment Co-op was founded in 1971 and is celebrating their 50th anniversary this year and to commemorate the occasion they have donated $1M to Canadian non-profit organizations. These funds will go towards teaching outdoor skills, protect wild spaces and grow the communities of people getting active outside. The partners include…
“Getting active outside has never been more important to the health and mindset of Canadians. Since COVID-19 began, we have helped a new set of folks prepare for their first trip to the backcountry or local campground. Given the growing numbers in the outdoors, it is crucial that we help promote responsible outdoor recreation alongside outdoor non-profits in Canada. I’m proud that despite the very real business challenges to the retail sector during COVID-19, as well as the transition here at MEC, we are in a position to invest a million dollars into far reaching national organizations that support the communities we serve.”
MEC is also highlighting their MEC Label products especially since camping and hiking gear sales for Spring 2021 have dramatically taken off…
“Almost fifty years ago, MEC started designing its own products. MEC has come a long way since then, and sustainability has become a major part of the thinking that goes into MEC Label designs. By 2025, our big picture aim is to have at least one environmental or social responsibility feature in every MEC Label product. We are 85% of the way there and will continue to invest in reducing our ecological impact while at the same time, focusing on backcountry performance.”
Sustainability goals for MEC Label include:
As leaders in Fair Trade production, MEC will see 30% of its clothing made in a Fair-Trade Certified factory by 2023. By 2025, the goal is 50%.
Build on MEC's ongoing commitment to 100% Responsible Down Certified and 100% organic cotton, by ensuring 50% of the polyester in MEC Label products is made from recycled content by 2023. By 2030, the goal is 100%.
By 2022, all MEC brand partners will have completed the Sustainable Apparel Coalition's Higg Index Brand/Retail Module and have set initial sustainable raw material targets.
By 2025, all MEC brand partners have committed to eliminating recruitment fees for migrant workers from their supply chain and all brand partners are responsible for their product's end-of-life.
MEC also announced the brand new no-fee MEC Membership program which includes…
Online expert appointments. Members use booking tool to schedule 1:1 video calls with outdoor activity and product experts.
Exclusive Bike and Ski service promotions at the start of the season
Access to outdoor skill building workshops and seasonal events
“People come to MEC because they trust our gear, advice and services. We don’t just sell it, we live it. We have more members than ever before. We wanted to thank our millions of longtime members and welcome newcomers with meaningful discounts on services, and personal access to the experts and events that make MEC special.”
If you’re already a MEC member, you’re already part of the new program and if you don’t yet have a membership, you can order one online.
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