Company
REI
TL;DR
REI is a consumer co-operative founded in 1938 that now has more than 25 million members. It presented the 2017 film Leave It Better and sponsored the ride the film follows.
REI, short for Recreational Equipment Inc., is a consumer co-operative. It came together in 1938 with 23 friends, and its store at the start was nothing more than a shelf in a gas station. Some early members sewed products at home to make them affordable, and others organized stewardship events to protect the environment.
Why OGSP Recommends It
One Good Story Project recommends REI because caring for the outdoors has been part of the co-op since its early days. Founded by 23 friends in 1938, REI has grown to more than 25 million members. Programs such as Re/Supply continue that tradition by helping members trade in used equipment and keep good gear in circulation.
REI’s support for Leave It Better fits naturally with that history. By presenting the film and sponsoring coverage of Packing It Out’s 2017 ride, REI helped show a wide outdoor audience what stewardship looks like in practice: picking up trash, caring for the places you visit and encouraging others to join in.
Related Resources
Ways To Get Involved
Become a member, or use the REI Cooperative Action Network to email your representatives.
Key Takeaways
- Exists, in REI's own words, to inspire and equip everyone to get outside.
- Its Opt Outside message says life is better when you choose to go outside.
- Its Uncommon Path publication told the story of the 2017 ride in Seth Orme and Abby Taylor's words.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the full name of REI?
Recreational Equipment Inc. It is a consumer co-operative that exists to inspire and equip everyone to get outside.
When was REI founded?
In 1938, when 23 friends with a shared love of the outdoors came together. Its store at the start was a shelf in a gas station.
How many members does REI have?
Over 25 million, REI says, and members are still at the center of the organization.
How was REI part of Leave It Better?
REI presented the film and posted it on its YouTube channel in October 2017. In her essay, Abby Taylor says the ride was fully sponsored and paid for by REI and a couple of other outdoor companies.