6 of the Best Brands that Support U.S. National Parks

"With a granola twist" - that was the phrase a roommate from summer camp back in the day endearingly described my 15 year-old self's style. And with this being before the term "granola" was as popularized as it is today, I had no idea what it meant. She went on to say that though my style was still classy, it had a sort of granola girl twist to it. Seeing my confounded face, she readily reassured me it was positive and meant only that I appeared somewhat earthy and outdoorsy. As a recruiter with a modeling company, I couldn't help but believe her new phrase bared some truth. So, I bought into it. Well, I'll admit I didn't just do buy into it but ran with it and adopted it as a lifestyle.

I say I love to travel, specifically I say I love to camp and hike. The unfortunate fact is that my academic and professional schedule keeps me busy most weekends and doesn't afford many opportunities to take to the woods. Regardless, I still look for ways to support the U.S. National Park Service from my cityscape (as well as maintain my "granola girl" lifestyle), and this includes shopping from independent brands that donate a share of their profits to the preservation of U.S. National Park Service. Listed below are my five favorite brands who support some of our nation's most beautiful areas.

1. Good & Well Supply Co.

On top of committing to plant one tree for every product sold, Good & Well Supply Co. donates 2% of its annual revenue to nonprofit organizations that protect and conserve national parks and public lands, including the National Park Foundation Wilderness Society, Earthjustice, and Black Outside, Inc. The National Park candle collection features scents from the more popular parks and national monuments.

2. Hydroflask National Parks Collection

As part of the brand's "Parks for All" campaign, Hydroflask has proudly supported 151 nonprofits and donated over $2.5 million toward the preservation of natural lands. Water bottles from this collection can be found in gift shops across the National Parks but are also available for purchase online.

3. The Landmark Project

The Landmark Project stays grounded on the belief that environmental stewardship begins with the production process. That is why over 95% of the brand's apparel is made with sustainable fibers. The Landmark Project employs licensed artwork and designs to raise funds for the U.S. Forest Service. To date, the brand has dedicated nearly $500,000 to support Smokey Bear and preserving forested lands.

4. Parks Projects

Now an official partner of the National Parks, Parks Projects has contributed over $2 million to preserving parklands across the country to date. From t-shirts to home goods, the brand is best known for its vintage-looking apparel for which you can shop by style or park. Become a part of the brand's hefty social media following and be on the lookout for more collections in collaboration with artists and other brands, including National Geographic and REI. Parks Projects also encourages community engagement by hosting periodic volunteer events across the country.

5. Pendleton National Park Collection

While not necessarily an official partner of the National Park Service, Pendleton has donated over $1.6 million to parkland preservation to date. The brand adopts what they deem a "closed loop" philosophy when it comes to the production processes for its wool, meaning that scraps or fabric are used to create other products or recycled. Pendleton's National Park Collection features blankets and throws from almost every park in the nation.

6. Wild Tribute

Wild Tribute was originally founded to support parklands and continues to donate 4% of its proceeds to the National Park Foundation. With the mission being to protect natural areas, it would be injudicious to consider it just a clothing brand. Be sure to follow their journal that delves deeper into advice on navigating parklands and preservation practices.