Outdoor Business

We think the outdoor business world has changed dramatically in the past few years, especially with the onslaught of daily news about global warming. Only a few years ago, corporate executives and government leaders doubted the existence of global warming, but now it appears everyone is proffering an opinion and short fixes to a long term problem.

The impact of global warming to outdoor businesses is most visibly felt by the farmer who experiences flash floods followed by periods of drought, the fisherman who witnesses the disappearance of his livelihood, the grocer who sees food prices go up, and the miner who must go down deeper into the shaft to extract the minerals demanded by high consuming societies.

On a more local level, those of us in the Heartland are taking note of subtle and not so subtle changes in our existence. Hit by both high food prices and high gasoline prices, we attempt to drive less and eat less. Adjustments are made in our vacation planning and in our outings. For those of us who own stocks in "outdoor businesses," we take solace in the few stocks that are doing well and count our blessings.

To be sure, Utility companies are increasing their research and development of "alternative" energy, auto companies are producing hybrid and biofuel vehicles, and refining companies are adding ethanol to  gasoline which theoretically is more "efficient" than regular gasoline.

Fishermen and Hunters are increasing their efforts to save the source of their bounty- the river and the native wildlife. Farmers are learning to use fewer chemicals and pesticides for  their crops.

While most sports fans haven't clamored for "green sports" yet, we think soon the major organized sports will be touting eco-friendly games. A brief on-line survey revealed that for winter and water skiers, scuba divers, and campers there is an environmental awareness; but that for hikers, birders, swimmers, and bikers "green" wasn't their favorite color yet.

What does this mean for outdoor businessmen? It depends. Over time, we think there will be a concerted effort by all outdoors people to advocate for change in the way we interact with Nature. This means businessmen will need to consciously design all their products with the environment in mind. The simple truth is, no matter how technologically advanced we are, our survival  is still dependent on finite raw materials. From the fish in the sea, to the food in the fields, to the trees in the forest; the minerals, gas, and oil we extract from the earth; these form the basis for our existence.

Now onto the nitty-gritty-
           
On the Outdoor Money page, you'll find basic financial information about outdoor businesses. Once in a while, we will have a brief summary of the coming together of shareholder values, environmentalism, and social activism. We'll define a current finance term so that you can understand what it means. We'll also discuss Finance Fundamentals in layman's words.

On the Finances & Investing page, you'll find our new YWO Stock IndexT, our Editor's Review of Outdoor Stock performance, an investing Newsfeed from Social Funds.Com, as well as some exciting gift offers.

Outdoor Business Trends gives you an overview of the major events shaping this sector of the economy. We'll report on what it means to you both as a consumer and as a potential investor. From earth moving to organic farming, gold mining to investing in Rural America, YWO will attempt to give you the Big Picture.

On our Companies to Watch page we'll report both the personal and business side to six outdoor industries- commercial fishing, logging, inter coastal shipping, wind farms, offshore drilling, and pure "green industries." We hope you'll find this information intriguing and engaging.

Environmental Organizations highlights the businesses and organizations devoted to preserving and protecting the environment. We've greatly expanded this feature to include the growing number of environmental organizations out there.

Our Natural Resources Businesses page  previews thirteen of the largest companies responsible for developing our natural resources. These 13 companies have a huge impact on our environment.

Our four newest section features are:

1. Sustainable Businesses, which presents an overview of the major players in sustainability
2. The Progressive Investor ©, a monthly article on eco-friendly businesses
3. Starting Your Own Outdoors Business, offers key advice on how to start an outdoor business
4. Outdoor Business Services, contains links to valuable sites providing assistance to starting your small business.

In closing, we hope this section provides you with a better understanding of Outdoor Businesses. As good stewards we are called to be informed and involved in this vital part of the living earth.