DEM, REI Co-op Invite Rhode Islanders to #OptOutside on Black Friday

PROVIDENCE, RI – The Rhode Island Division of Environmental Administration (DEM) together with specialty outside retailer REI Co-op are encouraging people and households to go for a more healthy approach to spend Black Friday; one which reconnects them with nature by spending time outdoor. Rhode Island’s pure and public belongings, together with 8,200 acres of parkland, 400 miles of mountain climbing and biking trails, 25 parks and nature preserves, and eight saltwater seashores supply wholesome, stress-free options to crowded Black Friday procuring. From mountain climbing, biking, fishing, and extra, there are various methods to take pleasure in time outdoor.

“DEM is happy to affix REI within the #OptOutside motion to assist acknowledge the worth and well-being of spending time outdoor,” stated DEM Director Terry Grey. “Rhode Island has an incredible array of historic parks and recreation areas all through the state the place residents and guests can join with nature and get lively. We hope Rhode Islanders will make #OptOutside part of their Black Friday traditions.”

Since 2015, REI has closed its shops and inspired its staff to #OptOutside on one of many nation’s busiest procuring days. This yr REI introduced its dedication to closing their doorways on Black Friday for good. DEM invitations everybody who “opts exterior” on November 25 to take an image at a state park or administration space and hashtag your picture utilizing the hashtag #OptOutside and tag @RIStateParks on Instagram or Fb. For extra details about the #OptOutside motion, concepts for self-guided hikes, and to find out about occasions hosted by RI Land Belief and different outside teams in Rhode Island, go to www.dem.ri.gov/optoutside.

As half of a bigger community of leisure alternatives in Rhode Island, state parks play an necessary function in supporting public well being, attracting tourism, offering inexpensive staycation choices for Rhode Island households, and selling a more healthy surroundings. Rhode Island’s pure and public belongings are magnets, attracting greater than 9 million Rhode Islanders and vacationers a yr. They’re additionally an engine that provides an estimated $315 million to the economic system, producing practically $40 million in state and native taxes and supporting practically 4,000 jobs a yr.

Everybody who enjoys parks, seashores, and public outside areas has a accountability to maintain them clear. According to this ethic, DEM continues to advertise a carry-in/carry-out trash coverage that has been in impact since 1992. DEM’s carry-in/carry-out coverage encourages guests to take private accountability, take their trash with them, and depart no hint behind. Together with the Nationwide Park Service and most state park techniques throughout the nation, DEM believes this can be a greatest observe that promotes conservation, fosters a way of stewardship, and results in higher customer experiences.

For extra details about Rhode Island state parks and different DEM divisions and applications, go to http://www.dem.ri.gov/. For extra info on DEM applications and initiatives, go to www.dem.ri.gov. Comply with DEM on Fb, Twitter (@RhodeIslandDEM), or Instagram (@rhodeisland.dem) for well timed updates.