How can outdoor enthusiasts contribute to a better planet while doing the things they love?
At Canary Upcycled, our journey began with this question. And it fuels everything we do.
As avid trail runners, hikers, and explorers, we have a deep connection to the natural world.
But we also recognize that our outdoor passions come with an environmental cost, and we wanted to create a way for adventurers to give back to the planet that gives us so much.
The Problem of Waste and Pollution
As ultra trail runners, we’ve seen the environmental damage up close — the smoggy haze over a beloved Los Angeles trail, the plastic waste along the rugged Australian coast.
But one issue hit us personally: the sheer volume of shoe waste. Ultra trail running chews through shoes at an alarming rate, and we’ve seen firsthand the problem of discarded footwear piling up in landfills. We knew that if we wanted to protect the natural spaces we love, we had to find a better way.
Upcycling for a Better Future
That’s why we founded Canary Upcycled. Our mission is to disrupt the outdoor gear industry by creating products that are innovative, functional, and sustainable. Our hats, made from upcycled running shoes, are the first step in this journey. By repurposing waste materials, we reduce the environmental footprint of manufacturing and offer outdoor enthusiasts a chance to make a tangible impact on the planet through the products they use. These aren’t just eco-friendly hats; they’re a statement. We’re proving that sustainability and style can go hand in hand, and that we don’t have to sacrifice one for the other. By using materials that would otherwise contribute to pollution, we’re pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in sustainable outdoor gear.
Citizen Science: There’s Power in Community
But our vision goes beyond materials. We believe that outdoor enthusiasts can also become citizen scientists, collecting valuable environmental data while they explore the world and do what they love most. Our upcoming products, like the Sentinel sensor array, are designed to do just that. Nature emits a sea of chemicals into the air, and by capturing and analyzing this data — particulate matter, microplastics, ozone, NO2, VOCs, and more — we can gain insights into the health of ecosystems and our own well-being. This data could reveal how natural environments respond to climate change and pollution, helping us understand their needs and vulnerabilities.
At Canary Upcycled, we believe in harnessing the power of technology and nature together. By equipping outdoor adventurers with tools that allow them to track pollution and contribute to environmental research, we empower individuals to take action — not just for their own health, but for the planet’s.
Our Vision
We exist because we believe in a future where outdoor gear is part of the solution, not the problem. We want to create products that don’t just perform but inspire. By combining sustainable materials with cutting-edge technology, we’re inviting every outdoor enthusiast to become an active participant in the fight for a healthier planet.
