In a bold move to address childhood inactivity and climate change, CLIF BAR's Zbar brand has announced a $1 million partnership with nonprofit KABOOM!. This collaboration aims to increase access to nature-based, climate-friendly playgrounds across the United States, with a focus on underserved communities.
The initiative comes at a critical time when American children spend an average of just 7 minutes a day in unstructured outdoor play. Moreover, nearly 30 million kids live more than a 10-minute walk from the nearest park. These statistics, coupled with the growing concern over climate change's impact on traditional playgrounds, have spurred Zbar and KABOOM! into action.
The partnership will focus on creating modern outdoor play spaces that incorporate climate-friendly design elements. This includes adding trees and shade structures, as well as replacing heat-retaining materials like asphalt and metal with cooler alternatives. By doing so, the initiative aims to combat the "heat island" effect often seen in conventional playgrounds and schoolyards.
Beyond physical construction, Zbar's contribution will support KABOOM!'s research and programming efforts centered on sustainable playground design. As a signature partner, Zbar will play a crucial role in influencing the broader playground industry towards more environmentally conscious practices.
The initiative also extends to advocacy efforts, with plans to engage the White House Council on Environmental Quality and support legislation like the Living School Yards Act and EXPLORE Act. These measures aim to improve opportunities for outdoor recreation and ensure equitable access to play spaces.
To further encourage families to embrace outdoor activities, Zbar is launching a "Calling All Outdoors Experts" sweepstakes. This campaign invites parents to share photos of their children playing outdoors for a chance to win prizes, including outdoor gear and Zbar snacks.
As this partnership unfolds, it represents a significant step towards creating healthier, more sustainable communities. By combining CLIF's commitment to organic, climate-neutral products with KABOOM!'s expertise in play space development, this initiative promises to make a lasting impact on children's well-being and environmental consciousness.
