Blog • Page 4 of 4 • Parsons + Co

Published
December 15, 2017

Three Reasons to Love GRAYL

By Maggy Lehmicke

One of the daily benefits of working at PARSONS + CO (aside from a witty team and spontaneous dog visits) is the clients who are set on being game-changers in their industry. One of our newest clients, GRAYL, is doing just that – working to create a world where people no longer rely on plastic.

“It’s not just about selling bottles,” says Travis Merrigan, one of GRAYL’s co-founders. “We’re not trying to get people to stop using plastic water bottles…we’re looking to get people to stop using single-use plastic.”

Haven’t yet heard of GRAYL? Here are our top three reasons the GRAYL Ultralight Bottle should be your go-to travel companion and is the perfect gift for the adventurer in your life:

A safer (and simpler) way to see the world.

For many world travelers and outdoor adventurers, clean water often becomes a concern. Whether it’s drinking from a backwoods stream or filling up at a sketchy hotel sink, GRAYL can easily (and safely!) satisfy the needs of a thirsty traveler through its patented, purification process. GRAYL’s full-spectrum purification and filtration removes 99.9% of all viruses, bacteria and protozoa. Oh…and did we mention it only takes 15 seconds?

A sustainable culture and concern for the environment.

One GRAYL purifier cartridge displaces 300 single-use water bottles, helping contribute to the reduction of plastic waste in our environment and making it easier for globetrotters to travel sustainably.

The team at GRAYL is also committed to giving back, particularly when it comes to the environment. The company recently joined 1% for the Planet, contributing a portion of their sales to the preservation and restoration of the natural environment.

GRAYL-purified water actually tastes good.

Unlike a lot of water purifiers that produce safe drinking water, GRAYL adds filtration into the process, helping to get rid of some of the unnecessary (and frankly, gross) flavors that may be present in the water. GRAYL makes it possible to drink out of a garbage-infested stream without your water tasting like actual garbage.

At Parsons, we couldn’t be more excited to partner with such a forward-thinking client and continue to spread the word about the environmental impact of plastic! Hit us up to learn more about the work we’re doing with GRAYL or about how you can reduce your plastic footprint when you travel.

Published
June 19, 2015

Unique Wenatchee Tours

Wenatchee Valley Chamber of Commerce is home to an abundance of natural beauty, whether it’s the rugged mountain peaks, Ohme Gardens or the Columbia River Known for its distinctive landscape and adventurous spirit, the Valley incites the interest of explorers with its variety of unique activities that promote a connection with nature, provide invigorating experiences and forge lasting memories. Here are a few of our favorites:

Stand-Up-Paddleboard Yoga and Tours:

A yoga class testing their skills on the water. (Photo credit: ILA Yoga)

Stand-up-paddleboard (SUP) Yoga? Yup, you heard us right.

Conducted by ILA Yoga studio in Wenatchee, SUP Yoga classes are taught on a paddleboard instead of a yoga mat, making them much more dynamic. The classes challenge your core strength and help build your balance – all while enjoying a peaceful setting. The connection to nature is just another way to help you take your practice to new heights!

ILA Yoga also provides paddleboard tours, a great way to explore Wenatchee’s local waterways. Practice your balance and paddling while immersing yourself in the wildlife and natural wonders the estuary has to offer. You might even catch a glimpse of rare birds, otters and deer. Worried about falling in? Nothing feels better than soaking in the Columbia River on a hot summer day.

Art on the Avenues Sculpture Walk:

The Perennial Heart by Sabah Al-Dharer. (Photo Credit: Art on the Avenues)

Spread along the Loop Trail and throughout Wenatchee, the sculptures of Art on the Avenues provide a way for visitors to immerse themselves in the works of nationally and internationally renowned artists.

Art on the Avenues (AOTA) began in 1994 with only 24 sculptures. Today, the nonprofit exhibits 88 pieces. A majority are permanent and owned by the city or AOTA while the rest are either privately owned or for sale. The visiting collection rotates approximately every two years, providing tourists and locals with a whole new collection of art to admire.

Looking for a fun activity to do in November? AOTA’s teaching program, called “Beauty of the Bronze,” helps spread artistic awareness to future generations.

A resident artist provides instruction combined with art tours, sketching and sculpting. Over 600 students will be in the program and their pieces will be on display in the Wenatchee Museum for two weeks in November.

Rocky Reach Dam:

The fish ladder at Rocky Reach Dam. (Photo credit: Gord McKenna)

For a more relaxing summer afternoon, head to the Rocky Reach Dam Museum and Visitor Center on the west side of the dam. Complete with a quaint café and panoramic views of the dam and grounds, the visitor center has a lot to offer locals and tourists alike.

Tour the museum exhibits or explore the 30 acres of manicured lawns and gardens, which are perfect for an afternoon picnic. If you’d prefer to stay indoors, the visitor center has a 90-seat theater that shows films throughout the day and upon request.

Rocky Reach Dam also boasts a fish ladder viewing room that allows visitors to observe salmon and steelhead as they make their migration upstream. Between the fish bypass system, Columbia River and Lake Entiat reservoir, there is plenty to interest outdoor enthusiasts and wildlife gurus alike.

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