You may have heard the term granola being thrown around, but what does it mean? How does a person become granola? What is their lifestyle like?
The first time I heard the term “granola,” I was in my first year of college. I was on a field trip to a farm with my class when many girls in the group realized they were all matching with Patagonia sweaters and Blundstone boots. I heard someone say, “That’s so granola,” which they described as outdoorsy hipsters who are always down to go for a hike.
What Defines A Granola Person?
Someone who is granola is most likely environmentally-conscientious, open-minded, and outdoorsy. Very outdoorsy. You will most likely find this type of person on a long hike, shopping at REI, or in a coffee shop far from the public eye. Many of them have dreams of getting a van, making it camp-ready, and traveling across the country to different national parks.
For them, it’s about a commitment to nature and exploring the outdoors to appreciate the world. They don’t want to work 9 to 5 jobs but rather get away from the cities and into nature, almost living off the land. It can kind of be thought of as full-time camping. In general, they are environmental advocates who want to be immersed in nature.
Clothing
Typically, granola girls will sport Carhartt beanies with Patagonia sweaters with either Birkenstock or Chaco sandals, or Blundstone boots, depending on the weather. Granola guys can be seen wearing flannels and beanies with some sort of hiking boot. It is important to keep in mind for granola people, the brand names aren’t as important as the functionality of the clothing, as these brand options are geared toward the aesthetic that the granola term has become.
A granola who does it for the aesthetic also tends to foster an image as the person who chooses to be on a hike over watching Netflix. Taking pictures at the top of mountains or capturing videos of a really cool outdoor experience are ways to prove an adventurous persona which goes well with decking out in recognizable brand-name clothing.
Accessories
Regardless of aesthetics, there are some key items a granola person would have: coffee, kombucha, or yerba maté at all times. Along with a large, reusable water bottle, most likely a HydroFlask or Nalgene.
You can probably find granolas swinging on a hammock while they read or write in a journal.
They usually have a camera of some sort, maybe a FujiFilm, Canon, or GoPro camera to document their experiences.
On their computer, you will find stickers about going outside or on the next adventure and plants are their main decorating piece in their house.
Act The Part
If you want to join in on their ideology, it isn’t too hard and it isn’t necessary to follow everything they do. A simple way to start is to get outside and do something, whether it be a hike, a bike ride, or even just a walk around your neighborhood. The first step is getting out of the house.
Changing your diet to vegan or vegetarian is another way you can become more granola. Not only is it good for your body, but it also helps to reduce carbon and greenhouse gas emissions. Along with this, try to eat locally as it minimizes the carbon emission from the farm to your dinner plate.
You can also improve sustainability by composting or limiting your waste. If that’s a little too extreme, you can always start small by using a reusable water bottle.
Lastly, you can find some ways to support the Earth as global climate change is still on the rise and isn’t slowing down. Support the local environment and the world by donating in any way you can to organizations dedicated to fighting climate change.
Don’t worry about the label. Those that are truly granola most likely won’t refer to themselves as such. To be a part of nature is more important than the persona or image plastered about social media. True granola people are looking for their next adventure and an excuse to get outside.
Cameron Howell
Content Associate
Cameron is an avid traveler and has lived on three continents. He enjoys learning about different cultures and languages. Cameron loves exploring cities and going on long hikes anywhere in the world.
