We think about that question a lot at Camp Atayne.  As much as we strive for simplicity and the minimalist lifestyle, it is sometimes all too easy to get wrapped up in the quest for more stuff or the latest gadget.  Unfortunately, more stuff has become a perceived "road to happiness" for many people.

In the last few years, there has been a surge in research on the impact of purchases on happiness.  The researchers have not been able to show definitive evidence that a garage full of toys will make you happier.  However, they have made one major finding: spending money on experiences (concerts, language lessons, cycling tours, race entry fees, canoeing trips, etc.) produces longer-lasting satisfaction than spending money on plain old stuff.  So the answer to the above question is nothing more than happiness.

Since we love spreading happiness, this gave us an idea for a virtual event: the Atayne Less is More Challenge.  It's simple to get involved.   And the best part is you have a chance to win some cool experiential prizes.  No "stuff."  Not even Atayne gear.  Just experiences.

To join in the fun:

The top 2 "like getters" will win an Annual National Parks Pass.  We think the picture says it all...

Coinciding with our Less is More Challenge, between now and September 30^th, take the time to really evaluate the purchase of any new stuff.  Give yourself at least 24 hours before you swipe the plastic.  If you decide you really need or want the item, buy it.  If you opt to forego the purchase, make a note of the amount you would have spent.  Tally up the total you avoided spending during this time period and use the money for a cool experience instead.

If you need some inspiration for your new ways, check out the flick No Impact Man.  It will put your challenge into perspective. 

Or maybe we should say stand up and hike, run, ride and fight. 

On September 25^th and 26^th, the Cancer Community Center will host their annual Fight Back Weekend at Pineland Farms in New Gloucester, ME.  The event includes plenty of outdoor fun designed to get you active and raise money to help support people living with cancer.  The key events include:

If you live in Maine or want to make a trip for some weekend fun, we recommend registering for one (or more) of the events.  As an added bonus, all participants of the Trail Race will receive an Atayne Trash T.

A few months back we introduced you to some recent college grads on a wacky adventure across the United States.  They are not engaged in your typical cross-country adventure.  They are walking the country, east to west, picking up trash along the way.

Since leaving Maryland in March, they have covered 564 miles (907 km) and picked up over 55,000 lbs (25,000 kilos) of trash.  That is nearly 100 lbs per mile!  They have also met many new people, as 194 volunteers have come out to help them.

Check out their tour plan and join them if they stroll through your town.  If you can't make it out, consider donating to their cause.  Even a few bucks will get them one step closer to a cleaner America.

Atayne was out in full force on Sunday, August 15^th at the Tri for a Cure in South Portland, ME.  Over 15 people (not all pictured) volunteered to help manage all the waste from the event.  The effort proved to be very successful as nearly 2/3 of the waste from the event was recycled.

Even more successful was the event itself.  Over 1,000 participants helped to raise over $900,000 for cancer research, patient education and support programs!

We still have a limited number of Tri for a Cure Atayne tops available.  The tops, which come in Arctic Sea for men's and Alpine Lake for women's, have the Recycled Tri POV Graphic on the chest and the Tri for a Cure logo on the left sleeve.

If you are interested in purchasing one of these tops, email us at sales@atayne.com.  Twenty percent of the proceeds from the sale of the tops will be donated to the Maine Cancer Foundation, helping to bring the $900K total a bit higher.

Tips and Tricks for Beating the Post Work-Out Stink | AOL.com That's Fit | August 2010

Interesting Pick-Up Line:  Throw Away with Me | Portland Press Herald | July 2010

How Well Does Your Shirt Wick Sweat from Your Body? | Run to Win | July 2010

Congratulations to July winner Jeff H, who knew that the best place to get Atayne gear if you live in the Nation's Capital is Potomac River Running Stores.

Now for August's question.  How many trash running groups does Atayne currently have?

Remember, all answers can be found on our website, blog, Facebook page, Twitter feed, or past issues of our newsletter.

To join in the fun, email your answer to adventure@atayne.com.  To be entered into the drawing for the $25 gift certificate, your answer must be received by Tuesday, August 31^st.