Patagonia’s mission statement is as follows: Build the best product, do no unnecessary harm, use business to inspire and implement solutions to the environmental crisis.
I figured I’d highlight this company since they are always innovating and figuring out new ways to help combat the issues that we face, including global warming. Yvon Chouinard, founder of Patagonia, writes about the effects of both habitat degradation and global warming in his popular book, Let my People go Surfing.
Patagonia has recently expanded their recycling program – where they will take old, worn-out Capilene base layers from their line (and other competing lines) to help minimize environmental impact. Their research shows their impact is significantly lower than making that same fiber from virgin materials derived from petroleum. By diverting worn-out garments from landfills, they are reduce solid waste. Diverting them from incinerators results in an energy savings of 76% and a CO2 emissions [greenhouse gas] reduction of 71%. Garments made with recycled fibers use 50-100% less virgin polyester, which reduces our use of oil.
Find out more here.
