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With a mission statement that includes building the best product while causing no harm, and using business to inspire and implement solutions to environmental crisis,
Patagonia continues to innovate and lead the way toward a greener way of doing business.
Yvon Chouinard, Patagonia’s founder, began his entrepreneurial career out of necessity. As one of the pioneering climbers during the golden age of Yosemite rock climbing,
Yvon began designing and then producing the climbing gear that he and his friends needed to push the limits of rock climbing; gear that didn’t exist until they envisioned
it. By 1970 Chouinard Equipment had become the largest supplier of climbing equipment in the United States. As the equipment’s popularity grew so did the realization that
their product was scaring the rock and harming the environment. Due to their ecological concerns, Yvon and partner Tom Frost pulled their most popular product and took a
risk by introducing the climbing world to “clean climbing.” The clean climbing movement caught on quickly, and it was not long before Yvon began to dabble in
clothing. Just as he had done with climbing gear, Yvon and his comrades decided to take an earth friendly approach to the idea of a clothing line.
The primary goal was to find a fabric that would make a superior mountain layer. Years of experiments with materials and fibers led to the development and introduction of Capilene® and Synchilla®.
The creation of these two materials revolutionized the layering industry and put Patagonia on the map. Building the best product was far easier than the later part of the
Patagonia mission statement, “…to do no harm”. Patagonia began to support environmental initiatives when it was still a small company. From protecting local rivers to
making a stand against the urbanization of Yosemite Valley, Patagonia has worked on both a small and a large scale to help reduce our impact on the natural world.
In 2001 Yvon and friend Craig Mathews founded 1% for the Planet. This non-profit organization now has over 800 business members that contribute over $30 million
annually to more than 1,500 environmental organizations. When you are working to lessen the impacts of a business as large as Patagonia the work is never finished.
When Patagonia commissioned an independent research firm to assess the environmental impacts of four major fibers they were not surprised to learn that oil-based
polyester and nylon were big energy consumers and sources of pollution. However, it was surprising to learn that cotton proved to be a far greater source of pollution
and consumer of energy. Cotton was the biggest villain of all, but it did not have to be. In 1994 Patagonia pledged to use 100% organic cotton by 1996, and they
succeeded. The research team at Patagonia continues to search for more environmentally friendly fabrics, while the rest of the Patagonia team strives to bring you
the best product with the least impact on our one and only home.
Some of our featured products in this category are:
Patagonia Half Mass Bag - This messenger bag has everything from a fully suspended laptop sleeve, to detachable waist strap (for when the pedaling gets serious). To top all that off, this bag is made from earth friendly, recyc...
Patagonia Women's Rubicon Rider Jacket - A woman's ski/snowboard jacket with 90% recycled insulation and 100% recycled water resistant shell. Features like a removable 2-way adjustable hood, hand warmer pockets, and zippered chest pocket mak...
Patagonia Men's Wavefarer Board Shorts - A tried-and-true workhorse board short made from a Deluge® DWR (durable water repellent) treated nylon that wears light and dries fast.
Patagonia Men's Polo Shirt - Hefty, 7.2-oz organic cotton polo in a piqué knit keeps its casual composure (and bolsters yours), even when the occasion requires a steady smile or enclosed footwear.
Patagonia Women's Full Zip Re-Tool Jacket - The Women's Full-Zip Re-Tool Jacket is made from 6.6-oz polyester fleece that wicks moisture, dries quickly, and is recyclable through the Common Threads Recycling Program.
Patagonia Women's Borderless Pant - The Women's Borderless Pants by Patagonia won't hem you in on your quest for solitude. Made from quick-drying all-recycled polyester (93%)/stretchy spandex (7%), the multi-functional pants adapt to an...
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