Patagonia is an amazing company. Their founder is a great climber and outdoorsman, their products are awesome and the brand is one that lives its values on its fleece sleeve.
So, it’s not all that surprising that the company is now asking its customers to buy only what they need, repair what breaks and recycle what can’t can’t be repaired.
In the 18th century Lancashire’s cotton mills and the budding clothing trade helped fuel the Industrial Revolution and create the modern economy. Now it’s time to reverse the engines – to help create the next, more sustainable economy.
To reverse the tide, Patagonia and eBay have teamed up to put used Patagonia clothes back into circulation via the launch of a new marketplace for customers to buy and sell used Patagonia gear on eBay.
“The Common Threads Initiative addresses a significant part of today’s environmental problem – the footprint of our stuff,” notes Yvon Chouinard, Patagonia’s founder and owner. “This program first asks customers to not buy something if they don’t need it. If they do need it, we ask that they buy what will last a long time – and to repair what breaks, reuse or resell whatever they don’t wear any more. And, finally, recycle whatever’s truly worn out.”
How many other companies and leaders of companies put the big picture in focus like this?
Obviously, getting rich is not priority number one in Ventura. What a nourishing breath of fresh air.
Previously on AdPulp: | Shift Happens | Score One for Branded Utility | It’s Time To Climb