Misato NotoPatagonia is a great example of a sustainable business, and in many more ways than the company’s “Don’t Buy This Jacket” advertisement. For safer and fairer working conditions, the company pays premium factories that meet their Fair-Trade program standards. It includes funding community projects like health-care programs or day-care facilities. So far, more than 66,000 workers in 10 countries have benefited from this program.
Through its Product Lifecycle Initiative, Patagonia is promoting the 4Rs: Refuse, Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. A large portion of Patagonia’s products is made from recycled fabrics, including polyester, nylon and wool, as well as organic cotton, instead of high-pesticide conventional cotton. In addition, to extend the life of their clothing, the brand launched the “Worn Wear” campaign. They repair customers’ clothing, give customers DIY repair tips and reassemble beyond-repair pieces into new products.
As a way to give back to the environment, the company has been donating 1% of their annual sales since 1986 to global grassroots groups for the preservation and restoration of the natural environment. In 2019, thanks to its commitment to sustainability, Patagonia was awarded the United Nations’ flagship environmental honor for entrepreneurial vision.
