Tonight, Patagonia and eBay announced a new partnership, the Common Threads Initiative. Together, they asked owners of fleece and Gore-Tex everywhere to pledge to reduce consumption, reuse old gear, recycle, repair what's broken, and reimagine a world where people don't stress the earth with purchases. - Source
If you know me a bit, then you know that I value sustainability. You also might be aware that I value a few outdoor companies who do so as well. So as I read this news, and checked out the
Patagonia Common Threads Initiative page I didn't think long to make the pledge. And with the pretty good selection of
used Patagonia gear up for grabs I also am tempted to make a purchase or two (am still looking for a comfy climbing pants). If you need a new baselayer, a puffy jacket or a shell, check out the selection and buy it there instead of getting it new. Your children, grandchildren and nature will thank you.
I, personally, applaud Patagonia for making this step - it is the ultimate commitment for a better future, against the bottom line. Respect.
Tonight, Patagonia and eBay announced a new partnership, the Common Threads Initiative. Together, they asked owners of fleece and Gore-Tex everywhere to pledge to reduce consumption, reuse old gear, recycle, repair what's broken, and reimagine a world where people don't stress the earth with purchases. - Source
If you know me a bit, then you know that I value sustainability. You also might be aware that I value a few outdoor companies who do so as well. So as I read this news, and checked out the
Patagonia Common Threads Initiative page I didn't think long to make the pledge. And with the pretty good selection of
used Patagonia gear up for grabs I also am tempted to make a purchase or two (am still looking for a comfy climbing pants). If you need a new baselayer, a puffy jacket or a shell, check out the selection and buy it there instead of getting it new. Your children, grandchildren and nature will thank you.
I, personally, applaud Patagonia for making this step - it is the ultimate commitment for a better future, against the bottom line. Respect.
Snippet: Patagonia Wants You To Buy Less Gear
Interesting, there should be something similar in Europe too. Bought a down sweater vest a while back (new) so I'm waiting for winter. Tomorrow I get to take it out on it's first outing. :)
ReplyDeleteThis is an interesting concept and definitely a worthy idea. I'm not sure if there are other people out there who feel a bit 'anti-gear' at times like me. Sometimes I like to leave my wallet at home and just go walking with what I have and get back to the basics a little. I still read about the newest and lightest products though! It's just nice to wear stuff out for a change instead of updating all the time...
ReplyDeleteI am sure Patagonia is going to have another banner year. Oh the irony!
ReplyDeleteLets hope they role it out worldwide soon. In the meanwhile, check out the Nordic Lightpacking Gear Swap: http://www.kaffelykke.com/gearswap/
ReplyDeleteI do feel like that at times, Greg. I have e.g. no problem walking into the outdoor shop in front of my house, without buying anything, ever - the same goes for browsing online shops and cottage gear sites.
ReplyDeleteThey make high-quality, durable and desirable products. At the end of the year they give 1% of the turnover to charity. They allow employees to work for a few weeks (or months?) on environmental/ charity projects. Nothing wrong with being successful there, if the vision and the money is used for good causes (I'm still waiting for other, similar successful companies to do the same).
ReplyDelete"sustainability" is just another meaningless trendy left-wing phrase. There is nothing wrong with consuming things, it is what makes the world economy work. If you can afford it buy it ! You provide employment and wealth to people all around the world in the process.
ReplyDeleteI agree Hendrik, a great company doing great work. Having just read 'Let My People Go Surfing' by Yvon Chouinard I find myself wanting to support this company even more than I do already. It's a pity therefore that I find the cut of Patagonia's upper body clothing to be a little 'boxy'. Their pants however kick ass and the Traverse pants, Simple Guides and Backcountry Guides cover pretty much all of my lower body clothing needs year round.
ReplyDeleteIt would be nice if some of the European based companies would follow suit. Rab especially appears very quiet on their environmental policy, a pity as their clothing is excellent and fits me well. I understand Montane is signed up to 'Eco-Circle' but I'm not sure how comparable it is to Patagonia's Common Threads. It will be interesting to see how this progresses.
This is really a great idea. I wonder how the cottage industry players can emulate something like this? Thanks for bringing it to light with this post!
ReplyDeleteHei Dave, actually I think cottages could very well participate in the 1% FTP initiative (I am a member with my own company, for example), and GG could implement a "Return you old pack/ shelter and get a xx $ voucher" - this is how Klättermusen does it, and it seems to work.
ReplyDelete