Patagonia

Throughout the entirety of the clothing retail sector, there are very few examples of brands and companies that can claim to engage in impactful environmental support to the same extent as Patagonia. This brand, founded in 1973 by American Yvon Chouinard, promotes their support for positive environmental action in everything they do. They are guided by their company Mission Statement, which reads as follows: 

“Build the best product. Cause no unnecessary harm. Use business to inspire and implement solutions to the environmental crisis.”

Patagonia strive to have their actions match the bold commitments made throughout their numerous campaigns. A perfect example of this commitment is in their developing of the ‘1% for the Planet’ alliance. For the past 35 years, Patagonia have committed to pledging 1% of their annual sales to the preservation and restoration of the natural environment. Such donations are made to grassroots environmental groups whom are actively making positive impacts in their local communities. Then, in 2002, the Patagonia founder partnered with Craig Mathews to create the non-profit organization ‘1% for the Planet’ to encourage other businesses to make the same annual financial commitment as Patagonia. Patagonia has contributed in excess of $89 million to various worthy causes and organizations and do not look like slowing down their contributions any time soon. 

While Patagonia are striving ahead in terms of their environmental preservation efforts, they take no corners in terms of producing a highly capable outdoor garment that is comparable to their competitors. Their waterproof membrane, H2No®, provides incredible breathability without compromising on its waterproof capacity. They utilise a DWR (Durable Water repellent) on the pockets and zips to ensure water can not collect in these areas, and all garments are Fair Trade Certified™ sewn, indicating that fair wages and safe working conditions are provided to the producers of their garments. All these factors contribute to a guilt-free and reassuring shopping experience with the Patagonia brand.