Leaving the smallest footprint...

Build the best product, cause no unnecessary harm, use business to inspire and implement solutions to the environmental crisis.
–Patagonia's Mission Statement

It’s hard to find anyone in Seattle who doesn’t own a Patagonia jacket, fleece, long under or pants. The company has always been known for its amazingly well made, quality outdoor apparel. People recognize soon after that first purchase that Patagonia products were built to last, inspiring customers to enjoy the great world we live in. Not only does Patagonia make well-made products, but they also strive to ensure that all their products leave the smallest environmental footprint.

“For us at Patagonia, a love of wild and beautiful places demands participation in the fight to save them, and to help reverse the steep decline in the overall environmental health of our planet. We donate our time, services and at least 1% of our sales to hundreds of grassroots environmental groups all over the world who work to help reverse the tide.” – Patagonia website

While many brands have decided to “go green” in order to attract more customers and appear hip, Patagonia’s cause marketing is almost a silent whisper. They have found a way to make great products, that last long and on top of it, leave the smallest footprint behind. On top of striving for environmental good, they also have started The Common Threads Program: http://www.patagonia.com/us/common-threads/ , asking customers to reduce their purchasing of unnecessary products, repair items that can be fixed, reuse by sharing and when finally needed, recycle products. It’s interesting to have a company that sells products asking their customers to truly think about everything they purchase and consider if they really need the item.