Yvon Chouinard of Patagonia Wins Environmental Award

For many of you reading this blog, this man needs no introduction.  For the rest of you (hiding under rocks?), Yvon Chouinard is the founder and owner of Patagonia, recent winner of OutDoor Celebrity of the Year and has pushed the environmental cause to new heights for the last 40 years.

You can read about his many successes, but here’s a brief summary:

1. Patagonia only uses organic cotton in their clothing and materials --  as far back as 10 years ago.
2. Started the “clean climbing” program that eliminated damage done to mountains during rock climbs.
3. Ensured Patagonia’s waste production water is cleaner than what they originally extracted.
4. Since 1985, Patagonia has given away more than $25 million in cash and donations to more than 1,000 organizations globally.  They’ve funded this from 10% of the pre-tax profits or 1% of sales, whichever is greater.
5.  Patagonia staff are fully paid for 2 months to work with the environmental group of their choice.
6.  In 1998, Patagonia became the first California company to buy all their electricity from newly constructed renewable energy plants.  The Denver store is wind powered, while the Reno distribution store has photovoltaic panels. 

The list goes on and on.  Get inspired and read the article.  It'll rock your world. 

Grist also had a great interview with the Man of Green.

Have a great weekend!

Erin Swanson
ESwanson@enviance.com