Patagonia’s Post

More companies should have a “director of philosophy”

I love this interview on aligning corporate values with successful business practices and the lessons learned along the way! My favorite paragraph: So we simplified the mission statement from build the best product, cause no unnecessary harm, use business to inspire and implement solutions to the environmental crisis. We simplified that to we're in business to save our home planet. I was skeptical at first. I thought, this is highly aspirational language. Yes, that's a value of the company, but how central is that to us? But I think that it was a very grounding thing to do for the employees and for the company as a whole. And what I saw beyond my own skepticism about using this language was I saw the employees embrace it and to really ask themselves, OK, how does this affect my work? How does this affect how I work with my team and the products we produce?

Worth the time to listen (or read)! As an avid sailor and adventurer, I can’t simply look to someone else to clean up the mess that exists, I have to discover my part in solving the crisis that exists. We need to be aware of the impact of our own consumption - are the businesses we support truly serious about the environment or simply posing? Is their success based on overconsumption of disposable goods, ignoring the unsustainable impact on the world around us? 3 goals we have made in relationship to consumption and sailing on our 37 year old sailboat: 1. Source used parts rather than simply ordering new. Seems like there are always boat projects in the horizon and it is always easier to just order online but often with a bit more planning you can source lightly used instead of new (recently a rail mounted bbq, repurposed storage containers and used mast hardware) 2. Look for creative ways to reduce power / water usage. (on our sailboat we utilize solar solutions, smaller more efficient appliances, and try to minimize wasted water along with minimizing soaps and cleaners) 3. Reducing fuel usage - While we do have a diesel engine, we try to maximize our sailing often at the cost of distance covered and with an attitude of increased flexibility based on conditions. Again, more planning and forethought into options in necessary but ultimately it’s a reminder that nature is not simply there to meet our needs and agendas, but to be thoughtfully experienced and protected. From the interview: “businesses do have a really strong role to play. The environmental crisis is deeply entwined with the social crisis and the solutions to both are the same. They tend to be the same thing. And to clean up the planet and to restore the health of communities requires the actions of government and civil society and of business.”

Great insights from Patagonia's Vincent Stanley on rooting the business model within the company's values to reduce the tensions of choosing between purpose and profit. What I find most interesting about their journey is the way their commitment to their purpose has forced them to look in the mirror over the years and innovate their business practices to better uphold the values they hold dear. Note also the pivot from simply "do no harm" environmentally to a more active plan to help save the planet. The lesson: be bold and aspirational! https://lnkd.in/eruvTqEU

Founded in 1973, the company Patagonia has been a pioneer in integrating sustainability into its corporate DNA. Recently, its founder, the legendary entrepreneur Yvon Chouinard, announced a groundbreaking step: transferring ownership of the company to a trust and nonprofit organization. This decision marks a milestone in business history by making the Earth the sole shareholder of the company. In his public letter, Chouinard emphasizes the urgency of the fight against climate change and the need for concrete actions. Patagonia was already allocating 1% of its annual profits to environmental initiatives, but the entrepreneur felt that a greater commitment was necessary. Now, all unreinvested profits will be dedicated to combating climate change, estimated to amount to around US$100 million per year. This approach reflects a unique business philosophy, where wealth generation is used as a tool to protect the very source of that wealth: our planet. In Chouinard's words, instead of extracting value from nature, Patagonia is reinvesting that wealth in environmental protection. Chouinard's vision and Patagonia's commitment to sustainability continue to inspire companies worldwide to rethink their role in society and the environment. This new era in Patagonia's history promises an even more significant impact in the fight for a sustainable future for all.

If you had spent over 18 years working in environmental and sustainability roles at Patagonia... where on earth do you go from there? How about a company that sells truly responsible loo paper and then donates half their profit to sanitation projects? In this week's episode, Elissa Foster shares just why Who Gives A Crap was the perfect next step in her formidable sustainability career and how their deeply rooted values of social and environmental responsibility made it even easier. Elissa gives us an insight into the incredible history of the brand and how Who Gives A Crap is innovating to ensure they stay true to their values as they grow (and they are growing!). You'll hear insights on why a strong and playful culture has been a critical piece of their puzzle both inside and out, and how they've been able to take their cause extremely seriously while storytelling in a way that is fun.. and a little cheeky 🍑 In my opinion, Who Gives A Crap have given us a masterclass in branding for purpose. We're a long-time, loyal Who Gives A Crap household ( I haven't had to purchase a roll of toilet paper from a supermarket in about 6 years.. yup, even in the pandemic I was stocked up) and I'm a career brand and marketing nerd, so this episode is particularly close to my heart. This is an Aussie success story that we can all get behind! Link to Pod in the comments 😉 #sustainability #esg #sustainablebusiness #socialimpact #whogivesacrap Who Gives A Crap are foundation members of SustainabilityTracker.com

Any one of us can act heroically. You don’t have to save someone from a burning building to qualify. Sometimes, it’s just about changing perspective. Here’s a great example - Yvon Chouinard, founder of Patagonia, built a brand around sustainability - long before it was cool - and he’s stood by it fervently through every decision. Nearly everything Patagonia takes on serves his goal of reducing environmental impact. The brand uses recycled materials in its products, supports fair labor practices, and consistently advocates for environmental causes. In 1985, Chouinard founded "1% for the Planet," encouraging businesses to commit 1% of their sales or profits to environmental causes. Now, thousands of corporations around the world have pledged. Patagonia closed its stores on Black Friday - a day most businesses dedicate to increasing sales and brand exposure - to encourage staff and customers to go outdoors. And in 2022, Chouinard gave away his share of the company - valued at $3 billion - to put towards climate mitigation. That sounds like a hero to me. But it’s also a path we all can pursue. A hero’s journey is about identifying a problem and stopping at nothing to find a solution. A hero changes how we perceive the world and our place in it and shows us unique ways to navigate challenges. When we put it this way, a hero’s journey is essentially the process of everyday life. In some way, we are heroes of our own stories, and every day is an opportunity to rise to that occasion. Break free from the status quo. Take on problems head-on. Challenge failing systems by digging deep and resolving to change them through sheer will and determination.

🤷♂️What makes a responsible company? In an outstanding book, Yvon Chouinard, founder of Patagonia and Patagonia Provisions, and Vincent Stanley, long-time chief storyteller, look back on the first 50 years of the company and answer this question. Almost in passing, the reader learns how Patagonia has evolved from a company that supports activists to an activist company. 💡 The authors share their enthusiasm for the #bcorp movement and give concrete tips on how companies can move towards holistically sustainable business models. In my opinion, the checklists categorised according to a company's key stakeholders are particularly valuable: ➡️ Owners/Shareholders ➡️ Workers ➡️ Customers ➡️ Community ➡️ Nature The book also briefly outlines the #SDGs, the enormous importance of planetary boundaries for our current and future actions, and the importance of pushing forward the development of a holistic #circulareconomy. Yvon and Vincent are aware of the fact that not everything can be done at the same time. It is crucial to move forward consistently and never give up. 🏃🏾♀️🏃 In the words of science writer Daniel Goleman: "Know your impact, favor improvement, share what you learn."💬 #sustainability #kreislaufwirtschaft

Purposeful Organisations ...in a Purposeful World Priority 1 = Values Priority 2 = Purpose In the future Britain will need Purposeful Government and lots of Purposeful Organisations to create Purposeful Britain ... and a Britain where Values are Valued. https://lnkd.in/eg624jvG #purposefulorganisations #purposefulbritain #purposefulgovernment https://lnkd.in/eDY9vBw8

Case Study: How Patagonia Built a Purpose-Driven Brand Patagonia is renowned for its commitment to environmental sustainability and social responsibility. Here's how they did it: Authentic mission: Patagonia's mission statement, 'We're in business to save our home planet,' resonates deeply with consumers. Transparent practices: They are transparent about their supply chain and environmental impact. Innovative products: Patagonia focuses on creating durable, high-quality products that reduce the need for frequent replacements. Activism: The company actively engages in environmental activism and supports various causes. Here's how you can implement it: Define your mission: Create a clear and authentic mission statement that aligns with your values. Be transparent: Maintain transparency about your business practices and impact. Innovate responsibly: Focus on creating products or services that are both high-quality and sustainable.