Patagonia: The Paradox of an Eco-Conscious Company

With Patagonia as a guide, I look at the paradox of embracing an eco-conscious and sustainable message as a for-profit company.

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NOTE: I am in no way affiliated with Patagonia. This is not an ad.

Sources:

Music: Lake Eerie by Silent Partner

[aaronflynn]

Just got my jacket repaired by Patagonia for free. Meaning I won't have to throw it away or buy a new one. I don't think we can eliminate our effect on the environment. But if companies that make things we need are more like them, we will be in a far better place.

[mattpatrickmusic]

If Patagonia disappeared, another company (that is probably way less environmentally and ethically responsible) would come along and take the sales that Patagonia is getting now, so I have absolutely no problem with Patagonia because they're making a bigger difference than literally any other clothing brand while trying to change the culture of a very unsustainable industry.

[numsiskit]

I think it's incorrect to call this a paradox. Patagonia is a private company. It's not traded on any stock exchanges, which means it's not bound to the needs of investors. I think a lot of the people who work at Patagonia would rather it cease to exist than betray its culture and purpose, and its possible for it to cease to exist without any investor conflict. It's impossible to live without taking from the environment. Maybe Patagonia could do more to protect and replenish the Earth but its already doing a lot more than average companies do. As far as I know, the ad is genuine and aimed to inform consumers rather than generate sales. However, especially today, they'll always be criticized. The very idea of environmentalism is seen as moot by some. So, "to avoid criticism, do nothing, saying nothing, be nothing."

[manuelschmidt]

Very cool video, I still highly respect Patagonia though because their profit could be way higherr. Compare them with fast fashion brand like h&m or asos - patagonia is high quality, sells less, and is still concerned about their impact. People that buy stuff to explore nature harm nature by buying this very equipment - this is true, yet millions of people do not explore nature and harm it 100 time more. the world is a sad place

[electroplaque]

People need clothes. Durable clothes last longer and generate lower emissions. If people buy durable more expensive clothes less often instead of cheap H&M crap, it's better for those people, the workers and the environment. In other words Patagonia is saying: "Buy only what you need, but what you need, buy from ethical brands like us." They benefit, but the environment as well. There is no paradox.

[Gleanix]

I think the most important thing to keep in mind is that everything you do as a consumer is going to have an impact. I became accustomed to consumerism before I realized its flaws, but that doesn't mean I can suddenly pull out and refuse to participate. However, learning about this stuff makes me think twice before buying that brand new jacket when there's a perfectly good one somewhere that nobody wants anymore.
Great video!

[Luna]

I have a second hand Patagonia sweater that the previous owner threw out because they got makeup on the sleeve that wouldn’t come out. I’ve had it for over 6 years and its still like new

[gregmcknight]

A company at the end of the day is there to make money. Patagonia is just making steps to be a little better and that's enough for me. Yeah, everything comes at a price and if you analyze anything you could find something bad in it but I think it's Patagonia's effort that counts.

[BradWadeNL]

I really enjoyed the transparency in this video. After many years of research on my part, buying used is the best option. If you're going to buy something new, make it a conscious decision after a period of reflection. Do your best to offset the damage from the production and transportation of the product by planting trees, gardens, and picking up garbage in your neighbourhood or local outdoor rec areas.

[hotsause]

I worked for Patagonia a few years ago seasonally it was a great company to work for and in addition to what they do for the public they would also resell items that were brought back by customers to employees so the items would get continual use instead of just being thrown away

[mikejenn]

GREAT VIDEO! As the founder of a small outdoor gear company, I think it's near impossible to do ALL the things Patagonia does. However, after watching this video, I realized it's easier to establish my products as environmentally conscious because I am small. I can use tires for shoe soles, or old sailing cloth for bags, and make my own water repellent. The point is, it's impossible to be environmentally friendly because creation means consumption, but you can be environmentally conscious as a company, making smart products out of materials that are there. PS you deserve ALOT more subscribers, you're like the Kaptain Kristen of the environment.

[LeahandLevi]

Dude I found this video doing research for my own video I'm making about Patagonia! Such a cool company eh? And btw... great editing man. <3

[isaacmijangos]

awesome video! really makes you think about our impact on climate change. Also, i when it comes down to it, Patagonia is doing SOMETHING. I personally love that they repair stuff, often we grow attached to our clothing; we all have had a favorite pair of shoes, jacket, jeans, and we love them because they have shared a memory with us... imagine your favorite pair of shoes that you met your wife be there on your wedding day, like new. In addition, I dont see nike, addidas, Arc'teryx, or the north face do this, which are even bigger companies. I get why people say its hypocritical to say "repair" and then sell a repair kit (3:26) so you can make money off of the consumer still, but even then a kit the size of our palm has a smaller foot print than 1 giant jacket.

[BdHammerli]

Patagonia also supports numeous outdoor advocacy groups and tries to give back a lot of money

[Jeddsg]

Nice work. It is also worth exploring the conservation work that Patagonia has done abroad, specifically in Chile in support of the Thompkins efforts. Their work is important in that it preserves vital ecosystems but also exploitative and naive in that in perpetuates neoliberal trends and discounts local knowledge.

[belnachina]

This guy's voice is so peaceful~
He makes me want to live a slow-paced life~

[bthemedia]

TL;DR: Patagonia tries to make eco-conscious products and encourage consumers to repair existing vs buy new gear... but since they still make a profit - we should be skeptical of them!?!? Poorly presented argument / contradiction. We consumers could only be so lucky to be able to purchase from eco friendly suppliers!

[Qeengish]

Kinda funny bc Patagonia is so expensive I never buy new, but the quality is so good I search for them on eBay and thredup.

[eggpassion]

this is an amazing video, the graphics are simple yet effective, they flow very well and are very pleasing to look at. you've got a great skill and these insightful, thorough videos show that

[Gary-jhwd]

Nice 5 minute + Patagonia ad you put togehther