Everyone once in a while, we’ll do these posts about brands we love.  It’s a big world out there, with lots of cool people doing progressive work.  We’ll fawn over them for a few hundred words and hopefully you’ll check them out.

If you know me, you’ve seen me wear Patagonia gear.  They make the best clothing and accessories for spending time outside, bar none.  Sure, the Synchilla has become a symbol of bros everywhere, but few companies are leaders for conservation and sustainability the way Patagonia is.  

Let’s start with Yvon Chouinard. He’s exceptionally honest. He is an athletic badass. Rather than rally for excessive consumerism and telling people to buy as much Patagonia as possible, he preaches that people should only buy what they need, and that when they need gear, consider Patagonia.  

As a brand, they’ve sought to work with sustainable materials.  They’re the first apparel company to have their goods certified Fair Trade.  Worn Wear encourages owners of Patagonia products to repair loved garments, rather than toss them out and buy something new.  They've gone as far as starting a venture capital fund, Tin Shed Ventures, to invest in and help sustainability focused companies grow. 

Most relevant to us is Patagonia Provisions.  Agriculture has a stunning impact on our environment.  In our work, we’ve seen the direct impact of poorly managed farms on local ecosystems.  Through the Provisions project, they’re bringing sustainable agriculture to the pantries of outdoor enthusiasts everywhere and telling them to pay attention to how things are produced.  They made a sweet documentary, Unbroken Ground, to spread the word.

You can be sure that I’ll be wearing my Synchilla and climbing shorts until they have no life left in them.  Then, and only then, I’ll pick up some new Patagonia.   If you haven’t read Let My People Go Surfing, pick up a copy from your local library.  If you’d rather watch a video, this one sums up Yvon nicely.