Patagonia’s Founding and Mission
Patagonia was founded by Ivan Schard, who started making climbing gear in a small shop in California. Schard’s passion for the outdoors and commitment to quality and sustainability drove the company’s growth.
Early Years and Values
Schard’s early business was guided by a desire to create high-quality, environmentally responsible gear. He introduced aluminum chocks as a more sustainable alternative to traditional climbing equipment and promoted “clean climbing” practices.
Expansion and Innovation
Patagonia expanded its product line to include outdoor apparel, using alternative materials like synthetic fabrics and recycled plastic bottles. The company introduced fleece jackets made from recycled plastic bottles in 1985 and committed 1% of sales to environmental initiatives in 1986.
Sustainability and Environmental Activism
Patagonia prioritized environmental responsibility, introducing organic cotton in the 1990s and promoting transparency and sustainability. The company’s “don’t buy this jacket” campaign encouraged customers to only buy what they needed, exemplifying Schard’s belief in limiting consumption.
Global Growth and Impact
Today, Patagonia is a leading outdoor brand with a global presence, employing over 2,500 people and generating over $1 billion in annual revenue. The company continues to prioritize sustainability, using eco-friendly materials and promoting environmental activism.
Future Goals and Initiatives
Patagonia aims to become carbon neutral by 2025, investing in renewable energy and reducing waste through initiatives like the Worn Wear program. The company will continue to prioritize sustainability, innovation, and environmental stewardship, inspiring other companies to adopt responsible practices.
Term | Definition | Example Usage |
---|---|---|
Sustainability | The practice of using resources in a way that minimizes harm to the environment and ensures their availability for future generations. | Patagonia prioritized sustainability by introducing organic cotton and promoting transparency in their supply chain. |
Environmental Activism | Advocacy and action aimed at protecting the natural environment and promoting conservation. | Patagonia’s “don’t buy this jacket” campaign is an example of environmental activism, encouraging customers to reduce consumption and think about the environmental impact of their purchases. |
Carbon Neutrality | A state in which an organization or individual’s net carbon emissions are zero, achieved through reducing emissions and offsetting remaining emissions. | Patagonia aims to become carbon neutral by 2025 by investing in renewable energy and reducing waste. |
Renewable Energy | Energy generated from natural resources that can be replenished over time, such as solar, wind, and hydro power. | Patagonia is investing in renewable energy sources to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and minimize its carbon footprint. |
Transparency | The practice of openly sharing information and being honest about business practices and supply chains. | Patagonia promotes transparency by sharing information about its supply chain and manufacturing processes, allowing customers to make informed decisions. |
Organic Cotton | Cotton grown without the use of synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, or genetically modified organisms. | Patagonia introduced organic cotton in the 1990s as a more sustainable alternative to traditional cotton. |
Recycled Materials | Materials that have been reclaimed and reprocessed from post-consumer waste, reducing the need for virgin materials. | Patagonia uses recycled plastic bottles to make fleece jackets, reducing waste and minimizing the environmental impact of its products. |
Waste Reduction | The practice of minimizing waste generation and promoting the reuse and recycling of materials. | Patagonia’s Worn Wear program encourages customers to repair and reuse their products, reducing waste and promoting sustainability. |
Eco-Friendly | Products or practices that minimize harm to the environment and promote sustainability. | Patagonia’s eco-friendly materials and manufacturing processes aim to reduce the company’s environmental footprint and promote sustainability. |
Corporate Social Responsibility | A company’s commitment to operating in a way that is ethical, responsible, and beneficial to society and the environment. | Patagonia’s commitment to sustainability, environmental activism, and transparency demonstrates its corporate social responsibility and dedication to making a positive impact. |
Patagonia Vocabulary Quiz
Test your knowledge of Patagonia’s founding and mission with this 5-question multiple-choice quiz.
Question 1: What does “sustainability” mean in the context of Patagonia’s mission?
Choose the correct answer:
- A) The ability to generate high profits
- B) The practice of minimizing environmental impact and promoting eco-friendly practices
- C) The use of traditional climbing equipment
- D) The creation of high-quality, expensive gear
Question 2: What is “clean climbing”?
Select the correct answer:
- A) A type of climbing that uses traditional equipment and leaves no environmental impact
- B) A practice that promotes the use of aluminum chocks and minimizes environmental damage
- C) A style of climbing that focuses on speed and agility
- D) A type of climbing that uses only organic materials
Question 3: What is the “Worn Wear” program?
Choose the correct answer:
- A) A program that promotes the use of recycled materials in Patagonia’s products
- B) An initiative that reduces waste by encouraging customers to repair and reuse their gear
- C) A campaign that donates 1% of sales to environmental initiatives
- D) A program that invests in renewable energy sources
Question 4: What does “carbon neutral” mean in the context of Patagonia’s goals?
Select the correct answer:
- A) A state where a company’s carbon emissions are balanced by its use of renewable energy sources
- B) A goal to reduce waste and promote sustainability
- C) A practice of using only organic materials in products
- D) A commitment to donate 1% of sales to environmental initiatives
Question 5: What is the main idea behind Patagonia’s “don’t buy this jacket” campaign?
Choose the correct answer:
- A) To promote the use of recycled materials in products
- B) To encourage customers to buy more gear and increase sales
- C) To reduce consumption and promote sustainability by only buying what is needed
- D) To invest in renewable energy sources and reduce waste
Answer Key:
- B) The practice of minimizing environmental impact and promoting eco-friendly practices
- B) A practice that promotes the use of aluminum chocks and minimizes environmental damage
- B) An initiative that reduces waste by encouraging customers to repair and reuse their gear
- A) A state where a company’s carbon emissions are balanced by its use of renewable energy sources
- C) To reduce consumption and promote sustainability by only buying what is needed
Using the Past Simple and Past Perfect Tenses to Describe Historical Events
The past simple and past perfect tenses are used to describe historical events and their relationships in time. The past simple is used for completed actions in the past, whereas the past perfect is used to show that one action occurred before another action in the past. For example, “Patagonia was founded by Ivan Schard, who started making climbing gear in a small shop in California” uses the past simple to describe the founding of the company. On the other hand, “He had introduced aluminum chocks as a more sustainable alternative to traditional climbing equipment before he promoted ‘clean climbing’ practices” uses the past perfect to show that introducing aluminum chocks occurred before promoting ‘clean climbing’ practices. |
---|
Quiz Time!
Choose the correct answer for each question:
- By the time Patagonia introduced fleece jackets made from recycled plastic bottles, the company _______ its product line to include outdoor apparel.
- Patagonia _______ organic cotton in the 1990s and promoted transparency and sustainability.
- By 1986, Patagonia _______ 1% of sales to environmental initiatives.
- Ivan Schard _______ making climbing gear in a small shop in California before he founded Patagonia.
- By the time Patagonia became a leading outdoor brand, the company _______ its product line to include outdoor apparel and promoted environmental activism.
A) had expanded
B) expands
A) introduce
B) introduces
A) has committed
B) commit
A) starts
B) started
A) expands
B) has expanded
Answer Key:
- A) had expanded
- D) introduced
- C) had committed
- D) had started
- C) had expanded