Common Threads

It's probably not news to many of you, but I just came across the Patagonia Common Threads program. The pledge could not be simpler but the implications are profound:

I'd like to become a partner in the Common Threads Initiative to reduce excess consumption and give the planet's vital systems a rest from pollution, resource depletion and greenhouse gases.

Patagonia agrees to build useful things that last, to repair what breaks and recycle what comes to the end of its useful life.

I agree to buy only what I need (and will last), repair what breaks, reuse (share) what I no longer need and recycle everything else.

They show an understanding of the fundamentals of conservation and stewardship that goes far beyond the typical corporate greenwashing and should serve as an example for any corporate citizen. They have even partnered with eBay to help resell their used products. I'm not sure how Yvon Chouinard's efforts are regarded in the business world, but they certainly rank highly with me.

 - Sam