In this issue From Synchilla to School Support Outdoor Clothing Maufacturer Patagonia Recognized for Corporate Responsibility By Lisa Gardiner More than 20 years ago, Yvon Chouinard, founder of outdoor clothing company Patagonia, began realizing that pitons, the metal spikes used by mountain climbers, were damaging Yosemite National Park s El Capitan peak. In addition to its corporate tithing, Patagonia protects the environment through its clothing designs, which are simple, versatile, and designed to last a long time. Many garments are made from Synchilla, a fabric woven from recycled soda bottles. This spring, the company converted to organic cotton.
Environmental aspects are part of that.
In the same vein, the company has reduced packaging. And in the competitive catalog business where everyone ships by air, Patagonia will do so only on request. Human resources also get attention at Patagonia, which has been recognized as being particularly family friendly. Child-care subsidies are provided, company buses transport children from local elementary schools to the company's Ventura offices, and a school support program allows employees five days off to participate in their children's classroom activities. Parent education seminars are often given during lunch.