Don't Buy Patagonia Stuff New Unless You Really Need It
Tonight, Patagonia and eBay announced a new partnership, the Common Threads Initiative. Together, they asked owners of fleece and Gore-Tex everywhere to pledge to reduce consumption, reuse old gear, recycle, repair what's broken, and reimagine a world where people don't stress the earth with purchases.
Yes, you read correctly. Patagonia is asking us not to buy their stuff, or any stuff, unless we really need it. And then they're asking us to buy used stuff when we can. And they're asking us to sell those still warm puffys and barely frayed packs gathering dust in the back of our closets on eBay, to a troller who will buy an old jacket instead of buying a new one.
To show they really mean it, Patagonia and eBay have partnered on a Patagonia-specific resale site powered by eBay that you can access from Patagonia's website. But there is one catch--you have to pledge to the five "Rs" to use it.
Patagonia wants 50,000 pledgers this year. Sign today, and whether or not you start bidding, you'll be one of the first. But don't just sign so you can get first dibs on nearly new gear which for the next few days is probably mostly from the Patagonia sample racks. Think about what you're agreeing to, and like Patagonia, walk your talk.
-Berne Broudy
berneb
Comments
The company's mission led them to this. I'm surprised a statement like this hasn't come earlier. Given its stance on consumption and waste, it's a natural fit to their marketing pledge.
Flag ThisThe company's mission led them to this. I'm surprised a statement like this hasn't come earlier. Given its stance on consumption and waste, it's a natural fit to their marketing pledge.
Flag Thisi have been buying and selling Patagonia duds on eBay for years. Especially kids clothing. Hopefully this new partnership will make the process even easier.
Flag ThisCool move by Patagonia...
Flag ThisCool move by Patagonia...
Flag ThisClose the business down!!! This is such a load of propaganda.
Flag ThisAwesome, awesome, awesome!
Flag ThisAnd Patagonia's returned to Gore-tex in their premium shells, citing that they need an "elegant, effective balance of waterproofness, breathability, windproofness and durability" and that name is "trusted--and it's lable sought" by their customers. Check out the Primo and Powderbowl shells. Christopher Van Tilburg, MD
Flag ThisAnd Patagonia's returned to Gore-tex in their premium shells, citing that they need an "elegant, effective balance of waterproofness, breathability, windproofness and durability" and that name is "trusted--and it's lable sought" by their customers. Check out the Primo and Powderbowl shells. Christopher Van Tilburg, MD
Flag ThisFunny that next to this column is your "Gear of the Week" column featuring...wait for it....a Patagonia duffel back. A little less advertising and a little more outside would be nice.
Flag ThisI'm still using my Patagonia fleece bought 1990 but the collar is a bit gnawed off from one of my rabbits :-(
Flag ThisI'm still using my Patagonia fleece bought 1990 but the collar is a bit gnawed off from one of my rabbits :-(
Flag ThisI wonder if mine will be a double post
Flag ThisPatagonia is truly an inspirational company. RESPECT!
Flag ThisTo all my friends & acquaintances who say that the ONLY function of business is to MAXIMIZE profit & that the business that does not does not exist - that's crap! Get w/the concept of sustainability. Don't give into old paradigms.
Flag ThisIt would be nice if EVERY company would do this. All you need to do is step foot into a thrift store (or into practically any house) to know there's already enough stuff in the world. There's no sense in continuing to make more when what there is hasn't been used up yet.
Flag ThisSo may be this will help create new jobs. Who can fix Ove´s collar, and many other garments. Or we can even get creative and produce new garments with used Patagonia´s (or in fact any other clothing piece). Many things can be done just put your imagination to work.
Flag ThisI assume they're 're-earning' a few points on the used sales, through the e-bay partnership deal? Like an affiliate commission.. on your own product! SO simple. You maintain (or even grow?) your bottom line, while producing less and therefore consuming fewer resources. Love it.
Flag ThisI'll believe it when Patagonia retool to only use recycled plastic and have a functioning parts ordering system, until then I chose to believe this is just a cynical marketing exercise by their advertising agency designed to increase the moral value of the brand and thus sales.
Flag Thisi also sent an inquiry to patagonia, among other retailers i buy from, on why not bring back jobs to the u.s.a.? seems like more and more of their items are made in foreign countries and we have a whole bunch of americans who need work. and furthermore, we need to buy american. each and every one of us needs to put aside the toyota, subaru, you name it, and choose a united states company that makes a united states product!
Flag Thisi also sent an inquiry to patagonia, among other retailers i buy from, on why not bring back jobs to the u.s.a.? seems like more and more of their items are made in foreign countries and we have a whole bunch of americans who need work. and furthermore, we need to buy american. each and every one of us needs to put aside the toyota, subaru, you name it, and choose a united states company that makes a united states product!
Flag ThisAhh.... Hope this works, but speaking of sustainability; what happens if Patagonia can't sustain their new business model because they don't sell enough merchandise to pay their bills and employees? Will you be upset if they must return to what they do best, selling the latest and greatest clothes to survive? Will they keep your respect then? Curious.
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