Clothing and Gear for a Small Planet

Patagonia, while often a bit more expensive, have added a substantial social and environmental component to their mission. One would hope that more outdoor and womens clothing company would follow suit. Maybe someone should write a book called clothing and gear for a small planet. A green mission should include raw materials, trade practices, corporate energy useage, vendor practices, retail practices, product lifespan repair-ability, and of course recycling, employee and hiring practices.

Companies like Ben and Jerry's that added a social bottom line to the financial bottom line are to be commended for their bravery. The challenge is the accountability and responsibility to their shareholders. But yet they are still successful. Do they make compromises here and there? I am pretty sure, but they try.

I love companies that try to use materials like organic cotton or that reuse stuff and repackage it like the bike chain bracelets or bottle openers. It seems like we can do this more. I love the fact that some stores are recycling stuff like old sneakers. There really needs to be more incentive for folks to return their clothing and gear for recycling, reuse, or proper disposal. Places to return old backpack, old boots, old bikes, old skis. More on this later.