Yvon Chouinard, the founder of Patagonia, a company that sells climbing equipment and clothing, is pessimistic about the future. In the U.S.A., “Saving the planet” is number 41 on the list of priorities; number one is “Personal security.” "The problem is us," he says. When we buy stuff, we are closing our eyes to toxic substances used in the production process that harm the people who handle them and pollute the air, the soil, and the water. We don't get to see the whole chain of destruction, and therefore, it does not exist. Low prices come at a price! In this case, our health and the living environment of animals, plants, crops, trees and our own.
Patagonia has a different philosophy than most companies. The goal is not unlimited growth and revenues. Their mission is to change the world through business. Their shareholders are the animals, the mountains, nature, and people. Chouinard can't save the planet on his own, but he uses his company to do something. "To do good, you actually have to do something" is a quote he likes to use. Meaning that every person is responsible for the situation on our planet. We are causing unnecessary harm to the environment because we want to pay low prices, and we are very reluctant to ensure the sustainability and the longevity of products.