Patagonia and its leadership are now perceived as parental figures of the Certified B Corporation movement and to the new strain of regenerative environmentalism. “We’re in the business to save our home planet” is the touchstone for every decision Patagonia makes. We are excited to have them on board as a Major Partner of Champions Retreat this year! In this blog, we delve into why Patagonia Australia is excited to be involved with Champions Retreat 2020.
Organic cotton fields. Photo: Tim Davis.
Founded by Yvon Chouinard in 1973, Patagonia is based in Ventura, California, yet, is recognised internationally for a commitment to product quality and environmental activism. Through its 1% For The Planet commitment, Patagonia has made contributions of more than US$110 million in grants and in-kind donations to date.
The B Corp model, to which Patagonia has been certified as since January 2012, guides the outdoor apparel company in evaluating its impact and setting new pathways for improvements. “Patagonia is trying to build a company that could last 100 years,” said founder Yvon Chouinard on the day Patagonia signed up. “Benefit corporation legislation creates the legal framework to enable mission-driven companies like Patagonia to stay mission-driven through succession, capital raises, and even changes in ownership, by institutionalising the values, culture, processes, and high standards put in place by founding entrepreneurs.”
Patagonia aims to reduce the adverse social and environmental impacts of its business and to ensure its products are produced under safe, fair, legal and humane working conditions throughout the supply chain. Participating in the 2020 Champions Retreat offers up the chance to share with and learn from other local businesses blazing a trail when it comes to social and environmental responsibility.
For example, this year the Patagonia will be focusing on Regenerative Organic, a farming method that it believes could help save our home planet. Regenerative Organic goes beyond doing less harm than conventional agricultural methods, and actually begins to do good by rehabilitating soil, respecting animal welfare and improving the lives of farmers. The method also shows promise through healthy soil’s ability to capture and store more carbon than conventional farming, which could be a tool for mitigating climate change (find out more here).
This disruptive idea is just one of several that Patagonia will be raising at the Champions Retreat – a unique opportunity to engage with the business leaders leading Australia into the next decade.
Dane will be at Champions Retreat, so if you keen to continue the conversation, come along to Champions Retreat and have a yarn with him!
