Over 1 billion people worldwide celebrated Earth Day last week. As exciting as this was, we believe Earth Day should be every day. This past week we have been highlighting people and organizations that work to help our planet all year round. To conclude our week of recognitions, today we feature environmentally conscious clothing brand, Patagonia.

It takes a large amount of resources such as water and fossil fuels to manufacture clothes. Understanding the toll this takes on our environment, Patagonia has taken a stand to reduce their consumption of limited resources and to engage in sustainable business practices. Patagonia clothing is made using organic cotton and recycled polyester. Additionally, the company ensures that the materials they use are Fair Trade certified. They even have a line of fleeces made from recycled plastic bottles!

Patagonia’s mission statement reads, “Build the best product, cause no unnecessary harm, use business to inspire and implement solutions to the environmental crisis.” Through their Worn Wear program, Patagonia encourages customers to reduce their footprint by repairing things when they break, passing along clothing to others when it’s no longer being used, and recycling worn-out goods. They support this program with the largest garment repair facility in North America, and by designing their clothing for durability. Patagonia’s commitment to the environment extends beyond manufacturing practices. The company generates and purchases large amounts of green energy. In fact, in 2015 Patagonia generated 203,502 kWh of on-site renewable energy and purchased 980,112 kWh of green power, and they remain committed to increasing these numbers every year.

However, what really makes Patagonia stand out is their ongoing environmental advocacy. Through their Drive-less Program, they have inspired their employees to drive 690,000 fewer miles, reducing CO2 emissions by 500,000 pounds and saving 25,700 gallons of fuel. In addition, as part of their Environmental Internship Program, Patagonia employees can devote up to 320 hours to non-profit environmental groups and still receive their full pay and benefits. Patagonia also donates 1% of their sales to grassroots environmental causes. These are just a few of the many programs that Patagonia uses to make a positive impact on the environment.

“For us at Patagonia, a love of wild and beautiful places demands participation in the fight to save them, and to help reverse the steep decline in the overall environmental health of our planet.” – Patagonia

To learn more about how Patagonia is helping to protect our planet, visit www.patagonia.com/environmentalism.