Let My People Go Surfing.

The title of Patagonia founder Yvon Chouinard’s book title says a lot about his company.

It makes sense for a brand that was started by a bunch of surfers and climbers. But beneath this carefree, outdoor-lovin’, happy-go-lucky attitude is a company that is serious about its principles and initiatives.  A leader in environmentally friendly clothing, Patagonia has taken bold steps for Mother Earth, founding the 1% for the Planet alliance of businesses that donate 1 percent of their sales to a network of environmental organizations worldwide.

While Patagonia has a few retail locations in Canada, a variety of gear stores  carry their apparel. No matter where you buy it, it’s the product of choice if you want high quality apparel that is as eco-friendly as it gets.

Patagonia’s product is tried, tested and true – from the summit of the highest peaks to the coldest places on Earth. But, it’s not just for die-hard climbers and mountaineers.

Over the years this exceptional retailer has expanded to offer a full range of technical products for trekking, winter sports, travel and casual wear. With innovative designs and a mandate to create products that cause the least harm to the environment you can feel good in their clothes – in comfort, performance and consciousness.

This eco-superhero also launched the Common Threads Initiative to save their clothes from the reaches of the evil landfill. It’s an innovative program that allows consumers to give their used clothes back to Patagonia to be re-processed into new garments.

Amazing what a bunch of outdoor enthusiasts can achieve when they truly care about the planet.