Sustainable Business & a Documentary you should Watch
Yvon Chouinard knows whats up. He’s making the best out of what he has created. Watch this interview with the founder of Patagonia about how he’s made his business more sustainable. He realized that formaldehyde covered all of his clothes and made the switch to organic. Not everyone would make such a change. This youtube video created by Seventh Generation is split in thirds; one third information about the garment industry, one third mission statement, and one third advertisement for Patagonia. Once you see it, the advertisement kind of melts away and you’re left thinking. That’s right, thinking! I’m thinking about how I can change my ways, how I can get others to see this and also change their ways, and how I can incorporate some of these practices into my business (if I ever own one).
If you liked this, watch the documentary 180* South (check out the trailer here). It’s a great documentary about Jeff Johnson, a climber and surfer, who found the footage of Yvon Chouinard and Doug Tompkins’ 1968 trip to Patagonia. In ’68, they bought a van and drove from California down to Chile. In 2009 into 2010, Jeff started on a boat from Seattle and then their mast broke so they spent a month on Easter Island repairing it. This is not something you write, this is something only real life can throw at you. I recommend you see this documentary (available on Instant View on Netflix). Its a captivating film which is difficult to say about a lot of movies today. The soundtrack is bomb too featuring Jack Johnson, Ugly Casanova, James Mercer, and Mason Jennings (buy it on Amazon for only $7.99).
It reminds me a little bit of “Into the Wild.” Even though I don’t surf or climb mountains, I can relate to the climbers’ love of their surroundings because that’s how I feel about the mountains in the winter. I have this feeling like I need to get out there and live in the mountains as soon as possible. I’m currently working on securing a job at a mountain somewhere so that I can live this dedicated life along with only purchasing (or accepting “free stuff”) items I really need and that will last a long time.
Another similar message is The Story of Stuff. A friend forwarded this to me a couple years ago and it resonated with me. The information was presented in a way that really made sense and helped me move forward in my quest to leave a smaller environmental footprint. Do what you can and question what you’re told.
