Patagonia Lobbies for the Environment
Patagonia is putting its two-cents’ worth into the upcoming presidential election.
The Ventura, Calif.–based outerwear maker has launched a three-part advertising campaign called “Vote the Environment.” It is calling on its customers to register to vote and educate themselves on the environmental records of the candidates and place the environmental agenda high on their voter priority list. The company has launched a Web site at www.votetheenvironment.org.
Company Chief Executive Officer Casey Sheahan said the message of the campaign is important to the company despite the fact that it is political and may touch a chord with some of its customers.
“We know that some may be put off by the strong environmental message,” he said. “Not all our customers are environmentalists. But we are. And we believe deeply that the environment is the foundation we all stand on. Every other major social concern, from energy to foreign policy, hinges on the health of the planet.”
The campaign will be run through retail stores, wholesale accounts and the Web. The message will also be promoted during musician Jack Johnson’s concert tour and at events such as Austin City Limits in Austin, Texas. The company will also sell “Vote the Environment” tees, contributing $5 from the sale of each tee to the League of Conservation Voters.
Patagonia posted sales of about $280 million last year and has donated more than $30 million to environmental causes since 1985. —Robert McAllister
