2 ms·
No, not talking about pitons. That was what climbing was. When climbers like Yvon realized the damage it was causing, new forms of protection were invented, lik
by wcarron 7y ago
No, not talking about pitons. That was what climbing was. When climbers like Yvon realized the damage it was causing, new forms of protection were invented, like spring-loaded camming devices and metal chocks that could be removed and caused almost no damage.
Him pivoting when he learned is the only thing he could do. I was talking more about building products from petroleum based fibers and whatnot. Calling them a "sin" is a stretch, but I couldn't think of another phrase.
- pfranz 7y agoThanks for clarifying. I'm not sure if there was a specific incident where he changed, but he does seem well aware any company with millions in revenue isn't without blame. He also recognizes that preserving the environment is in the best interest of Patagonia. In the book he contrasts the culture of US climbers with European ones back then; Europeans focused on conquering nature (climbing tall mountains), while the US had advocates like John Muir, Ansel Adams, and Robert Frost focusing on being in nature. It does seem like his awareness of the long-term damage has been long-standing. Patagonia started with importing rugby shirts because of their durability, environmental tithing started in the 80s, and the push for more sustainable materials in the 90s (with the realization it takes heavy involvement in the supply chain to carry out and enforce). Along the way he talks about repurposing old buildings instead (and adopting their quirks) of building new and actively encouraging repairs instead of replacing garments.