I just finished reading Yvon Chouinard's book "Let My People Go Surfing."
I am bowled over. I am humbled. I am ashamed. I am inspired.
The newer version hit home. It hit deeper. It resonated more.
I'm not sure to what I should attribute this shake-up. Is it that I'm older and my environmental concern has become more pronounced? Is it because as I've traveled over the years and seen the degradation of nature first hand that I can grasp the reality better? Is it because Chouinard has become more persuasive? Perhaps all of the above.
The premise of the book is that every individual and every business has an obligation to protect the planet for future generations. We can all grasp that lofty ideal with a loud 'hurrah!"
What we don't- and won't- grasp with zeal are the personal efforts it takes to make that happen.
Are you willing to shuck that consumer mentality? To shop for your clothes in thrift stores? To mend the ones you presently own? To make do, use up, or do without? We THINK we are. We THINK we do... but it's hard to shed what has become habit- to buy and buy again.
I did it as well. I love Patagonia products. I have a closet full of them. Part way through the book I thought to myself "I want to order a catalog."
Sound of brakes screeching and crunching metal....
Why would I need a catalog? BECAUSE I WAS SO ENAMORED OF PATAGONIA I WANTED TO SHOW MY SUPPORT BY BUYING MORE STUFF!!!!!!! What. the. hell.
Which is exactly what Chouinard is advocating against. (And maybe Patagonia pulling their catalog is one step in the right direction to curing our shopping addiction, but I think it's going to take more than that).
Instead, I've made what I'm calling the "Patagonia Pledge": to not buy another piece of new clothing for the rest of my life. Sound drastic? Only if you MUST follow the latest fashion. My closets are full of excellent quality outdoor clothing, (and just enough other clothing to make me office appropriate-barely). They are good quality for which I paid a good price, because I know they will last a good long time. But I have also been guilty of buying the same Icebreaker shirt in three colors. Because I liked it.
I've asked my family to help me be accountable on this. When I see that adorable soft fuzzy fleece sweater, they have been instructed to use whatever force necessary to remind me of my pledge.
There are many other avenues to take to make the planet healthier. I hope to pursue more than just the clothing aspect. But it's a start.
I'm also going to encourage my boss to read the book. The idea of flex time scheduled to outdoor activities is THE WAY TO GO!!! Boss- are you listening?!?!?!
Read it. Think about it. #Patagonia #LetMyPeopleGoSurfing
Happy Trails...
Saor
