Sustainability and Waste Hierarchy of the Patagonia Company

Introduction
The following paper describes Sustainability and Waste Hierarchy of the Patagonia
company and how it was proceeded so in 2021 it became one of the world’s most responsible
company.
The goal of sustainable development has been characterized as "forms of economic and
social development that maintain and enhance the natural environment while also promoting
social fairness".
To achieve meaningful changes in production and consumption systems, sustainability
necessitates radical new thinking. This entails a deeper understanding of the complex
relationships between various environmental consequences, as well as a focus on step-change
innovation rather than incremental progress.
The new triple bottom line for business and government must address social issues like
access, equity, and justice, as well as economic and environmental sustainability.
The waste management hierarchy dates back to the 1970s, when the environmental
movement began to criticize the disposal-based waste management method. The hierarchy makes
sense as a notion or principal in a way that is difficult to argue against. It echoes widely held
beliefs in human health and medicine, such as the notion that prevention is preferable to cure.
Most people would agree that preventing problems before they arise is more effective than
investing in reactive solutions after they occur. The connections between human health and
environmental conservation are striking, and they are backed up by a wealth of scientific
evidence.
The waste hierarchy is widely utilized as a guiding principle for trash policy and
programs by governments, industry, educators, and environmental organizations. Solid waste
managers in government and industry have minimal control over production decisions that
influence waste generation, which is a hurdle to the hierarchy's adoption, especially in the
absence of regulation.

Background of the case company and the key sustainable
challenges faced
In the 1950s, Patagonia began as a manufacturer of mountaineering equipment. In the
1970s, the outdoor apparel sector was formed as a viable business line to diversify the company's
revenue. Through its environmental and social activities, the company has established itself as a
leading industry pioneer, and the brand has become synonymous with ethical business practices
and high-quality outdoor clothing. Patagonia has long aided environmental activist groups and
attempted to integrate sustainability practices into their operations. Advertisements support these
efforts to raise environmental awareness among their target audiences.
Patagonia's fundamental objective is to save the globe, which, as CEO Patagonia
explains, "puts a lot of urgency on our steps," but she also recognizes the need of enlisting others'
help, and she works to make that a reality. Patagonia's website explains why it exists in the
context of life on Earth being threatened with extinction. The corporation has made it a high
priority to address these concerns.
On a global level, concerns such as third-world poverty, North–South income inequality,
and intergenerational equity must be considered for sustainable development. Moving beyond
pollution prevention and product stewardship is also part of sustainable development. A
sustainable-development strategy at the corporate level should be "fostered by a strong sense of
social–environmental purpose," and imply a commitment to a triple bottom line that incorporates
financial, environmental, and social objectives. Patagonia's decision to transition to organic
cotton in 1996 is a good example of external stakeholders driving technological development.
Will Allen, an organic cotton activist who took the initiative in teaching Patagonia personnel
about the impacts of conventional cotton in the early 1990s, was the catalyst for this
transformation. As a result, the company decided to stop using conventionally farmed cotton in
all of its goods. Sustainable development also entails the creation of low-impact technologies and
capabilities to lessen a company's negative environmental and social repercussions.
A variety of variables support the idea that Patagonia is making progress toward the
objective of sustainable development on multiple fronts at the same time. To begin with, the
importance of sustainability is ingrained in the company's fundamental values, which include