In looking at garments, one must reflect on the harsh subject of corporate greed. To lower production costs, most companies rely on cheap manufacturing strategies and horrendous labor practices. Patagonia is taking part in the Fair Trade program in order to minimize the company's damage on factory workers. This allows the company to ensure living wages as determined by the law are provided to the individuals going hard at work in their partner factories. Furthermore, the company is working methodically to provide statutory benefits as well as overtime pay and a safe work environment for factory workers. In order to do so, Patagonia not only remains directly involved with its partner factories, but also works closely with experts, academics, unions and NGO's to pave the way towards Fair Labor.

Speaking of consciousness.. The 1% Earth tax was established as early as 1985, and consisted in the company donating 1% of its profits to environmental preservation efforts. The difference these donations made encouraged founder Yvon Chouinard, along with Craig Mathews, owner of Blue Ribbon Files, to form an alliance with other businesses in order to expand the movement. The latter serves to promote corporate responsibility all while financing grassroot organizations on the path to making real change. In its years of operation, Patagonia's 1% for the Planet has generated an astounding 140$ million! What a great example of Patagonia's philosophy, which rests not only on reducing harm to the environment, but also on giving back!