Patagonia made headlines when Yvon Chouinard donated 100% of his company's profits to fight climate change. What he said could not have been more powerful. “Earth is now our only shareholder.”
First, Patagonia started making their products with eco-friendly materials. Then they became a certified B Corp and gave away 1% of sales each year. In 2018, they changed the company’s purpose to: We’re in business to save our home planet.
This is leadership.
If you’ve already made positive personal choices, consider this – maybe now it’s time for you to lead. You may not own a company, but you have a voice. You can inspire others to take action before it’s too late. You are part of a family, you are part of a community. You can use your influence.
Patagonia realized that its profits would be meaningless if our planet does not survive. The time you invest in work, education and other activities– these things are only worth it if our planet survives.
The reality is this – despite its immensity, the Earth’s resources are not infinite. The good news is the earth is resilient. There is still time to course correct and reverse the damage if we commit to it and take action. What can you do? You can lead.
Homework:
- Do an internet search for “Climate change action plan” (using Ecosia)
- Review the results and get inspired
- Connect with a friend, brainstorm and write down climate change actions you can take in your school, workplace or community
- Take action
The planet thanks you.