Though Patagonia’s hemp is not “certified organic,” it is grown organically using all natural ingredients: compost, animal manure and available rainfall. Hemp is an exceptionally eco-friendly material. It requires no irrigation, pesticides or synthetic fertilizers. It is also harvested and processed by hand. Hemp is also one of, if not the most, durable natural fibers on the planet. With such resilience, hemp will last and last and last, so you won’t have to spend precious time and money on replacements.

Patagonia’s Hempdress is made from 67% hemp and 33% recycled polyester.

Standard wool has scales that make it itchy and coarse and cause it to shrink. To reduce the scales and itchiness, most manufacturers treat their whole with chlorine. But chlorine is a pollutant.

To avoid the environmental problems associated with chlorine, Patagonia insists on sourcing only the softest, least coarse wool possible. Such wool comes from just three Merino sheep ranches, all located in the southern alps of New Zealand, where ranchers follow the strictest environmental mandates of low head to hectares and natural grass feeding.

With room to graze and a healthy diet, it’s no wonder these sheep produce the world’s thinnest wool—at one-fifth as thick as human hair. At such a fine gauge, this 100% merino wool does not require chlorine to make it soft. It is naturally soft on its own.

Patagonia Women’s Wild Isle Sweater features images of Nordic wilderness - conifers, full moon, snow geese and whales. Made from Patagonia’s signature soft merino wool it is exceptionally soft.

Patagonia’s definition of success stretches far beyond units sold and profits earned. The company prides itself on creating products that not only offer great value, but also tread lightly on the planet.

Patagonia ensures a product’s environmental integrity by starting at the source—fabric. The company travels the globe in search of only the best quality performance fabrics that carry the lightest environmental impact. Hemp, organic cotton and chemical-free wool are just a few signature woven and knit materials.

Shopgreen offers many items for men and women that are made from these eco-materials. Stay tuned for explanations as to why Patagonia sourced materials offer exceptional environmental and performance benefits.

Patagonia Men’s Prefontaine Jacket is made of stretch-jersey 100% organic cotton. Just one of many of the companies eco-fabric garments.

Though I’ve loved Patagonia clothing for as long as I can remember, I have only recently come to know how great the company truly is. After reading, an article on Patagonia founder and CEO, Yvon Chouinard, I am stunned by the company’s longstanding commitment to environmentalism. From habitat protection funds to company grants for wilderness exploration and biodiversity study, Patagonia donates a significant portion of their profits to environmentalism. Then, consider Patagonia’s products. All are designed with environmental best practice in mind.

The Patagonia Capilene 3 Zip Neck for Women is one of Patagonia’s many eco-designed products. Made from 64% recycled polyester, it is 100% recycleable at the end of its lifetime.

Given my recent findings and enthusiasm for Patagonia’s work, I would like to take the next few days to elaborate on the company’s various environmental initiatives, while highlighting the ways in which Patagonia is a model company from which the rest of corporate America can learn. Stay tuned for more on Patagonia.

Many parents argue that Patagonia is too expensive for their growing kids. “I don’t want to spend too much money on my sons’ clothes if they’re going to outgrow them in a 6 months,” explained my friend Sarah, mother of growing boys Jake and James.

Agreed Patagonia can be a bit pricey—especially for growing kids, but think of it as a long-term investment. You’ll actually save money because Patagonia’s products last and last and last. Given their outstanding quality, you won’t have to spend precious time and money on replacements. Patagonia kids clothes are designed for growth. Many feature snaps, buttons and adjustable elastics allowing garments to follow your kids’ rapidly lengthening legs and oddly elongating arms.

Patagonia’s Baby Baggies Apron Dress for Toddler Girls is one example of Patagonia’s “growth technology.” This adorable A-line apron dress with matching diaper cover features the gentlest elastic that stretches as a baby grows. Crossover back straps also accommodate spurts with adjustable, double-snap closure fronts.