Patagonia the next educational powerhouse?

 

I love Patagonia.

Beyond its overcorporatized fleece zip-ups, one of which I stole from my brother, Patagonia's well-respected noble values, such as “making products that give back to the Earth as much as they take,” are ones I strongly align myself with. Having gone through extensive literature on climate research, I find Patagonia's consistent efforts to fight/raise awareness for climate change well deserving of props as they continue to act as a role model for the clothing industry, an industry known to have a few ethically bad actors, cough, Nike, child labor cough.

Patagonia’s been able to gain a significant young adult following, but hasn't quite found its way to capture the younger teen market. This is pretty gloomy, considering climate change is an issue that affects us all and is pivotal for younger generations to become aware of.

After seeing Mr. Aldinger's UMICH & Patagonia collab zip-up, the next big move to further Patagonia’s reach and impact came to me: the launch of The Patagonia Earth School, a digital learning platform that teaches climate literacy, sustainable living practices, and environmental advocacy to students and communities across the globe. Though it may seem unusual for a clothing company to venture into EdTech, this would fit perfectly with Patagonia’s strong commitment to advocacy.

Slight tangent, but this cannot be the wildest idea for Patagonia, considering that they sell a $155.00 Flavored Sardine Combo pack, as a “gift”?? If someone gave me sardines mixed with tomato sauce as a birthday gift, I’d probably regurgitate my last 3 meals on the spot. Don't worry, though, I still mess with you, Patagonia.

Going back to education, a digital school service could offer courses on climate-conscious topics such as sustainable food systems (hopefully no mention of sardines), the chemistry of clean energy, or the economics of conservation, all taught through Patagonia’s network of scientists, activists, and outdoor ambassadors. This unlikely extension is precisely what the world needs now: a trusted brand transforming consumer loyalty into climate education. By teaching people how to live sustainably rather than just dress sustainably, Patagonia could continue to redefine what it means for a company to serve both its customers and the planet.