Extending the life of our garments is the single most important thing we can do to lower our impact on the planet. This simple act of extending the life of our garments through proper care and repair reduces the need to buy more over time — thereby avoiding the CO2 emissions, waste output, and water usage required to build it.
Today, Patagonia is proud to launch a more than 50 stops, five-country European mission to encourage our customers to make their clothes last a lifetime (regardless of brand). At each stop, we’ll be offering free repairs on busted zippers, rips, tears, buttons, pulls and more – in addition to teaching people how to fix their own gear.
The Euro Worn Wear Tour will kick off simultaneously on April 15 in both UK and Germany and ending end of in France, Italy and the Netherlands. The tour will be stopping at a myriad of locations such as retail locations, sport events, farmers’ markets and universities.
Patagonia’s Worn Wear program was created in 2013 as a way to encourage people to take good care of their gear, washing and repairing as needed. It’s an extension of a philosophy Patagonia has held for more than 40 years (and the subject of our commentary on Black Friday, including our “Don’t Buy This Jacket” ad in 2011). Worn Wear aims to keep clothing, regardless of brand, in circulation for as long as possible. When it’s time for a replacement, we want you to invest in something that lasts.
That’s why Patagonia makes the best quality, most functional products in the world, guarantees them for life. And it’s why we’re going on tour – bringing Worn Wear’s critical message to communities across the country.
“Building a product that lasts and can be repaired is the very first and most critical step toward limiting our footprint on the environment,” notes Patagonia CEO Rose Marcario. “We want to empower our customers to be owners, not just consumers. It’s a simple but critical message: keep your gear in action longer and take some pressure off our planet.”
The Worn Wear mobile repair shops are equipped with Industrial Juki sewing machines and will be open to anyone who brings in a garment in need of repair, regardless of brand. The tour will aim to educate visitors about the philosophy behind Patagonia’s Worn Wear program, in addition to offering up some fun with food and drinks.
At the end of the day, we can tinker with our supply chain, improve sourcing, use all-recycled fabrics and give away millions of dollars to environmental organizations until the cows come in, but nothing is more important and impactful than keeping our clothing in use for as long as possible. In fact, by keeping our clothing in use just nine extra months, we can reduce related carbon, waste and water footprints by 20-30 percent each, according to the UK-based group WRAP – simply because we’re making and throwing away less.
We look forward to seeing you at Worn Wear Tour stops around the country!
#BETTERTHANNEW #WORNWEAR @PATAGONIA
See below for tour dates and stops around the UK.
5th & 16th April – Keswick, George Fisher & Nurture Lakeland blogger-fest
17th April – Grassington, Fellsman Ultrarun Event
18th & 19th April – Betws-y-Coed, Wales, Moel Siabod Cafe with Save the Conwy
21st & 22nd April – Shrewsbury, High Sports
23rd & 24th April – Stevenage, Countryside Ski & Climb
26th & 27th April – London, The Brokedown Palace at Boxpark with Waterkeeper
28th April – London, The Brokedown Palace at Spitalfields Market
30th April – 1st May – Cornwall, Down The Line Surf Shop with Save Our Sands
About Patagonia Founded by Yvon Chouinard in 1973, Patagonia is an outdoor apparel company based in Ventura, California. A certified B-Corporation, Patagonia’s mission is to build the best product, cause no unnecessary harm and use business to inspire and implement solutions to the environmental crisis. The company is recognized internationally for its commitment to authentic product quality and environmental activism, contributing over $70 million in grants and in-kind donations to date.
The World Surf League have launched WSL PURE – an acronym for Progressive Understanding and Respect for the Environment – the goal of which is to support environmental programs and research.
The partnership with Columbia University’s Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory will fund research about ocean health. The program will also create curriculum for students at Columbia University who focus on ocean studies.
WSL PURE comes at a time when pollution, climate change, and overfishing coupled with diminished government funding are putting the world’s oceans in jeopardy.
“All of us at the World Surf League want to give back to the oceans, and it’s time to get serious,” said Paul Speaker, CEO of the World Surf League. “Today’s launch of WSL PURE and our very special partnership with Columbia University are the first steps in what we hope will become a global movement among our community and beyond, to protect the waters that are both our home and our playing field.”
“By creating a generation of “surfer scientists,” we aspire to create a voice for the oceans and to inspire and empower our global fan base and partners to become better informed about the issues plaguing the oceans, while providing educational opportunities so that we can become an important part of real-world solutions.”
WSL PURE has contributed an initial $1.5 million in funding that will support Lamont-Doherty scientists as they lead pioneering research in ocean health & ecosystems, ocean acidification, sea-level rise, and the role the oceans play in climate change. All of the scientific findings will be shared publicly and transparently, as is standard practice.
“The funding provided by WSL PURE provides unique flexibility and freedom,” said marine biologist Sonya Dyhrman. “This will allow me to push my work into new directions and pursue the most pressing research in a bold and innovative way.”
WSL PURE will be making announcements in the coming months regarding the next phases of the program, including opportunities for individuals around the world to become a part of a global movement designed to empower people locally, regionally and internationally.
“The WSL PURE and Columbia partnership is a unique way to marry research, education, an advocacy in a way that can bring powerful studies to the global community,” said Greg Muth, director of WSL PURE and a member of the graduate school faculty at Columbia University’s School of Professional Studies.
“This collaboration incorporates traditional philanthropy as well as a hybrid reinvestment model into research and education. Over time, we expect this will create self-sustaining funding for research.”
“Surfing has become a truly global sport with fans and athletes in every corner of the world,” concluded Speaker. “With WSL PURE, we hope to inspire everyone connected with the sport to become engaged in making the oceans healthier for generations to come.”
Conor Maguire is the newest head-to-toe ambassador on the Reef team.
Growing up in Bundoran, Ireland has been the ultimate training ground for him. Strong coastal winds, a rugged landscape and the most prolific swell generated area on the planet gave Conor no choice but to face the conditions head on. Big wave surf spots and world-class slabs have helped build his progression towards becoming a powerful surfer.
Professional Surfer and Green Party candidate, Fergal Smith said, “Conor is the first kid I have seen really step up and take himself, and the waves, seriously. It’s amazing to watch someone with a fire in their belly, to go out there and challenge the unknown.”
While Conor’s heart lies with his homeland, he is a passionate traveller and uses any opportunity to explore new landscapes and new waves.
With fierce determination, Conor’s main goal is to paddle into the biggest barrel and push his limits as far as possible. He doesn’t consider himself a ‘Big Wave Surfer,’ but he does believe, that if you can ride waves in Ireland, you are up for any adventure life throws at you.
“Places where your mind wanders free of technology, with your only worry being where to surf next. That is what Just Passing Through means to me. I’m honored to be a part of the Reef team because they share the same passion for finding waves on a path less travelled.” Says Conor.
This woman claims to tap into the collective consciousness of sharks. And that you can prevent being eaten by telepathically projecting messages to them… “F*** off you big toothy….” not being one of them.
Anna Breytenbach talks about her communication with the mind of the Great White Shark.
Not quite sure about this, but she does speak lot of sense.
A once in a lifetime opportunity to effect change…
Are you as fed up with raw sewage polluting beaches though storm water outfalls as we are? Yes thought so. The scenes on Cornish beaches last year were horrendous, and replicated right around the UK. Everyone was up in arms and once again water companies buried their heads in the sand and hid behind misinterpreted regulations an loopholes.
Well now you have the chance to make all of that history. A once in a lifetime shot at making change.
In March The Environment Agency opened a 6-week industry stakeholder consultation on how often water companies should be legally permitted to discharge raw, untreated human sewage effluent directly into the nation’s beaches, rivers and coastline. In response, Surfers Against Sewage is calling for the public to have their say and support Sewage Free Seas, with the aim of delivering thousands of signatures of public support to the Environment Agency and Members of Parliament.
It is probably a once in a lifetime chance for you to voice your opinion and free the EA and Government to do something about it. We need all water and beach users signing this in a huge protest; surfers, fishermen, holiday makers, those that rely on tourism, and everyone fed up with seeing shit on beaches
Carve; Why is this so important? Andy Cummins SAS; This is a once in a generation opportunity to tackle the obscene and dangerous amount of raw sewage discharged into our seas via the extensive network of sewer overflows. This Sewage Free Seas action can introduce a strict legal framework that can properly protect the environment and people that use it. This really is the best chance in a generation to plug the many thousands of polluting sewer overflows around the country. We need a critical mass of supporters that will be too loud to ignore.
What are you going to do with the petition? SAS will deliver every signature to the directors at the Environment Agency at our Protect Our Waves All Party Parliamentary Group, in the Houses of Parliament on 4th May. We have a target of 10,000 signatures so please sign up and share the Sewage Free Seas site today.
Is there a real chance this may end pollution through CSO’s once and for all? This is the best opportunity to deal with sewer overflows in the history of SAS and the benefits would be felt at beaches all over the country. It really is now or never, so lets get together and make it happen now!!!
There are 31,000 sewer overflows around the UK, designed to discharge a poisonous mixture of raw, human sewage and other pollutants from road drains and rooftops, directly into our rivers and seas. Most beaches have at least one sewer overflow that discharges this toxic soup, either directly onto the beach or into a waterway nearby. These sewer overflows are often hidden away from view at the beachfront to conceal their existence. The ten worst performing sewer overflows in the Safer Seas Service discharged a combined 250 times during the 2015 bathing season (May-Sept). Shockingly, there are many more sewer overflows along our coastline that boast similarly shamefully numbers of toxic discharges.
This pollution could make you very sick and harms the marine environment Surfers Against Sewage believes should be better protected.
Recent sick surfer case studies from around the UK:
· Leah, aged 13, was surfing at Perranporth in August 2015, when unknown to her or her parents, the local South West Water sewer overflow discharged raw human sewage. Claire, Leah’s mother says: “Leah’s never been this ill before. I’m furious water companies continue to regularly pollute our beautiful beaches. We want Sewage Free Seas now!”
· Dr Georgina Sowman is a surfer, stand up paddleboarder and GP from Northumberland. She was stand up paddle boarding in the sea without knowing her local sewer overflow had recently discharged. She suffered a severe illness with fevers and rigours, vomiting and sinus infection. Dr Sowman says: “It’s important to provide sewage free seas for local communities to enjoy”.
· Duncan launched his sailing dingy from Brixham yacht club during early August 2015. Unfortunately, a graze on his leg became infected leading to serious illnesses. He was initially diagnosed with meningitis and treated accordingly. Clinical tests later confirmed a severe leg infection was the cause of these serious symptoms. Duncan was hospitalized and received aggressive treatment, followed by extensive and lengthy treatment at home. Thankfully Duncan has since made a full recovery. Duncan says: “Nobody should be subjected to the ordeal and infection I was. Sewage Frees Seas please!”
· Christine and Jo were both taken down with sore throats and chest infections after kite surfing at Lancing Beach, without knowing one of the many local sewer overflows had recently discharged. Christine says: “I just want clean and safe water to enjoy. Sewage Free Seas please!”
· Dr Neil Wright and his daughter suffered a very unpleasant case of viral gastroenteritis from a surfing trip to Cornwall in March 2015. Dr Wright says: “As a GP in the midlands I had not anticipated the public health dangers of surfing after a rainfall event. Our wetsuits kept us warm but they could not protect us against a toxic soup of bacteria and viruses. Two days of vomiting and diarrhea were the price for surfing after a few days heavy rain.
A dramatic change is clearly needed. And after many years of Surfers Against Sewage lobbying, the Environment Agency is finally challenging the English water companies that repeatedly pollute our coastal environment with excessive sewer overflow discharges. Surfers Against Sewage hopes that the public support will help enable the Environment Agency to take strong and decisive action to legally oblige water companies to massively reduce or eliminate sewer overflow pollution at England’s beaches once and for all.
Surfers Against Sewage is calling for 10,000 surfers, water users, boarders, swimmers and all beach lovers to sign its response to the Environment Agency consultation calling on the government for SEWAGE FREE SEAS! To do this supporters are asked to visit www.SewageFreeSeas.org.uk and add their signature. Surfers Against Sewage will deliver these to the Environment Agency and Environment Minister at its All Party Parliamentary Group meeting in Westminster on 4th May, once the consultation has closed. The Environment Agency consultation closes on 3rd May.
SAS Campaigns Director, Andy Cummins says: “This really is the best chance in a generation to plug the many thousands of polluting sewer overflows around the country. We need a critical mass of supporters that will be too loud to ignore. It’s now or never, take action and sign up for Sewage Free Seas today!”
There’s been a big change with the WSL Pro Junior series in 2016 with the age category dropping from Under 20 to Under 18. Pretty much the whole top 20 from last year have moved on and the whole field has been shaken up big time. The incentive for doing well on the tour remains the same. There’s 6 events and at the end of the season the top 4 ranked surfers go to the World Juniors. Plough through a few heats there and you’re drafted straight into the 6000 and 10000 QS events the following season. The importance of this to competitive surfers careers can not be overstate as the alternative of moving up via the 10000 events is doubly hard.
So the 2016 season kicked off with a healthy number of British representatives hoping to follow in the deep footprints left by Luke Dillon and Jobe Harriss the last couple of years. Harry de Roth, Angus Scotney, Arran Strong, Eno James, Liam Murray Strout, Charlie Rio, Noah Biersack and Kit Innes all landed in Portugal with high hopes and all leave with a clearer understanding of the task ahead. Waves ranged from small and tricky to overhead and pumping and then outer bank onshore randomness. The sun shone and the public got to see what the current cream of European surfing standard looks like. IN the end it was newcomer Thomas Debierre from France who outpointed Portugals Luis Perloiro for the win. Of the Brit crew it was only Arran Strong and Angus Scotney who leave the event with keeper results and both left the water after their 3rd and 5th place respective results feeling like they had way more to give. For them and all the others it’s pretty clear that this years’ WSL Pro Junior Tour is wide open and a top 4 end of year place is an achievable task. It’s back to the UK for most and the start of the domestic contest scene before the next event in Biscarosse, France end of April.
Liam Murray Strout with a big end section hit in foreign waters.
Angus Scotney’s high scoring turns and 5th place finish established him as a top 4 contender amongst Europe’s elite juniors this year. Angus’s 1 turn 6.5 in the 4 man Quarters.
Charlie Rio from Jersey was stoked to get through into the 3rd Round.
Eno James didn’t get the result he was after but looked impressive in all the free surfs around the event.
Harry De Roth’s 13th place finish will be a throway for him and he’ll look to make the final day action at the next event in Biscarosse.
Liam Murray Strout part of a pretty solid Brit pack.
These comps provide a really good place to test yourself and also up your game in the free surfs as well as in the comp vest. Noah Biersack lost in the 2nd Round but got to work turning heads the other side of the comp flags.
