Metrics

Article 4 of the revised Waste Framework Directive sets out five steps for dealing with waste, and clearly encourages the avoidance of disposal to landfill. Evidence from Defra shows that the higher levels of the waste hierarchy (see figure to the left) usually provide environmental savings compared to the lower levels [1].

The waste hierarchy is clearly reflected in Patagonia’s Common Threads Initiative. This has so far achieved the following [2]:

Prevention:
26,100 pieces repaired since January 2012

Reuse:
41,400 used Patagonia items sold through the Common Threads Storefront on Ebay

Recycling:
56.6 tons of worn out Patagonia clothing and gear recycled since 2005

^1. Defra, 2011, Applying the Waste Hierarchy: evidence summary
^2. Patagonia, 2013, Common Threads Partnership