As a company that produces outdoor clothing and gear, Patagonia recognises the impact of its operations on the environment and implemented multiple mitigation initiatives. Moreover, Patagonia recognised that they could do more to engage their employees in sustainability efforts and create a culture of sustainability within the company.

To mitigate this impact, the company has implemented a number of sustainability initiatives, such as using recycled materials in their products and implementing responsible sourcing practices, and more recently by the innovative donation of the company, by its founder Yvon Chouinard, to fight climate crisis.

Among all of those actions, the company developed the 'Environmental Internship Program', a paid internship program that allows employees to take up to two months off work to work for an environmental organization of their choice.

The program was designed to encourage employees to engage in environmental work, gain experience in the field, and bring that knowledge back to the company. During their time with the environmental organization, interns receive the same compensation and benefits as they would if they were working at Patagonia. In addition, Patagonia covers travel expenses and provides a stipend to cover the costs of living during the internship.

The Environmental Internship Program has been a resounding success for Patagonia. Since its inception, over 1,000 Patagonia employees have participated in the program, working with a wide range of environmental organizations around the world.

The program has had a number of positive outcomes. First, it has allowed employees to gain valuable experience in the field of environmental work, which they can bring back to the company and apply to their roles at Patagonia.

Second, it has helped to create a culture of sustainability within the company by encouraging employees to engage with environmental issues and take action to address them.

Finally, the program has helped to build strong relationships between Patagonia and the environmental organizations with which the interns work.

Overall, the Environmental Internship Program is a unique and innovative way for Patagonia to compensate their employees for engaging in sustainable practices. By providing opportunities for employees to work on environmental issues and supporting their efforts, Patagonia is encouraging its employees to foster a culture of sustainability, without any financieal costs for the employees, quite the contrary.

Photo by Malik Skydsgaard