Patagonia Books Proudly Announces the Publication of The Responsible Company, by Yvon Chouinard and Vincent Stanley

VENTURA, Calif., May 14, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Patagonia Books is excited to announce the publication of The Responsible Company: What We've Learned from Patagonia's First 40 Years, written by Yvon Chouinard, founder and owner of Patagonia Inc. and Vincent Stanley, Patagonia's head of marketing. The book draws on the authors' cumulative years of experience at Patagonia – and knowledge of current efforts by other companies – to articulate the elements of responsible business of today.  

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120514/CL06749 )

"I co-wrote this book because I wanted to provide concise step-by-step solutions for people who want to green their business," said Yvon Chouinard, "The Responsible Company is a practical sequel to Let my People Go Surfing and was written for individuals and businesses that want to stop causing unnecessary harm. Most notably, it includes checklists of activities that every company, including our own, needs to address in the coming years."

In plain, compelling prose, the authors articulate how companies can reduce the harm they cause, improve the quality of their business, and provide the kind of meaningful work everyone wants today. Its advice is simple but powerful: reduce your environmental footprint (and its skyrocketing cost), make legitimate products that last, reclaim deep knowledge of your business and its supply chain to make the most of opportunities in the years to come, and earn the trust (and business) you'll need by treating your workers, customers and communities with respect. 

"Our hope is that the book will have as broad a readership as possible – not just business owners. People have power as individual consumers and citizens, but also as producers," noted Vincent Stanley, "What we do at work to lighten the economy's environmental and social footprint makes a far more significant difference than whether we personally recycle or drive a hybrid."

To date, the book has received media coverage and praise from National Public Radio's Marketplace, The Wall Street Journal Magazine, Fast Company and Men's Journal, illustrating it's broad audience appeal to both business owners and general readers.

http://www.marketplace.org/topics/sustainability/corner-office/patagonia-founder-why-theres-no-sustainability

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303513404577352221465986612.html

The Responsible Company is available at www.patagonia.com. $19.95, 150 pages.

About Patagonia Books
Patagonia Books, based in Ventura, California, is an imprimatur of Patagonia Inc. – the outdoor apparel and gear manufacturer. Patagonia Books believes that books are still the most important medium for passing values to the next generation and was founded to realize that obligation. The titles Patagonia Books publishes tell stories that at some level reflect Patagonia Inc.'s beliefs and values. Previous titles include Yosemite in the Sixties, a collection of black and white photographs that celebrate the golden age of rock climbing in America and Surf is Where You Find It, a book by the legendary surfer, Gerry Lopez. Patagonia Books can be purchased at www.patagonia.com or at most major booksellers.  

SOURCE Patagonia Inc.