How the founder of clothier Patagonia became an opponent of dams

How the founder of clothier Patagonia became an opponent of dams

David Ebner, VANCOUVER — The Globe and Mail, Friday, Dec. 19 2014

"....But this business guru is also well aware of plans that were given the official go-ahead this week to build a third massive hydroelectric dam on the Peace River in northeastern British Columbia. Known as Site C, it is expected to cost almost $9-billion – the biggest infrastructure investment the province has ever made – with construction to begin next summer and to take as long as a decade.

Mr. Chouinard questions B.C. Hydro’s case for flooding 55 square kilometres, much of it farmland and traditional First Nations territory. “It really is a fallacy that hydro is clean power,” he argues. “It’s like ‘clean’ coal. There’s no such thing. I mean, with wind turbines and solar, it’s pretty crazy to destroy an entire river, destroy an entire valley, destroy some of the best agricultural land in Canada.”....

Read more here: http://bit.ly/1v7pM1i

The poseur's guide to Yvon Chouinard

Rock-climber/ethical buisnessman Yvon Chouinard founded clothing company Patagonia.
Photograph by: Courtesy Banff Centre , Swerve

The poseur's guide to Yvon Chouinard

By Jacquie Moore, Swerve October 30, 2014

While a flannel shirt and hemp pants will ensure you look the part of a rugged, arts-loving rock-climber, boning up on the biography of Banff Mountain Film and Book Festival guest Yvon Chouinard will ensure you sound the part, too.

Falcons First: Before he became America’s most famous rock-climber/ethical businessman, Yvon Chouinard was a falconer. In 1953, at the age of 14, he joined the Southern California Falconry Club and learned to train birds for hunting—a hobby that required him to climb cliffs to find falcon aeries. Just saying “aeries” instead of “nests” will convince others of your seasoned outdoorsmanship.

Climb Every Mountain (First): Chouinard became famous in mountaineering circles in the 1960s when he crossed several “world’s-firsts” off his list. He participated in the first ascent of the North American Wall in California’s Yosemite Valley and (local trivia = bonus Poseur points!) he was first up the north face of Mount Edith Cavell. Most important, Chouinard became famous for his focus on the use of a rock’s natural features, a style that altered climbing culture.

River Champions - Yvon Chouinard of Patagonia

River Champions - Yvon Chouinard of Patagonia

American Rivers writes: "We've just named the first 20 River Champions! Learn about Patagonia founder Yvon Chouinard, explore the other Champions, then nominate who you think should be in the next set of 20!

Yvon Chouinard is perhaps one of the most admired businessmen to contribute to the outdoor equipment industry with a key focus on environmental protection."

Read more here: http://bit.ly/1aQSgsZ