Unlikely Team: Patagonia's Chouinard and Wal-Mart

We had to look to western Australia for one of the better new articles on how green businesses like Patagonia are influencing mainstream retail. Self-described “doom bat” Yvon Chouinard says he is “totally out of testosterone” when it comes to death-defying sports. But he’s more committed than ever to seeing recycled and low-environmental-impact product become the norm, not the exception. In fact, Patagonia and Wal-Mart are combining resources to help educate soft-goods manufacturers. “The two companies are co-writing a manual on how to make sustainable clothing, a relationship he describes as “David and Goliath. Wal-Mart, according to Chouinard, is now leading the way on sustainability. He says the company has made it plain to suppliers that it will not do business with those unwilling to embrace best environmental practice.” Michael Gordon on WAToday.com.au.