Is this a criticism of Patagonia in particular? They've done a lot to be environmentally aware. They've been using recycled polyester in their clothing for years. I also doubt that Patagonia-produced polyester clothing contributes even 0.01% of the polyester refuse in the ocean.

If you have specific criticisms of Patagonia, I would be very interested to learn more about them. Please share.

They commissioned this study. They also pioneered the use of polyester in outdoor clothing...

http://brenmicroplastics.weebly.com/project-findings.html

Has been reported in a few places... https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/jun/20/microfib... http://www.outsideonline.com/2131886/its-time-retire-your-ol...

It's not a throwaway :)

Only an occasional reader, first time I've wanted to reply to something.

It's a paradox that the companies that care attract activist consumers who can never be satisfied and so get criticized more than companies that don't even try.

1) Most of their clothes aren't polyester

2) For those that are, they use recycled plastic[1], which both reduces waste and reduces oil usage.

It doesn't seem a bad compromise to me.

[1] http://www.patagonia.com/recycled-polyester.html