by Norrøna ambassador and ecologist, Charles Post
When I look at my favorite falketind GORE-Tex jacket my mind takes me to the incredible places we been, the storms we’ve weathered and experiences had. I think about exploring the mountains of Vesterålen and wild forests of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem in Montana, camping at my wife, Rachel Pohl’s, favorite alpine lake, and hiking with our Samoyed, Knute. I don’t see something that’s disposable, something with an expiration date a year or two in the future. I see something of tremendous value worth far more than a piece of rubbish ripe for replacement when the next season’s style arrives. And yet, our world has been plagued by this wasteful cycle, planned obsolescence, fast fashion, and the disastrous outcome: pollution that’s choking our world’s seas, rivers and streams, poisoning our wildlife and infiltrating even the most remote and pristine ecosystems on earth.
"When I look at my favorite falketind GORE-Tex jacket my mind takes me to the incredible places we been, the storms we’ve weathered and experiences had. [...] I see something of tremendous value worth far more than a piece of rubbish ripe for replacement when the next season’s style arrives."
Plastic pollution is one of the greatest threats to nature, and yet we know exactly how to solve this problem. It starts and ends with us. The purchasing choices we make, the companies we support and the value we place on products is the trifecta that can either continue fueling this pollution crisis or stop it before it’s too late.
The alternative to this story is a far better one for you, me and nature. If our outdoor gear and apparel are designed and manufactured with nature and lifespan in mind (cradle to grave), and each of us places long term value in the products we buy, one that outlasts rips and tears, busted zippers, wear and tear – all signs of a life well lived – then we are on a path towards a truly circular model, one that can help change the world for good.
Each of those blemishes and scars, patches and repairs tell a story, and Norrøna is in the business of keeping those stories alive by making products built to stand the tests of time. And when the going gets a little too tough, every single Norrøna product from packs to sleeping bags, tents to jackets are designed so they can be repaired and brought back to life and manufactured in ways that are gentle on our planet. When this happens two outcomes follow: Your product can live on for years to come and ultimately it stays out of a landfill, our oceans, rivers and streams. This is the value proposition Norrøna stands behind and believes in.
Since 1929 Norrøna has offered repairs and factors product end of life into the equation for all products. If your product is in need of expert skills, can either bring it in to HQ in Oslo or deliver it by mail, and Norrøna’s repair team will happily breathe life back into your favorite pack or jacket, down or tent (literally, any product!). How long’s the wait? Within 2 weeks! If you’re feeling a bit crafty, and up for a DIY experience, Norrøna has many user friendly videos and tutorials that will coach you through your DIY repair experience. Needing a patch or zipper? You can find these in Norrøna’s online store. Have questions? You can reach out to the customer service team with questions to get you headed in the right direction.
Now, why is all of this important? Because the future of our home planet is in our hands. The actions we take, even the smallest, can add up to something great. This is where our collective efforts can achieve great things. While repairability and keeping gear out of the landfill may sound quite small, in truth, it’s a challenge to a norm that has long ailed our planet. The fast fashion, “take, make, use, waste” cycles and way of life must change. Together we can lead by example and follow a sustainable, circular journey that’s good for our planet, which is good for us. If we all play a role, we can have a tremendous impact for good.
For more information check out: https://www.norrona.com/en-GB/warranty-and-repair/repair/
