Patagonia Just Spent $700K In First-Ever Ad To Blast Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke

By Amanda Froelich Truth Theory

It’s no secret Patagonia supports environmental efforts and sustainable practices. After all, the outdoor apparel company has advocated for a greener planet on numerous occasions. In the final months of President Obama’s tenure, for instance, Patagonia initiated a campaign to protect Bears Ears in southeastern Utah. Three days before he left the White House, former President Obama designed the area a national monument.

The happening was a “win” for environmentalists and was rightly celebrated. Now that Ryan Zinke is the Interior Secretary of the Trump administration, however, footing gained from hard-fought battles is no longer secure. This is because President Trump gave Zinke the right to review national monument designations — including Bears Ears. As a result, it is possible he will overturn many existing public land designations.

To prevent this from happening, Patagonia purchased $700,000 worth of radio and television airtime in Secretary Zinke’s home state of Montana, as well as in Utah and Nevada. The Inertia reports that the ads implore the public to pressure Secretary ZInke to do the right thing and “keep public lands in public hands.”

The company said in a press release, “In Patagonia’s almost 45 years of doing business, they’ve never run a television advertisement. But with America’s public lands under unprecedented threat, Patagonia continues its legacy of advocating for the planet by bringing its voice to the airwaves.”

The release also stated that the effort is to remind Secretary ZInke “of what he said, ‘our greatest treasures are public lands.’” Zinke has the power to rescind the title of national monuments, including Bears Ears and the Grand Staircase Escalante. In Nevada, Gold Butte and Basin and Range National Monuments are also under threat.

Patagonia urges the public to pressure Zinke before he makes a decision on August 24th. “There is limited time before Secretary Zinke makes his August 24th decision on the remaining 21 national monuments and it is Patagonia’s hope that he will follow in the tradition of President Teddy Roosevelt and conserve our shared public lands for future generations,” said the release. “But no matter the outcome (we) won’t stop fighting to protect our public lands. (We) believe the voices of the people will be heard.”

Watch the video below to learn more:

Read more: How Patagonia Is Recycling Bottles Into Jackets

THIS ARTICLE IS OFFERED UNDER CREATIVE COMMONS LICENSE. IT’S OKAY TO REPUBLISH IT ANYWHERE AS LONG AS ATTRIBUTION BIO IS INCLUDED AND ALL LINKS REMAIN INTACT.

I am Luke Miller, content manager at Truth Theory and creator of Potential For Change. I like to blend psychology and spirituality to help you create more happiness in your life.Grab a copy of my free 33 Page Illustrated eBook- Psychology Meets Spirituality- Secrets To A Supercharged Life You Control Here