Patagonia’s Mission Statement is to build the best product, cause no unnecessary harm, and use business to inspire and implement solutions to the environmental crisis. At Patagonia, a love of wild and beautiful places demands participation in the fight to save them, and to help reverse the steep decline in the overall environmental health of our planet. The company donates time, services and at least 1% of sales to hundreds of grassroots environmental groups all over the world who work to help reverse the tide. Rios Libres is one of those lucky groups to be endorsed by Patagonia, and we are very grateful to be connected to such an incredible company. This partnership and support has helped spread the word of the potential atrocity in Patagonia’s wild rivers.
Osprey was founded in 1974 with the mission, “to create innovative high performance gear that reflects our love of adventure and our devotion to the outdoors.” As a young entrepreneur in Santa Cruz, California, Mike Pfotenhauer opened a retail shop in the front of his rented house where backpackers and travelers – drawn by word of mouth – came to get measured for the custom-fitted, made-to-order packs. This ambitious start quickly grew to the successful and honest company they are today. Osprey is a dedicated outdoor industry leader in sustainability, environmental and social concerns and actively demonstrate this commitment. They have proudly sponsored numerous organizations and we are very grateful for the support they have given Rios Libres over the years.
Klean sold their first Klean Kanteen in 2004 and since then they have continued to demonstrate their commitment to quality products and to making the world a better place. Their goal is to provide affordable, safe, healthy, products that encourage health, sustainability and environmental awareness. Today Klean Kanteen® continues to lead through innovation and example, bringing new products to market that replace plastic with safe, long-life cycle alternatives. Klean Kanteen® collaborates with and supports dozens of organizations working to protect people and our planet. They have supported Rios Libres’ efforts since 2012 and we are sincerely gracious for the support they have given us.
Kahtoola was started right here in our hometown of Flagstaff, AZ. Kahtoola was founded by Danny Giovale in 2001 with the debut of their legendary KTS aluminum crampons. He founded Kahtoola after surviving a life-changing experience in the Dolomites of Italy during the 1990s when he and his brother climbed Campanile Basso. Kahtoola has graciously been a huge supporter and title sponsor of Rios Libres’ efforts since 2010. They have shown a commitment to non-profit organizations through their Kahtoola for the people program that gives 1% from the sale of every product to projects that work to preserve indigenous mountain cultures worldwide. We are very grateful of their continued support and kindness.
CLIF Bar and Company started on a simple bike ride when the founder, Gary, took a bite of another energy bar and thought to himself, “I could make a better bar than this”. Today they are still working towards making things better- their food, their company and even the planet. They have five aspirations of sustaining their planet, their community, their people, their business and their brand. They work to understand their impacts from the field to their final product and help to create healthier, more sustainable communities by sourcing organic ingredients and supporting organic agriculture. CLIF Bar and Company partner and collaborate with innovative people and organizations. They have been a contributing sponsor since 2011 and we are very grateful for their generosity.
GOAL ZERO is an innovator of portable solar power systems that power a variety of USB, AC and DC devices anywhere and at anytime. GOAL ZERO was founded by entrepreneur Robert Workman, who realized the need for renewable power and light through his work with the non-profit organization TIFIE in the remote regions of the Republic of Congo. They have shown Rios Libres support by providing awesome solar power in the field and additionally financial support. All of RL film and projects are powered 100% in the field by Goal Zero Solar products.
Arizona Rivers is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to facilitating collaboration between teachers, students and scientists/watershed managers to promote long-term research and monitoring of riparian environments in Arizona. Over the years, Arizona Rivers has been an important parnter of Rios Libres; we appreciate their support and value our partnership in spreading information and education about the potential impact of the mega-dams in Patagonia, with a base of understanding of the environmental impacts that hydropower and the construction of mega-dams has had on the human and ecological communities here in our own state of Arizona.
NRDC is the nation’s most effective environmental action group, combining the grassroots power of 1.3 million members and online activists with the courtroom clout and expertise of more than 350 lawyers, scientists and other professionals. NRDC’s ongoing work in Chilena Patagonia is focused on fighting the proposed HidroAysén dam projects and to promote a sustainable energy future for Chile. NRDC has identified Patagonia as a BioGem, recognizing it as an endangered wild region and working in partnership with communities and organizations to eliminate threats and find environmentally sustainable alternatives. NRDC has been working as a partner with Rios Libres since our beginnings in 2010, supporting our efforts to spread the word about the atrocities of HydroAysén and advocating for sustainable energy alternatives in Chile.
