The Power of Your Dollar: How Small Purchases Shape the World

One of the most underrated superpowers we have? Choosing where to spend our money.

Every dollar supports something—whether it’s a massive corporation, a local shop, or a business that aligns with your values. But it wasn’t until my early twenties that I really understood how much impact my purchasing decisions could have.

The Moment It Clicked for Me

I remember debating whether to spend more on a jacket from Patagonia. It seemed expensive, and I wasn’t sure if it was worth it. But then, I took the time to look into their values—how they sourced materials, treated workers, and reinvested in environmental initiatives.

That led me down a rabbit hole into the story of Yvon Chouinard, Patagonia’s founder, and his mission to make consumer spending work for good.

I read his book, and it completely reshaped my perspective. That one moment influenced not just my buying habits but also where I’ve worked and what I’ve built for over a decade.

That’s exactly why I started Megabeta Climbing.

Why Your Purchases Matter More Than You Think

Most of us don’t think about the ripple effect of a single purchase, but the impact adds up. Here are some stats that put it into perspective:

1. As of 2022, humanity's ecological footprint exceeded Earth's biocapacity by 71%, meaning we are using natural resources 1.71 times faster than the planet can regenerate them.
2. Approximately 57 million tons of plastic pollution are produced globally each year, enough to fill New York City's Central Park to the height of the Empire State Building
3. In 2023, the United States achieved a PET bottle recycling rate of 33%, marking the highest level in decades. This effort resulted in the collection of 1,962 million pounds of bottles for recycling.

So what can we do? We can buy better. Support companies doing things right. And push brands to be accountable for their impact.

The Problem with “Recycled” Materials

When we started Megabeta, we committed to using recycled fabrics—but we quickly learned that not all “recycled” materials are created equal.

We found out that some factories manufacture plastic bottles just to break them down into fabric, completely undermining the purpose of recycling. That realization forced us to dig deeper and put in the extra effort to use certified recycled materials.

That’s why we partner with REPREVE, which ensures that our fabric actually comes from post-consumer waste—not newly made plastic. It costs more, but it’s the only way to do it right.

You’re Part of This Movement

We know this matters to you, too.

The email we sent about environmental impact got more clicks than anything else we’ve ever shared. And a customer recently told us:

"The materials are great. We appreciate you taking extra time to get it right."

That means the world to us. Because at the end of the day, this isn’t just about making gear. It’s about proving that a business can do things differently—that companies don’t have to take shortcuts to succeed.

So whether you’re following along, sharing with friends, or carrying a Megabeta bag—we’re grateful to have you on this journey.

"Not all weight is measured in pounds. Some is measured in impact."

---

How to Take Action:

✔️ Buy from brands that align with your values
✔️ Ask where materials come from before purchasing
✔️ Support small businesses doing the hard work
✔️ Share this message—because awareness leads to action

Let’s build a world where every purchase counts for something better.