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Patagonia Introduces "Earth Usage Fee" to Reduce Returns

4/8/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Patagonia announced an "earth usage fee" on March 30 for orders from its Alibaba-operated Tmall store to curb excessive returns.
Last year, the Tmall store had a 69.7% return rate, contributing to higher carbon emissions.
The fee charges 15 yuan for the first item and 5 yuan for each additional item.
Refunds apply only if customers keep their purchases.
Returns not due to product quality do not qualify.

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Story summary

Patagonia announced an "earth usage fee" on March 30 for orders from its Alibaba-operated Tmall store to curb excessive returns.
Last year, the Tmall store had a 69.7% return rate, contributing to higher carbon emissions.
The fee charges 15 yuan for the first item and 5 yuan for each additional item.
Refunds apply only if customers keep their purchases.
Returns not due to product quality do not qualify.