It’s no secret that the second biggest polluter in our environment stems from emissions from the apparel industry. However, one outdoor apparel company has recognized this issue and is making a conscious effort to help save our planet by creating sustainable fashion. In 1973, Patagonia was founded and based in Ventura, California. The brand’s logo depicts Earth’s beauty with an image of Mount Fitz Roy which borders Argentina and Chile. Patagonia promotes recycling and often uses scraps from factory floors when manufacturing their products. In addition, their iconic fleeces are made with organic cotton which is farmed by workers who make a livable wage and use regenerative labor techniques. The establishment also takes pride in recycling its packaging by sending its old wrapping off to be turned into plastic lumber for future usage. They have been verified as a B Corp company since 2021 which means that they have received a certification of leading “social and environmental performance.” Also, in 2021, the institution received the B Corp’s Best for the World Environment Award. Patagonia offers a wide variety of both men’s and women’s clothing which includes jackets that are perfect for the winter months and shorts that can be worn on hot, summer days. I am a firm believer that it is worth investing in companies who want to help give back to our Earth, and Patagonia is a great example of both affordable and stylish sustainable fashion.
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Wake Forest chapter.