Madrona Wear
With West Persons
Caught and Woven by: Frank Stephenson, Carter Nelson, Alex Schramm, and Ava Simcoe
From Bozeman, Montana West Persons shares his journey from a college dropout to the proud owner of Madrona Wear, a repair and consignment shop here in Bellingham, Washington. Growing up in Montana and moving to Bellingham for university, West noticed a major gap in the outdoor industry. Bellingham had tons of people excited to be outside and participate in activities like skiing, hiking and camping but no access to secondhand gear. The idea came to him working at an outdoor store here where he noticed the store was taking a loss and throwing away faulty, but fixable high-quality gear. Madrona was born from West's passion for giving quality gear a new life at a price that makes people want to get outside.
Community and Culture, a New Approach to Sustainable Outdoor Gear
West explains the benefits of repairing clothing and creating a gear hub for residents, saying, “seeing someone walk by wearing a Patagonia or Arc'teryx they thrifted at Madrona for like $40 is just like so sick.” Madrona wear repaired around 1,000 zippers alone last year on pieces from brands like Arc'teryx and North Face and was able to save these pieces that could have otherwise been sent to the landfill. He also offers workshops, giving people the chance to repair their clothing for free. “I just knew in my heart of hearts I wanted to do something to help the world on an environmental level,” West shares.
Speaking with West highlighted how sustainability can exist beyond large-scale environmental policy or corporate initiatives. Real impact can begin locally through small businesses willing to rethink waste, prioritize community, and challenge consumer culture. Madrona Wear shows how circular economies function in practice by keeping products in use longer, reducing unnecessary consumption, and creating spaces where sustainability feels accessible rather than overwhelming.
This conversation also emphasized that sustainability is deeply connected to people and the community. Repairing gear not only reduces landfill waste, but it also helps more people access the outdoors, builds relationships through shared knowledge, and encourages a mindset that values longevity over disposability. In a community connected to nature and recreation, businesses like Madrona Wear show how environmental action can be part of everyday life.
SDGs
SDG 12: Responsible Consumption & Production
Encouraging efficient use of resources and energy, infrastructure, and processes can help decouple economic growth from environmental degradation.
SDG 4: Quality Education
Education enhances people's understanding and ability to improve their lives and the lives of others. It reduces inequalities and lays a foundation for sustained economic growth.
SDG 13: Climate Action
Taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts is essential to protect both the environment and human life, as well as to ensure the sustainability of economic development strategies worldwide.
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities & Communities
Urban areas are growing rapidly. Making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable is crucial to preventing negative environmental impacts and providing quality life for all residents.