Sustainability Worth Supporting

By Leela Portny

Photo by Andy Gobin

In a world seemingly centered around climate change, why do so few people dare to look inward and investigate the role that their overconsumption of fast fashion plays? The very pair of jeans or tailored top you are wearing could represent the biggest component of your carbon footprint. Fast fashion has long been described as unethical, unsustainable, and morally incomprehensible, yet we keep supporting these brands. Not anymore. On the Middlebury College campus, students sport colorful clothing, bags, and accessories, many of which are produced by brands with sustainable practices. In some cases, students even make their own clothes with yarn, reused fabrics, and creativity, taking a stand to support sustainability.

Bean Higgins ‘29.5 was tired of spending money on fleece hats, so she decided to take matters into her own hands. Going to “the bins,” as she calls them, Bean carefully selects fleece and other dead stock fabrics from a second-hand store close to her hometown of Salt Lake City, Utah. Friends and family quickly noticed the unique hats Bean was wearing, and to their surprise, the hats weren’t another overpriced fast fashion item; they were made of reused fabrics and stitched by hand with love and care. What began as an opportunity to wear more sustainable accessories transformed into a way to make sustainable clothing, not only for herself, but for the community. She says, “There are a lot of trends around, and with that comes fast fashion. When you make your own clothes, then you can kind of use what ‘old trends’ people have thrown away instead of buying something new.”¹ This perspective is so refreshing and inspiring to hear because it shows that some people are willing to wield their creativity to start new trends and put a stop to fast fashion. Bean encountered a problem, changed her course of action, and inspired others to incorporate sustainable practices into their lives as best they can.

For some, the idea of producing unique clothing or accessories is too much of an endeavor. However, this doesn’t mean you can’t support brands that value, use, and promote ethical and sustainable practices. For example, Cotopaxi is an activewear company that proudly states that 96% of its products contain recycled, dead stock, and sustainable materials.² So, even though you’re purchasing an item from a name brand with a large supply chain, the carbon footprint you’re making is much less significant. Walking around the Middlebury College campus, Cotopaxi’s colorful merchandise is everywhere. From backpacks to hats and even outerwear, sustainability is alive and well in this small town in Vermont. Some purchase items from Cotopaxi without knowing much about the brand and its continued efforts against fast fashion, while others, especially at Middlebury, are deeply aware of the impact their purchases have on the environment.

Another widely known sustainable clothing and outerwear brand that promotes sustainability is Patagonia. The company was founded in 1973 with a mission to “protect our home planet,” an ethos which is more evident than ever in 2026.³ Patagonia’s products are reliable, reusable, and ethically sourced, making it a Middlebury favorite for many reasons. Fleeces, puffers, and beanies keep the students on our campus warm during the winter months and support us in whatever adventures we wish to explore. From technical pieces being used in everyday lifestyle to clothing and outerwear worn during the most daring of expeditions, Patagonia’s sustainable values draw in many patrons not just at Middlebury, but globally. 

When thinking about your next purchase, consider checking the source. Investigate the practices that the brand you’re thinking of supporting uses. See if you can find the item second-hand. Even so, if you’re willing, ask one of the many members in the Middlebury community to help you learn more about producing your own clothing or accessories. It’s time to apply our knowledge about carbon footprints and climate change to fashion; own your contributions, learn from them, and attempt to change them in the name of sustainability.

Endnotes:

1 Bean Higgins, “Interview,” March 12, 2026.

2 “About Us.” Global Uprising Cotopaxi PBC,  2026. https://www.cotopaxi.com/pages/about-us.

3“Our Core Values - Patagonia.” Patagonia, Inc., 2026. https://www.patagonia.com/core-values/.