I was 14 when I first bought and zipped up my Patagonia jacket right away. It was s simple, mauve jacket - perfect for skiing. Back then, I had no idea that this jacket would end up traveling with me through so many years and trips.

Now, at 23 years old, this jacket is still hanging in my closet, ready to be my go-to for skiing and any snow-related trips. It’s been my companion for more than I could have imagined when I first bought it, oblivious to the fact of its quality and impact. True, the fabric is a little worn in places, but it’s more of a testament to all the adventures that I’ve had while wearing it.

Keeping this jacket for so long has made me think about Patagonia’s sustainability commitment, one that encourages us to buy less, buy knowing what we are buying, and making it last. For me, my mauve jacket is not just a piece of clothing but rather a reminder of the difference that we can all make once we choose quality over quantity. Patagonia’s ethos of durability and repair is not only true to my jacket but to all of their products out there; I have been able to live that story for years without even realizing it at first.

Nowadays, when I think of sustainability I don’t just think of recycling or cutting down on plastic. I think of things like my jacket and how, after almost a decade, it still does the job and it does it perfectly. By living with this, I realize that a commitment to the planet is more than just a slogan but rather the choices that we make and the things that we keep with us.