This episode is in collaboration with WWU students: Ava Simcoe, Alex Schramm, Frank Stephenson and Carter Nelson

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.

Learn more at eicstoryprojects.org

and from madronawear.com

This episode is in collaboration with WWU students: Joris Everts, Ella Perry, and Adam Kendrick

Common Threads Farm is a non-profit in Whatcom County that connects kids to healthy food. Through multiple programs, they educate local kids on gardening and cooking skills while also providing free, healthy meals for kids experiencing food insecurity. Common Threads Farm primarily addresses the sustainability goals of Zero Hunger and Quality Education.

Common Threads Farm believes that food education is critical to building a healthier and happier future for kids. They have seen first hand how economic hardship and limited access to fresh food can affect kids' education and well-being. By teaching practical skills and knowledge around food, Common Threads Farm creates a direct and lasting positive impact on the kids involved.

This episode is in collaboration with WWU students: Kai Drotz, Jaden Walter, Brody Robinson, and Leyton IreyFor our SEIC Story Project, our team partnered with the Bellingham Food Co-op to learn more about how sustainability can be woven into a community-centered business model. Through our site visit and interview with Melissa, the Sustainability Director at the Co-op, we were able to explore how the organization approaches environmental responsibility, affordability, community involvement, and sustainable food systems in the Bellingham community.