Textile Insight

I n February, I took a trip with my family to Costa Rica. We stayed in Nosara, which is a trendy little surfing town on the Nicoya Peninsula. We spent our days surfing, swimming, doing yoga and tooling around the town's dirt roads on a rented golf cart. Each morning at dawn, the monkeys swinging in the trees above our bungalow would awake us. Territorial howler monkeys roar extremely loudly – almost akin to lions – to communicate with others. e monkeys are prominent in Nosara and thrive in the area's rich biodiversity. ankfully much of Costa Rica remains untouched, despite it being a growing tourist destination. e 2.5-hour drive to the Liberia airport was on a one-lane windy road, perched on top of big hills decorated with flora and fauna. ere were some small towns on the journey, but for the most part, it was a region replete with wildlife. Pura vida (translated to "pure life") is about living in harmony with the earth and its beauty. e term is deeply rooted in the Costa Rican culture. Pura vida is used as a greeting, farewell and expression of gratitude. It conveys happiness and life's simple pleasures. I le Costa Rica with a new outlook, one that translates here. I — and we — need to do better at respecting the earth. We're working on ways to solve our trash problem and salvage more from landfills. In this issue, Emily Walzer explores how we're working to keep our footwear in rotation for longer periods of time, and she provides an update on progress being made in closing the loop. Trendsetter Scott Echols advocates for environmental justice and systemic change in the apparel industry. We need to keep a watchful eye on the chemicals being used in manufacturing. Globally, we all have the same mission. It's about achieving health, prosperity and happiness. Or simply put, Pura vida. n PURA VIDA Pura vida is used as a greeting, farewell and expression of gratitude. It conveys happiness and life's simple pleasures. TEXTILE TALK/SUE BLECHER 4 • Textile Insight ~ Spring 2025 textileinsight.com

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