I confess—I succumbed to an Instagram ad. Class Pass caught my attention with an intro offer for two weeks of free group workout classes. After spending the last three months without a regular fitness routine and a month indulging in Mediterranean delights, the prospect of a little physical activity promised a touch of normalcy. So, I signed up for a class conveniently located just across from my hotel. Upbeat studio's fusion of pilates and dance offered a perfect blend of cardio and muscle strength with music to keep my mind off my out-of-shapeness.
The class turned out to be a shot of adrenaline. Energy flowed through the room. I'm not a natural dancer, but as young Ali Rose from Donald de Line’s production of "Burlesque" would say: 'I can move.' Well, I can move enough to get by. In any case, I completed the exhilarating 45-minute workout and introduced myself to the instructor and business owner, Libby Babet. We chatted about my studies in sustainable fashion, and Libby's immediate response was, "I think fate brought us together." Intrigued, I learned that Libby had founded her own sustainable athleticwear company, Earthletica.
Finding comfortable and sustainable sweat-wicking fabrics is no small feat. Many sustainable synthetic-fiber based companies rely on recycled plastic water bottles—a step in the right direction, but fabric-to-fabric recycling processes are still relatively rare. Clothes, even produced with recycled materials, will most likely find their way to a landfill. Libby, however, is on a mission to change that. She is committed to seeking alternative, because in the long run, "more sustainable" won't cut it.
During my time in Sydney, I experienced something amazing. I witnessed the intersection of my worlds—culture, wellness, and my passion for textile supply chains and environmental sustainability. It reminded me that connections are out there, waiting to surprise us in unexpected places and times. If we stay true to our values, we're likely to cross paths with the right people. I'm excited to delve deeper into Earthletica and nurture this connection.
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