Omina2018: Refashioning Sustainable Thinking

“It’s no coincidence that this new fresh approach to sustainability is launching in Costa Rica,” said Andrea Somma, CEO and co-founder of Omina, a non-profit initiative created to inspire and empower people to change their mindsets to a more sustainable lifestyle. Somma firmly believes that Latin America has much to add to a debate which she feels has been dominated by the northern hemisphere for far too long. And given Costa Rica’s status as a leader in social progress and sustainability in the region, San José has been chosen to host the inaugural Omina Summit this summer.

*Carmen pictured with Omina co-founder and CEO Andrea Somma*

Created by social entrepreneur Somma and Carmen, Omina has been designed to become a hub for creatives and entrepreneurs, and indeed all individuals interested in rebuilding a collective future based on sustainable, fair and interdependent practices, as well as to offer to training, mentorship and support. And in partnership with Eco-Age, the sustainability consultancy founded by Livia Firth, they have put together a three-day symposium designed to unleash radical disruption and creative thinking and ideas.

*Carmen and Eco-Age founder Livia Firth at the launch of Bottletop's sustainable store in London.*

Omina2018 delegates and online followers will be invited to immerse themselves in sustainability working practices, language and protocols, and then consider fresh, new approaches to meet the challenges we face today. They will also hear from leading practitioners in global change, who offer a fresh and uncluttered perspective. “Sustainability in fashion and associated sectors is dominated by old thinking, including the corporate-led agenda on reform which has led to a stranglehold on progress,” explained Livia Firth. “So many people tell me that the very language of sustainability is inadequate, so we’re inviting our delegates to start with a clean slate,” she went on to say.

*Last year Gisele Bündchen joined environmentalist Paul Hawken to promote his book 'Drawdown'.*

The tone for the summit will be set by Paul Hawken, whose manifesto for climate optimism, 'Drawdown', has helped to reframe the response to climate and environmental change. Global environment campaigner Gisele Bündchen, fashion industry professional Nina Garcia, Latin American sustainability leader Oskar Metsavaht and Spanish eco-innovator Carmen Hijosa are among those taking part in the inaugural event.

“As a WWF council member and someone who has been supporting artisans and disruptive ideas for over 30 years with the aim of creating higher efficiency and fairness within luxury fashion, I am excited to be joining forces with this international group of people,” said Carmen. “We are on the cusp of tremendous positive change on the planet and Omina2018 is about embracing that.”

Omina2018 will take place in San José, Costa Rica between 7th and 9th June.