“(Pura Vida) is such a unique organization,” Georgiades said. “I think it will eventually become really popular at Michigan State.”

During a postgraduation trip to Costa Rica in 2010, Pura Vida CEO and founder Griffin Thall, along with his college friend, discovered a local man selling handmade bracelets on the street, Thall said.

Thall said they knew the simple, colorful bracelets would be a hit in the U.S., and they decided to purchase a bundle of them to sell back home.

Now, with more than 500,000 bracelets sold and about 25 jobs created, the organization has gained support from businesses, celebrities and other supporters nationwide, Thall said.

With every bracelet sold, Pura Vida donates 1 percent of revenue to the Surfrider Foundation — an organization dedicated to protecting beaches and oceans worldwide — through 1% For The Planet, an organization that encourages members to donate 1 percent of their profits to environmental causes, Thall said.

Aside from helping the Surfrider Foundation and approximately 50 other charities throughout the country, such as Susan G. Komen for the Cure and the U.S. Armed Forces, Pura Vida, which means “pure life” in Spanish, aims to provide employment opportunities to artisans in Costa Rica.

“It’s a movement that can really humble people and change their lives,” Thall said.

Supply chain management sophomore Rebecca Nagrant has bought several Pura Vida bracelets, which she wears to raise awareness of issues facing impoverished and underdeveloped countries, such as Costa Rica.

“America as a country is very materialistic — we consume and buy a lot of things that don’t matter,” Nagrant said. “We have to start thinking about the rest of the world.”

Nagrant said her new bracelets have already attracted attention from other students because of their simple design and unique color combinations.

“They’re a great way to raise awareness,” she said. “If I ever see someone wearing one, I will know what it is and what it stands for.”

Although she hasn’t sold any bracelets yet, Georgiades said she plans to promote the brand around campus and businesses in East Lansing and also plans to talk with university officials about creating a green and white MSU rendition of the bracelets.

“It’s important to get the word out,” Georgiades said. “They’re improving the quality of life for people in Costa Rica and also helping charities throughout the U.S.”