Food for Thought

Our first meal at Restaurante Nuestra Tierra

It has been almost five months since we were in Costa Rica and I still haven’t found a meal to match our first lunch in country. One of the biggest things I miss is the meals of rice, beans, and protein. The rich taste of all of the foods is hard to match back home. It speaks loud volumes to the difference in local and natural foods. After eating and touring at Don Juan's farm and seeing food go from farm to table showed how important that supply chain for food is. Using sustainable practices such as natural fertilizer or using solar panels to power hot water can really change the mentality of the farm. You can taste difference in the meal than if you got ingredients from a supermarket.

This is one major thing I took away from Costa Rica is the passion the Ticos have for their jobs and sustainability. Sustainability is second nature to them. While in some areas it is not a choice, it has become a social norm where as in the USA that is not the case. It is inspiring to see the passion they have towards their country and their jobs.

The recycle room at La Quinta

I learned a ton from my group, hotel sustainability. The most inspirational was La Quinta, no not the famous chain. The 5 CST leaf level hotel who the lovely couple Leo and Beatrice own. They have worked 22 years to earn this rating. By doing things like investing to preserve the once orange plantation and support the local economy. They use solar energy and an intense recycling system. The owners take tremendous pride in their sustainability efforts and their ability to provide customers with incredible hospitality.

While our group has been become more environmentally cautious but the biggest take away I gained from this trip was how seriously companies take the green movement. In Costa Rica it is a social norm but here it is a marketing tool. These companies make it their mission to be sustainable and give back. It is an inspiring thing to see and has forced me to see business in a different light. 

This one in a life time trip has taught me valueable lessons and gave my unforgettable memories with a great group of friends. Thank you for following our twitter and blog. I hope you enjoyed it as much as we did. 

Our view from the Highland Fruit Tour

-Jake Lamar

@jakelamar29