Sustainable Memories

An average student's waste from a meal at Nick's Place

Less than four short months ago, our class was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to travel to one of the most sustainable and ecologically diverse countries in the world: Costa Rica. We traveled to four different cities over the span of just 8 days. Before we even left the country to learn about the sustainable practices of Costa Rica, we learned about sustainability closer to home at Bryant. In fact I learned more about Bryant's sustainable practices during this trip than I did during the rest of my four years at Bryant! In doing research, I explored Bryant's Sustainability Plan and learned about the goals Bryant has set regarding sustainability. I have become aware of Bryant's organizations that focus on sustainability such as the Sustainability Ambassadors, Enactus's Green Team, Community Activism and Leadership Organization (CALO), and the Scientific Community Initiative. While Bryant still has much room for improvement in terms of sustainability, it is exciting to see them in action toward reaching their goals.



While in Costa Rica, we were constantly reminded that there is very little reason to waste something. Costa Ricans greatly value the earth and the natural resources it gives them, so they constantly reuse their products in whatever way that they can. We saw this almost immediately when arriving in Costa Rica. Our first meal was served to us on a banana leaf instead of a plate. There were no paper plates so no waste was created in that sense, and the leaves could then be used as fertilizer or for animal food.


  
A mindset of not wasting is so deeply ingrained in their culture that it starts when students are in elementary school. They are taught not to waste anything and use products that can be reused again. One interesting concept was that it is stressed to students that they should not waste water. As we learned on our trip, Costa Rica is not lacking water at all. It rains (or should I say pours) constantly and the country is almost entirely surrounded by water. This speaks volumes to the commitment that Costa Ricans have to sustainability. One other thing we learned in Costa Rica was the importance of buying local products. Our tour guides really emphasized the effect that buying locally has on the economy. One hotel owner sacrifices her own opportunity to make a profit by not offering an all-inclusive package so that her guests will eat at local restaurants and support other local businesses.




Since returning back to the United States, I find myself constantly evaluating if what I'm doing is sustainable. I take much shorter showers, I have begun using washable dish cloths instead of paper towels, and I am much more conscious of shutting off lights when they are not being used. I have begun encouraging my friends and my peers to become educated about recycling practices so they can ensure they are recycling properly. I have taken an interest in using products that are more environmentally-friendly, even when they are a little more expensive. One particular company, Ava Anderson, created a line of products that are free of harmful chemicals and good for human health as well as the environment. Her products range from personal care like lip stick and shampoo to candles to home and auto care. This is also a great opportunity to support a local business, as Ava Anderson is a Rhode Island based company with a great mission. I am so fortunate to have been given the opportunity to travel to Costa Rica and immerse myself in the world of sustainability!

- Kasey @KaseyMazza