Our
group had an amazing time exploring, learning, and bonding with each other as
we climbed up mountains, rafted through rivers, traipsed across farms, and let’s
not forget enduring those long bus rides! After being back from our trip for an
entire semester now, it is easy for our memories to fade and to forget the
sustainability practices that we observed and learned while in Costa Rica. However,
it is important to keep these ideas in mind and spread the word on the benefits
of being sustainable.
Being
sustainable gives back to the environment and supports the land that provides
for us, but it also enhances the natural beauty of the area. We observed
countless beautiful views, in dark and light, sunshine and rain that derived
from the community caring for nature. The people of Costa Rica were passionate
about preserving their land and planting many of their own fruits and
vegetables. At Don Juan, we explored the farm and sampled their organic produce
in juices while admiring the lushness of the gardens. In
Costa Rica, families and communities work together to sustain themselves and help
one another. Bryant students, staff, and faculty can do the same, as we are one community that can help each other, as well as our environment.
We noticed many simple ways that encourage eco-friendly behavior. Often times, actions
that seem small can truly make a difference, such as recycling paper and plastic
instead of throwing them away, composting food waste, buying local products and supporting local farms. These behaviors are taught in the Costa Rican
culture through their education systems to instill this importance of
sustainability at a young age, and it is something that other countries,
including the United States, could consider. After visiting several coffee plantations, we had the opportunity to plant coffee trees to harvest in the future!
Ultimately,
we learned how sustainable practices add to a country's beauty, small changes
can yield big results, and knowledge is key in making a difference. We are now
ambassadors of sustainability, and it is our prerogative to pass on the
knowledge that we learned in Costa Rica. We are a team of sustainable bulldogs! Pura Vida!
Twitter:
@SustainBryant
Facebook:
Sustainability at Bryant
Email:
sustainability@bryant.edu
To
learn more, visit: http://www.bryant.edu/about/sustainability/
Author:
Bridgette Kosek
Follow
me on Twitter! @BridgetteKosek
Stay
up to date with all of our activities by following @BryantMKT421 on Twitter!
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