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

Ready, Set, SUSTAIN!

Over winter break I had the opportunity to embark on a unique journey. I enrolled in a class through Bryant that allowed students the opportunity to learn about sustainability marketing in an entirely different way. Our class consisted of traveling to Costa Rica, one of the top five most sustainable country's in the world. 20 Students and 2 Professors journeyed through the beautiful country as we experienced and gained an entirely new perspective about the world around us. We stayed in four different hotels, four different areas of the country and learned about the culture and environment around us.

Our first stop was San Jose. Here we went to Coffee Plantations and learned all about the process of coffee being made, roasted, processed, packaged and sold. Something I was very interested in learning about considering my coffee addiction. (Fun fact, coffee beans come from the cherry plant) From there we went on a Fruit Tour Hike! All of were able to try all of the local grown fruits, most of which had a sour or very odd taste, and from there we were able to hike all the way up the mountain in which the fruit actually grew! Our guide was a pro, wearing jeans, a long sleeve button down and loafers made it to the top before any of us, who by the way were wearing gym clothes and sneakers.

Our next stop was Arenal, this is where the VOLCANO is located. Here we got to go on a local fruit / vegetable tour. Where we again learned how they were doing their part in being sustainable. We got to try all the different tasting foods, as well as help to cut down some dead trees, and make some juices!

From here we traveled quite a bit to our next stop in Torteguero. THE RAIN FOREST!

Canal Tour - Torteguero

We had to take a canal boat just to get to the island, here was a place unlike any other we'd seen. Everything was outdoor, anywhere you wanted to get to was by foot, bike or boat. There were no cars! There was also a beach on the back side of our hotel. The sand was a dark brown color, almost clay like, that sparkled in the sun. It was gorgeous, unfortunately though because it was the rainforest it began to down pour, and continued until we left. Don't worry though, it doesn't stop the locals, we still went on a OPEN ROOF canal boat tour of the rainforest. Most of the animals were hiding in shelter but we got to see the occasional
lizard or sloth. In Torteguero we also had the chance to go zip lining through the forests, and yes there were monkeys swinging from trees!

Raking coffee beans

Our last stop was Sarapiqui, here we got to learn about and visit another coffee plantation, banana farm, and chocolate plantation! Obviously we got samples of all, and yes you guessed it the chocolate was my favorite! But surprisingly enough, I didn't enjoy the taste of chocolate until sugar and cinnamon were added and it was in its creamy liquid form! Here we also got to go white water rafting, another first of mine. We all had a blast and for the most part stayed in our rafts, which was an accomplishment in itself.

Now I know I told you all about the fun things we did but we really did learn so much and this trip had a huge impact on our perspective and appreciation for our environment. We are more than excited to continue to share our trip, the resources, tips and tricks on how to be sustainable and keep our environment in tact. Our hope is to eventually change the culture on campus and get everyone to be as sustainable and educated as possible!

MKT412 Group 2015

To hear more about our trip and continue to learn about sustainability follow us on twitter @BRYANTMKT412

-Madison Lichtmann