Missing Costa Rica

Since leaving Costa Rica, I’ve been noticing more everyday how much I take for granted. While being abroad, I experienced many sustainability efforts on every part of the trip. At school, I’ve been noticing that my suitemates almost always leave the lights on. I now make a point to turn them off when I leave a room, and even tell my suitemates to as well. The fact that they would keep the lights on when leaving a room shocked me. At one of the hotels we stayed at, the lights would turn off when we were not in the room to conserve energy. I feel it is important to educate people about the importance of being sustainable and the positive results associated with it.

Of course, I miss the amazing coffee. I have since been much more particular about what kind of coffee I buy. Yes, the coffee is different here, but I have mainly been purchasing coffee from a company that participates in fair-trade and sustainable practices. Now that I am aware of how to identify if coffee is fair-trade, it makes it easier to understand the importance. I explain to others that buying fair-trade coffee is important for the entire supply chain, mainly the producing countries and workers there who sometimes make far less than they should.

 

I also miss being surrounded by nature at all time and the fresh produce. The Highland Fruit Tour was one of my favorite tours I went on. I wish I could go outside and eat an avocado off the tree like I did on this tour. It was here that I first tried fresh guacamole and fell in love. Since then I’ve tried to replicate it, but it just isn’t the same. Now when I go grocery shopping, I only buy organic produce. Knowing that no chemicals or pesticides were used on it persuades me to buy this fruit.

I do hope to return to this beautiful country soon!

Sarah Geissler

One With Nature in Costa Rica

Students on the Sustainability Marketing 385 course have had their days filled with exciting experiences. As you have seen throughout this blog, they are now sustainable coffee experts! Alongside such fruitful (pun intended) experiences, they have had the opportunity to submerge themselves in the Costa Rican culture by chatting with locals, hearing stories of coffee farm families, and participating in many local activities that have brought them closer to nature and each other.

One of the best ways to get students to appreciate the earth, nature, and our planet is to submerge them in nature. Costa Rica is the best place to do this! One of the most popular adventures was the Sky Tram zip line. We zipped through the rainforest, 600 feet above ground, over 3,000 feet in length, over 7 times, up to 50 seconds per line. Views of the rainforest blew our minds! Although many were fearful of the height, they overcame their fear and came together to experience the beauty of the rainforest. What a day!


Another way we submerged ourselves in nature was literally jumping into the hot springs! We visited the Tabacon Hot Springs near Arenal. The hot springs are an expression of the earth's energy. The springs are created by 97% rain-based and heated by 3% magma from the Arenal volcano. The human body benefits from the warm temperature since it improves oxygen flow, muscle relaxation, and the strengthens the skin's defense mechanism via "biogleas". Students left Arenal feeling calm, relaxed, and appreciative of clean, hot, mineral water.


 
Overall, we all had a great time flying from tree to tree (like tarzan or a monkey!) and dipping into a natural hot spring. What better way to engage with nature than high up above, and closest to the core.

Fun Facts:
- Kaylee thought she couldn't handle the zip line, but she completed the course like a champ! We are proud of you Kaylee!
- Michael was a pro at zip lining. We think he has done it before!
- Sarah went down the slide at Tabacon 4 times!

Bryant University Sustainability Marketing 385