After spending nearly a month in Costa Rica, I’ve undergone a transformation in my approach to environmental sustainability and personal habits. Each week brought new insights into how I can make changes to benefit both myself and the environment. It’s fascinating how interconnected humans are with nature and how small lifestyle changes can significantly impact the planet. This week’s focus was on climate change, and it was eye-opening and alarming to see how urgently our planet needs our help. We spent this week in a luxurious observatory lodge in La Fortuna before heading to a field station and homestay in Monteverde. Throughout the week, each location underscored one powerful theme: less is more, and simplicity is good.
This week began at the Arenal Observatory Lodge nestled in the lush landscape of La Fortuna. Here, I was surrounded by nature’s grandeur—towering trees, vibrant wildlife, and the incredible volcano. The lodge itself was a marvel of sustainable luxury, seamlessly blending comfort with eco-friendly practices. It was breathtaking. With the lodge situated directly in front of an incredible volcano, the beautiful landscape and stunning bedrooms made it easy to feel comfortable. The atmosphere and the welcoming staff, who greeted us with special juices and guided us to luxury rooms with balconies overlooking stunning green scenery, made it feel like a vacation. I didn’t want to leave and knew the next few days would be a breeze. However, as I took a step back, I became more aware of my surroundings. Every place we had stayed lacked air conditioning, yet I hadn’t noticed. I had become accustomed to taking cold showers and was surprised when the water turned hot at the Arenal Observatory Lodge. I enjoyed the lodge’s simplicity, which reminded me of the more simplified accommodations we had stayed in and how I had thrived in those environments. However, it was not the advanced technology or luxury that left the most lasting impression on me. Instead, it was the emphasis on mindful consumption and the realization that luxury doesn’t have to come at the environment’s expense. This reinforced the concept that less is more. Small details like using paper straws instead of plastic, having three trash bins for food composting, relying on ceiling fans instead of air conditioning, and signs encouraging customers to be environmentally friendly all stood out to me.
Following La Fortuna, we made our way to Monteverde. Monteverde is a special place, perched high in the mountains. Its cloud forests are a sanctuary for an incredible diversity of flora, many of which are found nowhere else on Earth. Living and studying here was like stepping into another world, one where nature’s complexity and beauty were on full display. But this beauty is fragile. As part of our studies, we learned about the threats posed by climate change to these ecosystems. Rising temperatures and shifting weather patterns are altering the delicate balance of these forests. Witnessing these changes firsthand, and understanding their broader implications, was both enlightening and sobering. Our field station in Monteverde was intentionally simple. We had basic accommodations, limited electricity, and a focus on sustainability. Initially, this felt like a step back in time. Yet, this simplicity was eye-opening. Without the constant distractions of modern life, we found ourselves more attuned to our surroundings and to each other. It was here that I began to greater internalize the idea that “less is more.” Global climate change is a vast and daunting challenge, but my time in Monteverde showed me that individual actions do matter. By embracing simplicity and making conscious choices, we can reduce our impact on the planet. It’s not about living in deprivation but finding joy and fulfillment in less.
The final part of the week took me to a small area of town where I stayed with a local family. Here, the pace of life slowed down, and I experienced the essence of Costa Rican simplicity. My host family lived sustainably, not out of necessity, but by choice. She grew her own food and practiced meticulous recycling and composting. The simplicity of their lifestyle was a stark contrast to the excesses I had grown accustomed to back home. Their way of life was a testament to the idea that living simply and sustainably is not only possible but deeply fulfilling.
Throughout my stay, whether in the luxurious lodge or the humble homestay, I kept coming back to the idea that less is more. In the lodge, I saw how sustainable practices could enhance luxury rather than detract from it. In the village, I witnessed how simplicity led to a richer, more meaningful life. These experiences have inspired me to make significant changes in my own lifestyle. I plan to be more conscious about what I buy, prioritizing quality over quantity and choosing products with minimal environmental impact. I aim to adopt a zero-waste mindset, focusing on reducing, reusing, and recycling in all aspects of my life. Inspired by my host family, I want to eat more locally sourced, organic foods and reduce my meat consumption to lower my carbon footprint. Lastly, I hope to share my experiences and the lessons I’ve learned with my peers and family, advocating for sustainable practices within my community. My time in Costa Rica has been nothing short of transformative. The country’s commitment to sustainability and the simple yet profound lifestyle of its people have shown me that addressing global climate change starts with individual actions. By embracing the philosophy that less is more and simplicity is good, we can all contribute to a healthier, more sustainable planet. As I return home, I carry with me the hope and determination to live more consciously and inspire others to do the same.
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