Environmental Group: End of First Week

So far on our journey in Costa Rica we have ventured the city of San Jose and Monteverde. Entering San Jose we immediately witnessed the change in the atmosphere and the vegetation was not as impactful in San Jose compared to other parts of the country. We stayed at the hotel El Sesteo and we saw sustainable practices such as the low flow water in the shower and toilets. According to the CST, El Sesteo is at a level two in being a sustainable business. At first we did not understand the significance of such ratings until we reached Monteverde.

We are currently in Monteverde where natural resources are a way of life for the locals. The history of Monteverde goes back to when the Quakers arrived to Costa Rica because Costa Rica had their similar philosophy, NO DRAFT! The trip to Monteverde was rough, bumpy, and risky because of the increasing elevation and riding on a narrow road. Monteverde locals do not wish to change their culture by bringing in mass tourists, but rather to focus on niches, such as a scientific touristic perspective. They realize that mass tourism would influct more pollution, more funds will be needed and eventually their culture will be lost or forgotten.

Our group discussed how sustainability should be spread out, communicated and even taught in the classroom for young children. It may not be about maximizing profits but more about educating people so that businesses could maximize profits in the long run and stay in business for a long time. We wanted to share this quote with you and the University: “You protect what you love, you love what you know, you know what you understand, you understand what you are taught.”-InBIO Parque