1. Eat fresh. Eat locally.
Costa Ricans are inherently proud of the communities they come from, and because of this, they tend to do anything they can to support their fellow Ticos. The produce they consume is purchased locally, if not homegrown. Their diets consist of fresh fruits such as pineapple, mangos, and bananas, rice and beans (can anyone say gallo pinto!?), and meats such as chicken from an area farm or fish if the community is near a coastal region. Cans and processed goods are out of sight, out of mind--creating a diet that leaves everyone feeling strong and energized for a day full of arduous work under the Costa Rican sunlight.
2. Shorten that shower
Set the timer when it comes to shower time, because your showers should last around a minute, if even. Gasp. Turn the water off between everything you do. That's right, between every. Single. Thing. Begin by quickly rinsing your body clean, then turn the water off. Lather up with your (organic, paraben-free, nonscented) shampoo, flush the suds away with a brief burst of water, then turn the water back off. Now massage conditioner into your scalp, rinse it out, and turn the water back off once again. Are you sensing a pattern yet?
3. Understand that nothing is waste
Waste? What's waste? Everything can be reused. I mean everything. In Costa Rica, materials are often repurposed into new projects--even poop!--which helps citizens go green in more ways than one: saving money, and reducing their carbon footprint on Mother Earth. Water is recycled and used in alternate areas of the property, such as for hydrating fields of irrigation. Poop may be called waste, but it definitely doesn't go to waste--instead, it's used to produce methane gas for cooking and 96% through a biodigester system, otherwise it's added to a compost pile. Old tin and wood can build a new structure, trimmed foliage can make paper, and excess cooking oils can be used to make soap. The list goes on and on; it's all one big, green cycle. Next time you're about to throw something away, pause and think if there's a project it can be reused for. If you're thinking like a Costa Rican, the answer is probably yes.
4. Spend time with nature
Flora and fauna are both very integral parts of Costa Rican culture, and for good reason: the country's landscapes are absolutely breathtaking. Community members thoroughly understand their surroundings and live at peace with all creatures--even snakes. Each living organism is a fundamental component of the ecosystem, making contributions and thriving so that everything is checked and balanced. This respect for nature is also demonstrated by giving it a little one-on-one time... Hiking, naps in hammocks on the edge of the rainforest, or swimming in natural pools are all ways in which you can connect with the motherland. Besides. At the end of the day, who wouldn't want to fall asleep to the peaceful sounds of the rainforest?
5. Adopt the Pura Vida mindset
Pura Vida literally means pure life, but in reality it's the epitome of the Costa Rican lifestyle. No matter your situation, remaining mindful, appreciative, and content can help you to feel grounded and at ease. Costa Ricans use this phrase in a multitude of contexts: from greetings, a manner of showing thanks, to expressing their moods, "Pura Vida" insists that sometimes simply being alive is enough.
Costa Ricans are inherently proud of the communities they come from, and because of this, they tend to do anything they can to support their fellow Ticos. The produce they consume is purchased locally, if not homegrown. Their diets consist of fresh fruits such as pineapple, mangos, and bananas, rice and beans (can anyone say gallo pinto!?), and meats such as chicken from an area farm or fish if the community is near a coastal region. Cans and processed goods are out of sight, out of mind--creating a diet that leaves everyone feeling strong and energized for a day full of arduous work under the Costa Rican sunlight.
2. Shorten that shower
Set the timer when it comes to shower time, because your showers should last around a minute, if even. Gasp. Turn the water off between everything you do. That's right, between every. Single. Thing. Begin by quickly rinsing your body clean, then turn the water off. Lather up with your (organic, paraben-free, nonscented) shampoo, flush the suds away with a brief burst of water, then turn the water back off. Now massage conditioner into your scalp, rinse it out, and turn the water back off once again. Are you sensing a pattern yet?
3. Understand that nothing is waste
Waste? What's waste? Everything can be reused. I mean everything. In Costa Rica, materials are often repurposed into new projects--even poop!--which helps citizens go green in more ways than one: saving money, and reducing their carbon footprint on Mother Earth. Water is recycled and used in alternate areas of the property, such as for hydrating fields of irrigation. Poop may be called waste, but it definitely doesn't go to waste--instead, it's used to produce methane gas for cooking and 96% through a biodigester system, otherwise it's added to a compost pile. Old tin and wood can build a new structure, trimmed foliage can make paper, and excess cooking oils can be used to make soap. The list goes on and on; it's all one big, green cycle. Next time you're about to throw something away, pause and think if there's a project it can be reused for. If you're thinking like a Costa Rican, the answer is probably yes.
4. Spend time with nature
Flora and fauna are both very integral parts of Costa Rican culture, and for good reason: the country's landscapes are absolutely breathtaking. Community members thoroughly understand their surroundings and live at peace with all creatures--even snakes. Each living organism is a fundamental component of the ecosystem, making contributions and thriving so that everything is checked and balanced. This respect for nature is also demonstrated by giving it a little one-on-one time... Hiking, naps in hammocks on the edge of the rainforest, or swimming in natural pools are all ways in which you can connect with the motherland. Besides. At the end of the day, who wouldn't want to fall asleep to the peaceful sounds of the rainforest?
5. Adopt the Pura Vida mindset
Pura Vida literally means pure life, but in reality it's the epitome of the Costa Rican lifestyle. No matter your situation, remaining mindful, appreciative, and content can help you to feel grounded and at ease. Costa Ricans use this phrase in a multitude of contexts: from greetings, a manner of showing thanks, to expressing their moods, "Pura Vida" insists that sometimes simply being alive is enough.