Peace, Respect and Sustainability in Costa Rica

by Hannah Nevitt, Greenheart Travel Volunteer Abroad participant

Along with conservation comes sustainability, and sustainable farming is a lifestyle in Costa Rica. Many families grow their own fruits and vegetables, they milk their own cows, and they raise their own chickens and pigs for protein. When my host mother prepares our food, it always amazes me how fresh and simple the process is. For example, I watch as she peels six freshly-picked oranges, slices them into halves, hand-squeezes the juice into a pitcher, then adds water and a spoonful of sugar. Orange juice—simple, delicious, and refreshing.

Although every country has its issues, it is nice to appreciate what each country values culturally. In Costa Rica, the kids learn about the importance of respect, peace, and environmental education since their first days in kindergarten. Even as I sit here writing, my 7 and 10 year old host siblings are watching a television program about endangered animals on National Geographic; running over to me every few minutes saying…”Mira, Mira” (Look! Look!), while I glance over my shoulder to see images of colorful monkeys and birds perched in the branches of exotic-looking trees. Read more...