Water, air and of course Clean organic food are topping the list for my family. There is little doubt that the human race is faced with the looming disaster of global warming and environmental devastation. This shift in climate has coincided with the industrialization and consumer based economies of the late 19th and 20th centuries. While a direct link between the two has yet to be definitively pr
oven, the worsening environmental condition at least begs the question as to whether or not an industrialized society centered around ever increasing consumption is sustainable. There is no doubt that the clearing of primal forest and terraforming designed to pave the way for modern society leaves little if no room for this planets delicate ecosystems. Shopping malls and Big Macs just don’t mesh with the fragile balance of life sustaining this planets flora and fauna. The mission of those perusing sustainable living is to promote a shift towards a modern society that renews the resources it consumes, while enriching the natural world. This includes developing economic models that are centered around socioeconomic equality and conservation. Costa Rica is one of the most unique places on earth and an ideal location to make this change a reality. The low cost of living, fertile volcanic soil, year round growing season, and potential for alternative energy make it an ideal location for sustainable communities. The countries friendly climate towards foreign investment and Pura Vida (pure life) spirit also make it possible for people from all over the world to relocate and enjoy this countries amazing beauty year round. Our goal is to inspire people around the world to make a shift towards sustainability by promoting the science and culture of sustainable living in Costa Rica. At the core of this mission is providing access to information related to alternative energy, permaculture, waist management, and recycling. The Economics of Sustainable Living – Breaking the work and spend cycle
Sustainable living seeks to improve both the socioeconomic conditions of the local economy, as well as the personal finances of the individual. At the core of sustainable living is the concept of renewable resources. This includes the income distribution models and labor conditions of manufacturers. For instance, an organic farm that can grow affordable produce in an environmentally friendly way, but pays its workers slave wages would have an unsustainable income distribution model by exploiting its workers. Similarly the work spend culture of most developed nations is equally unsustainable as it requires most people to spend more money than they can earn in a lifetime, while requiring ever increasing consumer spending to fuel economic development. By implementing a lifestyle change that reduces consumption and focuses on the production of basic needs you can help move the world toward a viable economic balance, while improving you own mental, physical, and financial health. While there are numerous ways people can make this change depending on there geographic location, in Costa Rica this shift is centered around the following areas:
Improving Social Conditions and Economic Equality
Reduced Consumer Spending
Organic Farming and Permaculture
Renewable Energy
Recycling
Reforestation
Each of these practices promotes a lifestyle that encourages conservation of valuable resources, including time and money. By carefully questioning any purchase you make, and cutting out vain or extravagant purchases you can help contribute to reduced manufacturing and increased personal savings. By producing food and energy you can cut back consumption even further, and even generate income from programs such as the resale of excess electricity. Hiring local workers at a livable wage promotes social equality in a country where there are vast gaps between rich and poor. In short the change you can make is very real, very powerful, and life changing.
