What are you doing for Earth Day? And what are you doing for the earth every day?
Conservation is the act of protecting earth’s natural resources for current and future generations. We spend our days surfing, scuba diving, whitewater rafting (and much more!) on experiential education courses, utilizing the tropical rivers, reefs, and rainforests of Costa Rica and Panama as our classroom – so we want them around in perpetuity.
Here’s a sneak peek into what we do to make it Earth Day every day here at Outward Bound Costa Rica, plus our ideas on how you can help celebrate Earth Day in your day-to-day life!
Animal Conservation
OBCR has been working with sea turtle conservation and education projects for over ten years. Volunteers take part in night patrols to protect mama sea turtles as they lay their eggs, record important data, and, if they’re lucky, help release baby sea turtles. We also partner with two local wildlife rescue and rehabilitation centers where many of our groups volunteer, learning about the animals and looking after them to support the center as needed. The main objective is to provide needed veterinary care and nurse the sick or injured animals back to health so they can be released into the wild. Animals include sloths, parrots, toucans, wild cats, coatimundis, and many other species of native wildlife.
Environmental Conservation
As one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, Costa Rica has worked hard to reforest and allow natural flora and fauna to flourish. We are based within 12 acres of a 1600-acre rainforest reserve and regularly support reforestation by replanting native tree species, growing our own fruits and vegetables, and more. Plus, we utilize the space for students to learn about river and water system ecology, the importance of preserving rivers and streams, and reducing single-use plastic.
Marine Conservation
On average, we run 12 scuba diving programs a year, a large part of which entails learning about tropical coral reefs, marine life, the role students plan in maintaining the oceans, and protecting these habitats. Each of our participants learns about life below water and how they can help conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources.
Enough about us – what can you do at home?
Try your hand at growing your own food.
Whether you have a yard or even just a fire escape, try growing your very own plants and vegetables. Even if you’ve killed every houseplant you’ve ever owned, with the right knowledge, you can successfully manage a thriving garden! Here’s a guide to get you started.
Start composting.
Even when working to reduce your food waste, there are certain things you’re not going to eat – think banana peels, egg shells and pineapple tops. The good news is, there’s a solution for your home food waste that doesn’t involve landfills: composting! Keeping food out of landfills can help fight climate change. Get the lowdown on everything you need to begin here.
Change up your commute.
Can you help reduce the number of single-occupancy vehicles traveling on the road to reduce carbon emissions by carpooling, biking, walking and riding the bus? Every gallon of gas emits roughly 24 pounds of carbon dioxide between the production of the gas and the smog that comes out of tailpipes. In comparison, one 4-mile bike ride keeps roughly 15 pounds of carbon dioxide from being emitted into our atmosphere. A small change can make a big difference – it can be as simple as committing to bike one day a week throughout the summer or forming a carpool with coworkers or classmates. Remember that every trip counts!
Take a “palk” – a “plogging” walk.
Ever heard of plogging, the Swedish fitness trend that combines jogging with picking up trash? The term plogging was coined from the English phrase “jogging” and “plocka upp,” a Swedish term that means “picking up.” On your next run, hike, or even morning walk, try grabbing a bag and picking up trash along the way.
Participate in a cleanup.
All of our courses that visit the beach take part in beach cleans, but if you can’t be here with us (or aren’t lucky enough to be close to a beach), you can still participate! Check out The Great Global Cleanup, a worldwide campaign to remove billions of pieces of trash from neighborhoods, beaches, rivers, lakes, trails and parks – reducing waste and plastic pollution, improving habitats and preventing harm to wildlife and humans. Find one near you here or submit a solo cleanup here.
There are plenty of other ways to incorporate sustainability into your life, from educating yourself about sustainable fashion and buying secondhand to utilizing reusable water bottles and shopping bags, and even reducing meat consumption (meatless Monday, anyone?) – and much more!
What will you be implementing?