Many people argue that the only way you can make money from nature is by cutting it down. Others claim that maintaining nature requires an abundant amount of money. If you are one of these people this article is for you- because from these past few days I have learned a very simple lesson: nature and profit are two sides of the same coin. The people in Costa Rica have learned this lesson much faster than the rest of the world, and are benefiting from it everyday.
Two days ago, we were lucky enough to go to the recycling center in Tortoguero. In it was everything imaginable- plastic bottles grinded up into small pieces, cardboard boxes stacked on top of each other, compost barrels filled with worms and banana peals. It turned out that all garbage in Tortoguero came to this small center, and EVERYTHING was used. Not only that, but once everything was cleaned, it was sold to the town and companies. In simple terms- the town was benefiting from its waste. Why? Because the town was open to change. Politics didn't come in the way of compromise and sustainability. Around the town lay houses with plastic bottles acting as the home for cherry tomato plants and fresh aregano. As we walked past a classroom, we stopped in and said "Hola." Even here, the sustainabilty movement was present- tables were made from recyclable plastic, several types of recycle was present in colorfully decorated barrels, and the students were learning in their curriculum about the environment. Revolutionary. Creative. So simple.
Later that day, on our boat ride, Jimmy informed us that the Pacuare river alone is responsible for 5 million dollars a year in white water rafting; no cutting down is need, just utilizing the river the way nature created it.
The next day, we took a night walk and were lucky enough to see a leatherback sea turtle giving birth, and once again I heard the same lesson. The lady from the Sea Turtle Conservancy informed us that the eco-tourism from watching and learning about sea turtles, created a much higher profit then harvesting them for soups.
At Earth University, the students are way ahead of the game. They are utilizing their resources and saving money at the same time. The organically grown gardens are enclosed by colored water bottles, tires, bicycle wheels, even old rafts. They are planting crops such as lettuce and tomato which they will later use in the cafeteria.
Even the butterflies have brought in profit. The Costa Rican government has made more than 3.2 billion dollars from the butterfly restoration projects.
So, I have come to the conclusion that it is simple. Leave nature the way it was created, utilize its beauty and ability, and you will in turn make money.
