Conscious consumerism is a concept that is growing in strength in concert with the drive towards a more sustainable and eco-conscious lifestyle, and it is one that is near and dear to our hearts here in Monteverde.
Basically, the idea behind it is that consumers choose their purchases with the intention of putting their money into products and services that will have a positive social, economic, or environmental impact. By doing this, we can choose to support companies and/or individuals who share our goals and ideals.
A perfect example of conscious consumerism is choosing to buy your morning cup of coffee in that small local cafe that sources sustainable, fair-trade beans instead of buying the bulk bag that is invariably less expensive but which might be produced using unethical practices, and benefits a big corporation.
Here are a few simple ways to spend with intention:
Visit tourism destinations geared towards conservation and sustainability
Shop in small local shops
Check the labels to find the source of the product
Watch for “locally sourced” and “organic” labels on products
Visit local artisans
Visit the local feria (market) and buy directly from the grower/producer
Guests to Costa Rica are often surprised by the lack of commercialism that defines many of the businesses that are aimed at tourists, and the main reason behind that has to do with the goal of those in charge.
With the exception of privately owned and operated reserves like the Children’s Eternal Rainforest Reserve, these places rely solely on government funding, donations, and tourist fees. The fact that the government protects the land is good for the environment because they are determined to ensure that the country's resources and biodiversity will remain for future generations. They have the full force of the law behind them, and they are serious about their jobs.
Their focus, and the focus of the privately-owned reserves as well, is conservation, advocacy, education, and study with the intention of learning the best possible conservation practices and sharing that information with the world. It’s a lofty goal and one we should all wholeheartedly endorse because the health of the planet is directly related to the health of every living thing on it.
The bottom line here is that in order to remain viable these parks need all the help and income that they can get. Given how many people (1.7 million) visit the country each year looking to enjoy the benefits of sunshine, ocean breezes, and nature at its finest, it is safe to assume that if we each put a little thought into where we chose to spend our money once we arrive- we can make a huge impact to the health of nations parks, and the conservation efforts of the many hard-working conservation team members who run them.
Luckily, every single visitor can make an impact by simply choosing to visit a reserve, and by putting their tourism dollars into purchasing items that funnel their profits back into local conservation. One look in one of the reserves’ gift shops will show you how serious they are about doing just that. You won’t find any “made in China” reproductions here.
Another easy way to show your support is to donate directly to one of the many organizations run by these conservation teams. These are the people who run animal sanctuaries or sell eco-friendly handmade products in the market. They are the people who organize beach clean-ups and recycling drives, and they are hiding in plain sight, every day.
Now, I’m not saying that these businesses aren’t trying to make a profit. Of course, they are, they have to in order to stay viable… and there are businesses whose main focus is profit. I’m saying that you aren’t likely to come across anything like the following image.
You might find some of the more ‘touristy’ souvenirs in the touristy parts of town, so being conscious of this will allow you to buy with intention and ensure that your support goes to local artisans who put their hearts into the products they make, and who — in doing so — is often preserving a way of life that is part of the cultural heritage of Costa Rica.
Because let’s face it… conservation isn’t just about nature. It’s also about preserving a way of life.
A quick visit to Ocotea Tours will provide you with plenty of ways to learn about Costa Rica’s culture and history while supporting the conservation of a truly unique way of life. Excursions that will take you to local dairy farms where you can learn traditional methods of farming and assist in making your own artisanal cheese. There are Chocolate and Coffee Tours that will teach you about the origin of your favorite beans and how local producers work together to provide some of the world's best treats using practices passed down from generation to generation.
You can visit indigenous villages, learn about their culture, and work with local artisans who are happy to share their craft with you. Activities like this put money directly into the hands of everyday people in the community, supporting the preservation of the traditions and families at the heart of this wonderful town.
The good news is that while you are here, wandering the shops, picking up gifts for your family, and nibbling your way through the many delicious dishes and beverages available, your spending is contributing in no small way to the local economy.
The craft cuisine trend is thriving in Monteverde, and the local restaurants have some truly amazing options. Since many of the menus are farm-to-table, you aren’t only supporting the restaurant owners and the staff that they employ while you are happily moaning your way through that wood-fired pizza. You are also supporting the farmers who grow the fruits and vegetables and raise the livestock as well as the fisherman who caught your red snapper in the pale light of dawn.
Everything you do while you are visiting has the potential to impact the lives of people you will never meet, although there are a few places where you can see firsthand what a difference you can make.
One of those places is the CASEM Co-op. It’s a favorite destination for tourists, especially those who wish to support the local artisans. The Co-op is run by local women and was developed as a way for them to help support their families while at the same time maintaining traditional skills that have been passed down for generations.
Here you will find handicrafts created using methods dating back centuries, alongside using new techniques to create recycled and upcycle items in sustainable craftwork. In true Costa Rican fashion, these artisans are finding ways to make the most of what is available and at the same time, using their skills to reduce waste. It’s a real win-win-win. Great souvenirs and gifts for us, less waste for the environment, and a source of income for lots of local artisans and their families.
Like Daisy, a widow who supports her 5 children by creating and selling beautiful embroidered jackets and pillowcases, and Leidy who uses macrame and natural elements like shells and stones to produce intricate jewelry.
Gerardina, who embroiders and knits, has also taken up weaving baskets using recycled materials like newspaper and magazines to support her 6 children.
These ladies and the dozens of other women who are members are a perfect example of how important tourism is to the community as a whole and they also allow us to see firsthand how much community members, working together, can accomplish for the good of all.
Not only do the artisans create items to sell, but they also provide emotional support to each other, helping to build self-confidence and skill by teaching new members traditional methods and helping each other devise new ones. The crafts that are sold by the CASEM Co-op support literally hundreds of families, ensuring that future generations grow up healthy and happy. Knowing that makes your purchase so much more fulfilling, doesn’t it?
When you wander the streets of Monteverde, you will also find small studios where the artists greet you at the door and happily explain their process. You’ll find vendors who travel miles every morning to deliver fresh produce grown by their families for generations, and you can even visit some of the farms and take part in the harvest (at certain times of the year of course).
Truly one of the most compelling parts of life in a place like Monteverde is being able to truly impact a community, both supporting and getting to know the people who have made your stay possible. Connecting with the people who are growing your food, making your meals, and carving your purchase… it brings home the importance of your visit, and it draws you into their lives because you impact those lives in a very direct way.
Putting your money directly into the hands of the person who created the product is much more conducive to a thriving economy than passing it to a big corporation that then trickles the profits down so that the people who need it the most end up with the least.
The world has gone global, and it can be hard sometimes to determine where and when your dollars make the most impact. But we can all make a conscious effort to make a difference whenever and wherever we can, and one by one we can make our world a better place.
For more information about the many amazing artisans that you can visit while in Monteverde, or the countless tours available, click this link. Our team will be happy to help you make the most of your stay with one-of-a-kind accommodations, personal service, and years of local knowledge and experience.