Road Scholars Share Their Tips on Practicing Sustainability
Sustainability and climate activism are high on the priority list for many of us, including Costa Rica — a country that’s leading the charge to prevent further global warming. We asked our Road Scholars what they’ve been doing in their quest to protect our precious planet.
We Asked Our Road Scholar and 50+ Outdoors Club Facebook groups…
What sustainability practices do you follow?
Here are a few of the answers we received.
The following replies really showcase what’s become a priority for many Road Scholars. Maybe some of these simple (and creative!) tips will inspire you in new ways to help stave off the climate crisis.
“The thing that will kill the earth is climate change. I drive an electric car. I have solar panels. I vote for carbon reduction wherever I can. I’ve adopted a more vegan lifestyle.” – Sonja A.
“I walk when I can. I carpool with friends for everything else.” – Marco M.
“I use the same towels during my hotel stays.” – Lisa L.
“I stay on the trails to minimize erosion.” – Bob P.
“I bring my own container for restaurant leftovers.” – Sandra H.
“I pack out what I carry into a park and stay out of areas that are closed for restoration or protection (such as Peregrine nesting sites) – Tina P.
“I eat off the land, set vines where others tend to tread and recycle office paper.” – Carmen J.
“I only make a campfire in a known fire pit. And I attempt to reduce microplastics.” – S.A.F.
“I leave the rocks alone.” – Patty B.
“I pick up other people’s garbage!” – Olympia K.
“When I bought my modest home, it was because of the big yard. But the yard was trashed and had only one tree. I have planted over a dozen trees. And I love my mini bird sanctuary.” – Jackie M.
“I carry reusable straws.” – Jeannette N.
“I use no chemicals for anything on our three acres — vegetable gardens, woods, flower beds, flowering shrubs, fruits and wild patches for surprise plants (which I call my weed sanctuaries because every year they’ve got different flowers and grasses). – Jo Lynn P.
“I practice composting.” – DeeDee B.
“I carry a reusable water bottle.” – Elaine W.
“I use reef-friendly sunscreen and clean my clothes with washer sheets instead of carrying plastic.” – Sue S.
“I recycle and don’t use chemicals like Roundup.” – Kay H.
“I have a home garden and am converting the sloped portion of my lawn (hard to mow) to low-growing native plants. It’s like a homegrown national park and creates an awesome little ecosystem for insects, birds and small mammals.” – Beth K.
“Take your foot off the gas pedal and coast on downhill sections. Do not exceed the speed limit. Find out at what speed your vehicle runs most economically and stick with it.” – Darla F.
“We don’t use leaf blowers, we have several bird feeders, we have bee-friendly plants, we grow and then freeze or can lots of veggies and fruits.” – Jonathan R.
“I get involved in cleanups when I can.” Susan B.
“We have water bowls for the local critters. We also have natural yard growth which serves as a refuge for birds, squirrels and an occasional possum.” – Mary Y.
“I recently came back from the Road Scholar program “Hiking Below and Beyond Mont Blanc” and was really happy that we used public transportation (buses and trains) to get to all the trailheads, rather than a private coach.” – Susan G.
“I’ve planted yews, arborvitaes, rose of Sharon, cherry trees, evergreens, currants, pines and gooseberries since I’ve been in my house. The birds and pollinators love my yard.” – Marite O.
“I clean my boat between different bodies of water, I don’t pick plants or break/damage live trees. I spent a good amount of time teaching this to scouts over the years and continue to share this information with others.” – Sue M.
“I take bamboo utensils on picnics.” – Betty E.
“I use shampoo and conditioner bars — no plastic, easy to transport and they work great.” – Michele T.
“I volunteer on research and conservation projects.” – Mary R.
“I do not have my sheets and towels changed until I check out of a hotel. And I use a cloth sack for groceries and other purchases.” – Claudia R.
“I wear natural fiber clothes as much as possible, I eat lightly — unprocessed foods are my preference. I choose a charity supporting sustainability in my destination country to be the recipient of my carbon offset money.” – Barbara M.
If you’ve got some great ideas to share with those who love learning as much as you do, we invite you to join our Road Scholar and 50+ Outdoors Club Facebook groups. We look forward to reading your comments!