4 min read

Ok, you might think that since we’re from a country so highly ranked in sustainability and renewable energy, environmental concern is our DNA right? Well, perhaps you’re right. At least in part.

In Costa Rica we’re so used to renewable energy that as a country we rejected fossil fuel excavation. Yes, as a country we opposed drilling!  Truth is though, that the majority of our population remains comfortable enough with the irresponsible use of our natural resources;  not caring so much about recycling, nor proper waste management. Maybe that’s the downside of living in a modern-day society that is so influenced by the industrialized world.

Anyway, the point is that just like you, we had no idea what carbon neutrality meant until we chose to do something about improving our community’s habits. The goal was to add positive changes towards a sustainable society. This basically meant a shift in our consciousness. So after doing some research we quickly found information regarding carbon neutrality, and a basic question came to mind:

What exactly is carbon neutrality?

“Carbon neutrality, or having a net zero carbon footprint, refers to achieving net zero carbon emissions by balancing a measured amount of carbon released with an equivalent amount sequestered or offset, or buying enough carbon credits to make up the difference.” Read more: Carbon Neutrality

Perhaps you’re still wondering why carbon neutrality is so important. It seems a bit distant from our daily routine right?

Sounds cool to ride a bike to work, for example, but let’s be honest here, who can actually do that when work is 30+minutes away and the roads and packed with hills and cars?

Even when the work place is closer,  the idea of pedaling back home after a 9-hour shift it’s just unrealistic. Especially in the rainy season. However, if you can ride your bike to work or class, that’s great. Keep it up!

Thing is though, carbon neutrality involves much more than driving a Prius or riding a bike to work. But after going a bit more in-depth you’ll find there are many other means to help the environment in more practical and simple ways

In many cases, just by making small changes in our consumer tendencies  we can actually support the efforts that a large collective of people are working on.

It’s all about balance

Nowadays, carbon neutrality is as important to our planet, as it is to the quality of our lives. Why? Because in essence, carbon neutrality is about balance.

Balance in our lives, and in our daily practices. That’s why carbon neutrality isn’t just some process or effort to improve a production system.  Find balance and you’ll inevitably find carbon neutrality to be a lifestyle philosophy worth supporting.

At ICADS we try our best to teach integrally. Focusing, not only in the importance of meeting the curriculum, but also creating awareness in our students. We believe that’s the first step towards a change as a collective. And that, to us, is one of the keys to Learning for Change.

If you’re interested in one or more of our programs you can check them out here.