When I think about Costa Rica and everything I learned, I start to wonder why don’t we try to implement some of these ideas into our own campus? Why not use sustainability as a promoting point and create a leaf scaling system for colleges? I mean, if hotels are sustainable, I think we should be able to make dorm rooms more sustainable as well; like the automatic light switches, composting, reusing water, reducing water usage, and composting there are many things we can do to make Bryant even more sustainable and more like the hotels I saw while abroad.
Since I’ve been home I have told so many people about my trip and some of the different ideas of sustainability and the coffee industry. One of the things that always stands out to me as being the coolest sustainability project was the implementation of the coiled water tubes running through the compost and how it acts to heat the water. I remember my Dad raising an eyebrow and saying, “Wow, I never would of thought of that, but it makes complete sense.” I got many responses like that and it makes me realize the importance of sharing my experiences. By sharing my experiences, I can educate a person on something simple that has been overlooked and might be the key to sustainability in our own lives. 
Before going on this trip, I had NEVER tried a cup of coffee, but now I feel like I know a thing or two. From how it is grown, how it is produced, taste testing & different roasts, and even how it is sold. One of my favorite things I learned from the trip was the recycling of materials in the coffee making process. From the way the dried bean skin is used for fuel, and another layer of skin is used for stuffing in pillows and stuffed bears, and even the bean itself through osmosis creates caffeine used in energy drinks. There are so many different ways that it can be used. The way things are done in Costa Rica is actually much more sustainable and smarter than I used to think.
To continue sustainability efforts on campus I have joined the SIFE Green Team and yesterday was actually the RecycleMania kickoff (www.recyclemania.org) and this semester’s goal is to place in the top-100 schools competing in the program for recycling efforts. There truly are a lot of people wanting to help with recycling, but if we are going to make a big impact we are going to need a commitment from all people to be more sustainable.In conclusion, one of my favorite ideas was from the manager of the first sustainability hotel talk, when he said things about how, “We need to develop the country with sustainability, we are always going to have an impact, but we need to find a balance of sustainability and operating as a business.” There are many challenges faced with people and businesses today and it is important that we find a balance in everything we do if we want to succeed in the long term.
Michael Banville
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