Not only is it a new year, but it’s a new decade! And what better time than now to set some collective new decade resolutions! Whether you are living in Costa Rica, moving to Costa Rica, or perpetually visiting, committing to all or some of these resolutions will benefit Costa Rica, our planet as a whole, and yourself.

Let’s dedicate this decade to being kind, compassionate, mindful, environmentally conscious, active and healthy!

NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS WE CAN MAKE TOGETHER IN 2020

GIVE UP SINGLE-USE PLASTICS

Did you know that 50% of the 300 million tons of plastic that is produced every year is single-use plastic? According to the United Nations, 800 species worldwide are affected by marine debris, and 80% of that debris is plastic. Sadly, over 90% of seabirds have plastic in their stomachs. And more so, if you eat seafood, you are inadvertently eating plastic.

Plastic pollution is a worldwide epidemic! If we keep producing and then dumping plastic in the ocean at the rate we have been, we will soon reach a point of no return and complete disrepair. There is some good news, though! We each have the power to make a difference in the future of our seas and planet by simply saying “no more” to single-use plastic!

PICK UP BEACH LITTER

The beaches of Costa Rica are relatively pristine compared to other countries in Central America, but to keep them that way, we all have to pitch in. If you see litter on the beach, please pick it up. If we each make a point to collect at least five pieces of beach litter anytime we are at the beach, think of how much plastic and debris we could keep out of the ocean!

WEAR THE RIGHT SUNSCREEN

Chemical sunscreens are killing our coral reefs around the world, and not to mention the harm those chemicals are silently doing to our bodies. The only two active ingredients that should be in your sunscreen are titanium dioxide and non-Nano zinc oxide; anything else is toxic.

DRIVE SLOWER

Roadkill is a common site in Costa Rica, as are speed demon maniac drivers. Let’s pledge to slow down this year. What’s the rush anyway? Think about how many animals’ lives will be spared this year, and every year thereafter, if everyone just drove a little slower, or at least the speed limit.

EAT A MORE PLANT-BASED DIET

According to the Blue Zone diet (the Nicoya Peninsula is one of the Blue Zones), 95% of your diet should be plant-based. Not only will your body thank you graciously for reducing your meat consumption, but so will the planet. This should be easy in Costa Rica since there are so many delicious fruits and vegetables readily available and locally grown.

EXPLORE SOMEWHERE YOU’VE NEVER BEEN IN COSTA RICA

For such a small country, there are so many incredible places to explore and experiences to be had. Don’t miss out on all Costa Rica has to offer by staying stagnant and in one place. This year, explore somewhere new; even if it’s somewhere just down the street.

What collective resolutions would you like to add to this list?

Happy New Decade!