I had this nice little piece I was going to post this morning about finding style in Costa Rica. And then I couldn’t stop thinking about this “comment” I received yesterday on a site called The Real Costa Rica. I’m not controversial, at least I didn’t think so. Until someone took issue with my “complaining” about the prolific use of plastic bags here. He was referring to a post I wrote about how I’m trying to use less plastic bags in Costa Rica.

He said he owns a home here, part-time, and then went on to say……” I love Costa Rica and if you (that’s me he’s talking about...) carry plastics bags back and forth in buses and public transportation and complain about it, then you are probably not the kind of American who should have moved to Costa Rica.”

I wondered if he actually read what I had written because in the next line I wrote how plastic bags were helpful, especially on buses and in the rainy season…..

“Then, I moved to Costa Rica. A plastic bag free-for-all. There’s no question these bags with handles are handy, and since it does rain in Costa Rica, paper bags aren’t always a good solution especially when one has to take the bus or walk home. But the other day when I came home, my AAA batteries (which are encased in plastic to begin with) were inside a plastic bag inside another plastic bag…….”

Basically he continued on and on how I should just ship out. He stopped short of calling me an “idiot” or a “gum-chewing-hussy” or you know - THAT word. But the the tone was clear: because I was such an ingrate, I didn’t deserve to live in the country where he lives a few months out of the year, and he so dearly loves. Although I never met this fellow, I could see him shaking his finger at me. He finished up with this:

“SO, stop complaining and if you dislike it there, then come back to the USA, we most certainly could use another complainer!!“

Well, I’m chewing on my napkin instead of giving power to all the negative - and quite clever - things I could say. Guess maybe he didn’t read a few more of my posts like the grateful column, or how I adore the organic food in Costa Rica, or how this great community of people rallies around my son and his special needs. Details I suppose. I would teach my children to use conscious consumption no matter where we lived. I happen to believe small acts, such as one or two less plastic bags, actually makes a difference in the world. Not only because maybe one less fish will tangle up in the handle of the plastic bag that happened to miss the garbage can, but also because these acts bring on an awareness. Our thinking changes from “Hey what’s in it for me” to “How am I affecting my family, my community, and my world with the decisions I make?” No we can’t analyze every decision all day long or we’d go mad. But with a little practice, it gets quite easy. Are my tires the correct air pressure so I am more fuel efficient? Could I eat more fruits and vegetables produced locally and thereby reduce fuel consumption? Could I walk instead of drive? Could I be kind instead of crabby?

What kind of American should move to Costa Rica? I’m the kind of American that lives in Costa Rica and will continue to examine lifestyle choices that lower have the potential to raise our planet’s health and consciousness or chip away at it’s delicate balance. When I accept the status quo, then you’ll see me moving back to the States to chum up with the group of complainers he asked me to join. Until then, I’ll continue to write about the things I adore about Costa Rica and the challenges we face as a developing country and the little things that can make a big difference. If my views get someone’s underwear in a bundle - welcome! Step right up. Though the line is long, you’ll be in good company.

*If you want to see his whole response, go to Tim’s site at The Real Costa Rica Blog. This is a great site with a lot of helpful information.