On Becoming a Less Materialistic Human

I’ve noticed over the years that there are two types of expats, or would-be expats, that arrive to Costa Rica, both with big dreams and high expectations…

The first type consists of those expats who are looking for a different style of life than what they left behind. They are often seeking a greener, less cluttered, less materialistic, and more sustainable existence.

The second type is basically looking to transfer the same level of materialism that he or she enjoyed back home to Costa Rica, but to experience it with a more tropical/exotic flare…and with better weather, of course.

You can probably guess the ones I prefer to work with. Although, truth be told, the second set usually arrives with more money in tow. That can make a Costa Rica real estate agent’s eyes turn green!…especially those with PHDs…you know, the poor, hungry and driven ones.

Truth is that I like working with any wanna-be expat because I get a kick out of showing off this great country, with its multitude of marvels and mysteries. I do get pissed off sometimes, however, when folks try to create their own personal version of it.

Costa Rica is what it is and despite the valiant efforts of a handful of materialistic-minded gringo expats, it ain’t gonna change any time soon.

I have written before about my view that “American-style” consumerism is at the root of many problems the world faces.

Often I’ve contrasted that high consumption lifestyle with what prevails here in Costa Rica. Comparatively speaking, the Costa Rica lifestyle is marked by low consumption, although the influx of North Americans in the last couple decades threatens to change all that.

Granted, low consumption isn’t for everybody. I understand that. But I can imagine that if enough people live this way, the earth might become a better place, or at least we’d have a more sustainable planet that might remain an enjoyable place for future generations.

What exactly am I getting at with this idea of a Costa Rica lifestyle of low consumption?

Let me provide some examples. As always, there are exceptions! But exceptions don’t make the rules.

Costa Ricans don’t, for the most part, use appliances, such as dishwashers and clothes dryers, that consume inordinate amounts of electricity.

In the higher altitudes of Costa Rica, like the Central Valley, no one uses air condition, nor heat.

Down on the coast that may be a different story, at least for a/c. But not really if you live high enough to cool things down a bit with an ocean breeze, as well as a spectacular view. Yes, there are places where you can “have your cake and eat it too” in Costa Rica!

In Costa Rica, we often grow our own food, or it could just be growing wild on its own, right in your backyard. We don’t need to buy our produce from industrialized farms that are depleting the soil and poisoning it, and us, with pesticides.

We often buy from local farmer’s markets. Again, food here is usually grown locally rather than on industrialized farms located far away, which then has to shipped to a grocer near you. There has been a recent push for organic or hydroponic home gardening. Many expats are growing or buying exclusively organic.

We buy used cars and then drive them to the last kilometer. This is in large part due to the ridiculously high cost of new imports, but it helps keep our consumption rate low compared to other “more developed” societies where consumers buy new cars every few years. We also like taking the bus and don’t view the act as having any negative socio-economic class implications.

In Costa Rica we are into protecting the environment because we realize it’s the main reason we get up every morning with a smile on our face. Not to mention the dollars it brings from others who like to visit frequently and enjoy a similar experience.

I could go on, but you’ve probably already caught my drift.

For those of you who are intrigued by the idea of becoming a less materialistic human who embraces the Costa Rican lifestyle of lower consumption, come on down, the water is very nice.

For those of you who aren’t, but would like to give the expat life a try anyway, we welcome you as well. Just please try to keep an open mind. Costa Rica might just teach you a thing or two!