COSTA RICA FORUM

I discovered that this little country had an increasing problem with discarded plastic products washing onto otherwise pristine beaches.

That reminded me of an experience I had many years ago. My wife, two friends, and I were on a remote Alaska island, thousands of miles from the eastern coast of China, Japan, or Russia.

The island was magnificent. Pristine, pure.

Until we reached its Pacific-facing side.

Its deserted beaches were filled with fishing buoys, assorted plastics and other trash that had been discarded or thrown overboard.

Alaska and Costa Rica. Worlds apart yet but one world.

That germ became the idea for this forum while researching Costa Rica's magnificent efforts to preserve and protect sea turtle nesting sites---only to learn that many of these same creatures returned to Ecuador where they are slaughtered to make shoes for sale in Italy.The idea became reality---this Costa Rica forum---because, though I loved being able to tell you that the best whale-watching in the world is in Costa Rica I was distressed to find out that we've killed off 95% of these creatures.

Two things set Man apart from other animals. We alone have the power to destroy or harm species and the planet. And we alone have the capacity not to do so.

So here we are---you and I. Strangers bound in an increasingly connected world.

I've got some ideas. Some thoughts.

For one, I'm disgusted by shark-finning, click

You've got ideas, too. Probably important ideas.

We're part of a small world-wide community.

Whatever our language, we can now communicate with Google Translate.

So, let's talk (in your language)! THERE'S A SEPARATE FORUM FOR TELLING US ABOUT YOUR COSTA RICA VACATION, click here for it

Readers' Forum

Ideas matter. Knowledge empowers.

Always.

So (and thanks for bearing with me) I offer to you this forum. It'll be free ranging, anything (almost) you want to talk about, any idea or thought welcome.

It can be about Costa Rica or anything in which all of us have in common.

I want to hear what's on your mind. Each of us are part of a little community.

The only restriction is this: people can disagree (that's healthy) but never without civility (that's unhealthy). Please be respectful.

We're all in this together.

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