Growing Up in the “Lungs of Central America” 🌋🌊
By: Ellie S.
I grew up in Nicaragua, a place often called the lungs of Central America and the land of lakes and volcanoes. Surrounded by so much natural beauty — from volcanoes glowing on the horizon to freshwater lakes stretching endlessly — it was impossible not to feel connected to the Earth.
But the truth is, Nicaragua hasn’t always been the cleanest. Plastic in rivers, trash piling up in streets, waste left behind in nature — those images are just as real as the beauty.
And yet, there has always been another side to our culture: the habit of reusing and recycling, even if we didn’t call it that.
- Glass bottles were washed and filled again with juice or coffee.
- Empty jars became drinking glasses.
- Plastic bags were folded and reused until they couldn’t hold anything anymore.
That everyday creativity was my first lesson in sustainability.
From Early Interest to Taking Action — My Time with SONATI 🌱
My love for the planet started young, but it grew deeper in high school when I joined SONATI — a Nicaraguan nonprofit dedicated to environmental education.
SONATI taught me that sustainability is more than picking up trash; it’s about understanding ecosystems, empowering communities, and teaching others what we learn. I joined projects, learned about ecotourism, and participated in initiatives like Guardianes del Bosque (Guardians of the Forest).
It was my first taste of environmental action beyond my home — proof that passion, when shared, can turn into real impact.
From Everyday Habits to a Lifestyle 🌱
As I grew older, those lessons became part of how I lived. Sustainability wasn’t just something I cared about; it became intentional.
Moving abroad made me realize how much waste takeout creates. It reminded me of home — how we could make things last longer, reuse what we had, and adapt. I thought: If people back in Nicaragua can extend the life of a simple jar or plastic bag, why can’t we bring that same spirit here — but in a healthier, more modern, practical way?
The Takeout Trigger Moment 💡
One night, I was at a restaurant and couldn’t finish my meal. The waiter brought me a black plastic container, and I froze. I didn’t want to use it, but I didn’t want to waste the food either.
It was such a small moment, but it made me realize something bigger: I didn’t just need a container. I needed one that actually fit the way I wanted to live — sustainable, practical, safe, and easy to carry.
From Problem to Purpose: Why BYOB Resonates with Me
That’s why BYOB (Bring Your Own Box) spoke to me so strongly. It wasn’t just another product; it was the missing piece between my culture of reusing in Nicaragua and my commitment to sustainability today.
BYOB checked all the boxes I had been searching for:
- Collapsible — so it fits in my bag everywhere I go
- Two sizes in one — because life isn’t one-size-fits-all
- Non-toxic — safe for me and my loved ones
- Built-in lid — because losing lids is the worst
- Stylish — because sustainability should also look and feel good
For me, it wasn’t just a product. It was a statement.
More Than a Container: A Cultural Connection 🌎
BYOB is more than a plastic-free alternative. It’s a way to carry a piece of my culture with me — the habit of giving things a second life, the belief that nothing should go to waste, the lessons I learned from SONATI about protecting what we love.
My dream is that one day, carrying a BYOB will feel as normal as carrying your keys or a reusable grocery bag. That people will bring it to food trucks, restaurants, family dinners, or even office lunches — and feel proud knowing that their small choice makes a big difference.
Why Not Us? ✨
I’m not a celebrity, and I don’t have millions of followers. I’m just someone who grew up between lakes and volcanoes, who joined a local environmental group as a teenager, and who still believes small choices add up to real change.
