Upon returning back to the United States, life is moving a lot slower. In Portugal, I got into a routine where we were moving every minute of every day to tour a company or cultural site. This is slightly ironic considering day-to-day life in the United States is a lot more fast-paced and chaotic than day-to-day life in Portugal. This is only one, small cultural difference among many that I observed during my time abroad. I?ve concluded that a lot of cultural differences are a reflection of the countries? differences in values. For example, at all of the businesses that we went to in Portugal, each company had established formal methods that helped them be a more sustainable company. All the companies that had anything to do with agriculture had an irrigation system that helps reduce water waste. Companies like the olive oil mill and the cork manufacturing company made sure that they used every part of the olive or cork respectively as to not create waste. At the textile mill, they?re working to create recyclable clothing, and turning unused fabrics that they make into yarn that they can use on future projects. That same company also provides their employees with electric shuttles that will take them to and from work, investing both in their people and the environment. In the United States, I feel like there?s an unhealthy relationship between sustainable business practices and American businesses. Prior to this trip, I had a very American mindset that made me believe sustainability was unrealistic and costly, but after seeing the innovative ways in which these businesses practiced sustainability, I?m not so sure. American companies have the creativity and the resources to incorporate sustainable business practices into their companies, but unless they make it a top priority like many of these Portuguese companies did, then it is likely that not much change will happen.
