Sustainable Living
How might we encourage sustainable ways of living?
Why Uruguay?
Uruguay has dramatically reduced its carbon footprint with the use of renewable energy. The country’s environmentally-friendly policies, beautiful countryside, and high quality of life are leading the way in Latin America and setting an example for the planet.
While in Uruguay, we will examine how sustainability can become a natural part of a country’s ethos overtime. From the old Spanish settlement of Colonia to the inland cattle ranches, we will investigate how culture, history, and natural resources can overlap. How can a country radically change its energy system? How can government policy and collaboration reach people across a diverse country differently?
Insights + Projects
On every Atlas Workshops program, the group works on an inquiry with real-world implications. Through intentional exploration, engagement with locals and experts, and team activities, students generate new insights and ideas about the topics, places, and global issues they’re investigating.
For some groups, the program incorporates a more extensive project—an opportunity to apply our learning and stretch our creative thinking by making something tangible or public.
We work to share the ideas and inspiration we find in the world, with the world, through collaborative initiatives and student expression. We can also work with you to develop a custom project or publish students’ insights via exhibition, photography, digital or print media, or other format.
Suggested Itinerary
Students will investigate the project question by getting to know Uruguay as a place, along with the people who live there, tinkering with ideas together to apply what they are learning, and sharing reflections, insights, and aha moments with others.
A Sustainable Capitol: 3-4 Nights
Montevideo, Uruguay
Upon arriving in the capital’s eco-friendly airport, we will hunt for prime examples of sustainability and quality of life around the city. We will research energy usage in Montevideo and visit the Old City.
A Historic City: 1-2 Nights
Colonia Del Sacramento, Uruguay
Continuing towards Uruguay’s most popular stop, Colonia, we’ll wander the streets of Barrio Historico, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to think about the colonial history of Uruguay and how lifestyles have changed in the last few centuries. Colonia is conveniently located across the river from Buenos Aires, giving us a beautiful view of the sunset and skyline of Argentina’s capital.
From Ranches to Turbines: 3-6 Nights
Central Uruguay
Trade cities for countryside as we head to the ranches and hills that define most of Uruguay. Experience the “Gaucho” lifestyle in Florida and Minas through meeting skilled ranch hands and farmers, grilling our food on a typical open-air parilla, learning about energy production at an eco house, and visiting wind turbine fields.
Green Living on the Coast: 2-3 Nights
La Paloma, Uruguay
Back on the coast in La Paloma, we’ll witness everyday sustainable lifestyles while visiting old ports, fishing villages, and its signature lighthouse. We will visit Cabo Polonio, a seaside village built on the sand dunes of a national park. This off-grid city will provide us with breathtaking beaches, narrow streets, and a perfect setting to round out our program.
Want to Learn More?
Custom Programs and Modifications
We have designed this itinerary to maximize the value and breadth of our project and program. We can modify any program, or we can plan an entirely custom program. This itinerary could be adapted to focus on more specific learning outcomes, visit different regions, hit a different price point, combine with another program, or cover a longer or shorter schedule based on the group’s needs.
Continue Exploring
You can also check out other programs, request a custom program, or explore other related programs here:
