A phrase common in Costa Rica is Pura Vida, meaning a pure or simple life. However, the reason many ticos can live a simple life is due to the country’s sustainability efforts. Currently about 93% of Costa Rica’s energy is renewable with most coming from hydro power plants, and in 2017 the whole country ran 300 days fully on renewable energy. Learning this, changed my view of Costa Rica from being just a beautiful and diverse country to also being a progressive country. Other countries should be using Costa Rica as a role model. If the whole world prioritized sustainability and clean energy as much as Costa Rica is, then we can make major leaps in resolving climate and environmental issues.

When it comes to coffee and bananas, Costa Rica leads the way in carbon neutral banana production with many other major banana producers close behind. Something interesting about the coffee industry I found was the way each tree is planted in order to sustain a healthy ecosystem. Native trees are planted strategically around and throughout coffee farms to reduce erosion and improve the health of the soil. In turn, healthier coffee beans are produced, and more native species of plants can still thrive.

Aside from these impressive statistics and facts, while in Costa Rica I am now going to keep an eye out for any hydro power plants we may pass. I am also going to be paying attention to how each farm is laid out to see if I can notice the strategic allocation of space. While observing the farms and scenery, I plan to take pictures and do some sketches of the country to remember the trip.