Costa Rica has so many sustainability initiatives that are extremely impressive to a foreigner. Since tourism is extremely popular there, I have no doubt that it will be a wonderful traveling experience. And their dedication towards their care of their county and citizens makes me believe that we will be well taken care of. 

Some of Costa Rica’s sustainability initiatives that stuck out the most to me includes their 98% deforestation free rate which has allowed the country to decrease their carbon footprint. According to the Ministry of Health, the recycling rate in the county between 2015 and 2017 has increased by 469%. Costa Rica does a program called “pay to throw” which charges residents for the garbage that they produce, which has been the main reason for this increase. Costa Rica also generates almost 99% of its electricity from renewable resources such as hydro, geothermal, wind, and solar power. Because of this, 67.5% of Costa Rica’s energy is hydroelectric. Since 1997, there has been a 3.5% tax collected on fossil fuels, which has generated 26.4 million dollars. They also have one of the most diverse and protected ecosystems in the world, have turned their public transportation system eco-friendly, and prioritizes education at all levels.     

All these initiatives prove that Costa Rica takes great pride in their country. With tourism being their main economy, they have to make sure to preserve the beauty of the country for many years to come and they care about what their tourists are going to see and what their impression is going to be. 

I was already excited to go to Costa Rica but now I am even more ecstatic knowing just how much they value sustainability and “green” initiatives. I am excited to learn first hand how the coffee and banana companies apply sustainability to their business and supply chain.