Hello, my name is Gabby Bloom, and I am from Bucks County, Pennsylvania. I just completed my freshman year, studying business analytics and marketing.

Before diving into the research, I knew Costa Rica had a reputation for being eco-friendly, but I didn’t realize just how seriously the country takes sustainability. The fact that Costa Rica is consistently ranked among the top 20 countries in the World Energy Council’s environmental sustainability index is for good reason!

One of the most impressive initiatives is their Payment for Environmental Services (PES) program, which pays landowners to preserve forests. This has helped boost forest cover dramatically since the late ’80s. On top of that, Costa Rica recently exported its first batch of deforestation-free coffee, showing how they’re blending environmental goals with major agricultural exports. And yes – bananas also come up, especially in connection with Rainforest Alliance-certified farms that emphasize both environmental responsibility and fair labor practices.

These efforts don’t make Costa Rica seem elitist or out of touch – they make it seem impressive, grounded, and forward-thinking. It’s not just talk; they’re actually doing the work to back up their green reputation.

Personally, I’m excited to go because I want to see how this sustainability plays out in real life – in the food, the landscapes, and the people. I am also eager to explore this new place and have an adventure!