Costa Rica’s concentration on sustainability makes the country really special and different from other places. It doesn’t feel like they’re just doing it for show or to sound good, it actually seems like something they’ve built into how the country runs. That makes it feel more real and kind of inspiring, even just learning about it from the outside.
One of the biggest things they’re known for is how much renewable energy they use, like hydroelectric, wind, and geothermal power. In some years, almost all of their electricity comes from these sources, which is pretty crazy compared to most countries. They also have a long-term goal to become carbon neutral, meaning they want to balance out the pollution they create. On top of that, agriculture plays a big role too, coffee and bananas are major exports and they’re working on making those industries more sustainable by cutting down on waste, using better farming methods, and reducing environmental damage.
I’m really excited to go to Costa Rica because it feels like such a different experience from what I’m used to. I can’t wait to see the rainforests, beaches, and animals in real life, not just in pictures or videos. I’m also excited to just see how people live everyday, especially staying with a host family because that makes the experience more real and personal. Overall, it seems like one of those places where sustainability isn’t just a concept you hear about in school, you can actually see it in action everywhere you go.