The Window NGO

15/12/2025

The beach at Manuel Antonio National Park resembles more of a Thai beach than a nature reserve. It might be expensive to enter and a bit of a walk, but it seems like this is the place to go and hang out away from the 'free beaches' in the area.

26/10/2025

Cattle farms are intimately tied to the deforestation of rainforests in South Central America. The Osa Peninsular doesn't have that problem with that battle having been won decades ago.

26/10/2025

Costa Rica is an environmental dream, rich in bio diversity, eco friendly and leading the way for sustainable living.

Or is it?

Costa Rica is all of the things you hear about but those attributes need to be defended.

Costa Rica is also one of the worlds heaviest users of pesticide in its farming, using a pesticide banned in the EU. The pesticide is an environmental disaster killing the pollinators, making the soil and ground water toxic, and effecting the health of nearby communities.

My experience flying over parts of Southern Costa Rica gave me a first hand view of the many palm plantation either cut into the rainforest or nearby. The palm plantation deforest the area and are another environmental disaster developing.

My experience in Costa Rica was amazing. The biodiversity, the people and the care, it is a special place and all of the good things you've heard are true. But paradise needs to be defended, and the biggest hurdle is the disconnect between many fighting for the environment, and what the actual issues are.

Costa Rics is 'Pura Vida'

26/10/2025

14/07/2025

Living off-grid is always depicted as the luxury and tranquil lifestyle that is so reachable and manageable, something everyone should try. Yes, EVERYONE should try it to experience it, to see the commitment it takes. And to feel the achievement. It takes courage to actually do it and not just protest about doing it.

14/07/2025

The first things that people miss living off-grid are the luxuries; the washing machine, the dishwasher, the everyday things that make our lives easier. It's not that you can't have the luxuries while living off-grid, but it costs a whole lot more. But, in saying all of that, there's something rewarding about living a simple life that's authentic.

11/06/2025

There's a special freedom that comes from the disconnect to society, a reawakening of the spirit... if you can handle the environment. Surrounded by tropical jungle bordering on wild deserted beaches, Vera chose to integrate her new project with the environment. It's not a work in progress at this point, it's laying the foundations for the work to start. Photo Justin Cleaver

21/05/2025

It's trending now to want to live off-grid, cool to say how you could live without modern amenities because you're so eco friendly. But how many have tried?
I don't mean going to an eco resort for a week to be Zen, I mean actually doing it properly and living off grid.

Meet Vear Gaon, a British actress that has decided to build her legacy in the wild jungles of Costa Rica. After traveling up the Amazon she traveled through Costa Rica and fell in love with Carate. The mixture of virgin rainforest with untamed beaches stole her heart and she bought a piece of land.

Vera was my reason for travelling to Carat, to meet her, experience the region and hear her vision. Photo Justin Cleaver

19/05/2025

We all want to change the world for the better, but you can't put a horse in the ocean because you're a fish and think it should live like you.
Understanding culture, understanding the history of a culture is vital in understanding what makes a people tick. If you don't understand a people, you won't understand what drives them and what is needed to help.
I have travelled extensively but I'm trying to expose my family to as much as possible. Education might be important in making a person educated, but experience makes you wise. Photos Justin Cleaver

14/05/2025

Life in the rainforest just hits differently, with no distractions your senses open and you discover a different world. This is most evident when the sun goes down and the jungle comes to life, nothing compares to the experience. Photo Justin Cleaver