Costa Rica is one of the leading nations in the world when it comes to sustainability and ecotourism and I feel like there is so much to learn from their practices. Going to a place like Costa Rica was such an inspiring experience. This trip was different because it wasn’t just about capturing the beauty of Costa Rica. It was about learning about sustainability and how ecotourism is so intimately linked with the way of life of the Costa Rican people. Sustainability is treated with the utmost respect there and it’s one thing that everyone can agree on - if we want our world to be enjoyed for generations to come, we must take care of it for better or worse. We as humans are part of nature. In many ways, we’re the reason why some of these places are hurting but we can also be the solution.
The more I’ve traveled, I’ve realized that I can do more on a daily basis in order to minimize my impact. We all have a carbon footprint and it’s our responsibility to do what we can to reduce it. The same goes for other entities such as hotels and organizations. That can be a challenging proposition when trying to run a business but the eco lodges of Costa Rica prove that it can be done. Through their operations, they demonstrate that it’s entirely possible to run an incredible business with zero carbon footprint. Eco-resorts aim to bring back a life that places more importance on our connection with the natural world. It’s not just a place to stay; it’s a place to learn. Their goal is to minimize their impact on the ecosystem while still providing world class services. They've incorporated environmentally friendly practices into the way they operate in order to be responsible and protect the places that we call home.
100% of the natural water used at the Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa comes from the Tabacon River on property. The hot springs there are all sourced from the Tabacon river which feeds highly mineralized water into the resort. They remain incredibly conscious of their land use and want to do everything they can to remain camouflaged in a way so they don’t intrude or impinge on the nature that surrounds them. They use an incredibly small percentage of the 900 acres of natural reserve that their property is located on. They focus on preserving the remainder so that the natural ecosystem of the area can continue to thrive. They want to enrich the natural wonders that surround them rather than damaging them. 100% of the power used at the Rancho Margot resort comes from the hydro turbines powered by rivers and waterfalls on the property. All of the food they serve is farm to table and grown right on the property. Many of these resorts also offer sustainable activities. Low impact activities such as ziplining, hiking, and horseback riding allow you to connect with the ecosystem on a more intimate level and gain a new perspective in a way that doesn’t damage it. The Parador hotel is another resort that is inspiring in how it places a prominent focus on sustainability. Located near the incredible Manuel Antonio National Park, the resort has such an abundance of wildlife that wouldn’t be possible if they weren’t so committed to conserving and enriching the natural environment. There is such a feeling of closeness to nature thanks to the natural trails that span the entire property. Nature is all around you no matter where you look. They use all of the waste products that are produced at the hotel in order to fertilize the soil. Sustainability is an undeniable part of their way of life and it’s such an ingrained part of their culture that they can’t imagine living any differently. When you’re at Arenas del Mar resort, you can’t shake the feeling that you’re amongst a thriving natural environment full of beautiful flora and fauna. It’s so rewarding to know that you’re minimizing your impact on the environment while still being able to enjoy its wonders. At this resort as well as many others in Costa Rica, you’re truly being brought back to nature.
As humans, there’s always more we can learn. It’s our responsibility to take care of this place we call home if we want generations to come to be able to enjoy it in the ways that we are. It’s important to do whatever we can to be more conscious of our role in the ecosystem and to have a positive impact whenever possible. You can strive to live an eco-conscious lifestyle at home but it’s also important to bring that same mindset to the destinations that you travel to. During my journey through Costa Rica, I was so inspired by these hotels and what they’re doing in order to reduce their impact. If we want to affect positive change in the long run we need to incorporate these changes into our society on a much deeper level. We can all learn from Costa Rica by making sustainability a bigger part of our daily lives both at home and abroad. This trip was sponsored by Visit Costa Rica.
