Sustainable Practices Guide
At Anywhere Costa Rica we are committed to providing a wealth of information on every hotel so that we can help our clients find accommodations that match their needs, preferences, and interests. Our hotel profiles include photos and descriptions of the surrounding area, activities, rooms, amenities, and rates. Additionally, with Costa Rica’s delicate ecosystems and species diversity as a central part of its appeal to visitors, we have sought to recognize hotel environmental practices and community projects. Many of the hotel profiles in our database include a checklist of sustainable practice categories and a written sustainability summary with hotel-specific details.
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Renewable Energy Controll Center
Casa Corcovado Jungle Lodge
In compiling this sustainability information, we have asked each hotel provider to share their sustainable efforts and complete a survey of sustainability policies and practices. Maintaining up to date and accurate content is an ongoing process. We depend on the hotels for their honest participation and encourage visitors to send us contributions and feedback.
Category Definitions:
Renewable Energy- a portion of the hotel’s energy use is derived from energy resources not based on fossil fuels; includes the use of alternative resources such as small hydroelectric, wind, and solar
Energy Conservation- practices that minimize consumption of energy by the hotel and its guests; includes the installation of energy-efficient light bulbs, use of energy-efficient appliance models, and policies that encourage guests to re-use linens or turn of lights
Energy Star appliance- meets a strict energy efficiency guideline set by the US Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Energy
Water Conservation- practices that minimize the total volume of water used by the hotel and its guests; includes gray water recycling programs and rainwater collection systems, avoidance of restaurant tablecloths, and installation of low-flow toilets, faucets, and showerheads
Gray Water Recycling- recycling water from kitchens, bathroom sinks, showers, and/or laundry for re-use in gardens or elsewhere; helps to limit freshwater usage
Land Conservation- undeveloped land on the hotel property that has been set aside for long-term ecosystem protection
Recycling Program- the collection of glass, paper, aluminum, and/or plastic materials for recycling purposes; often includes the collections of additional materials such as organic scraps for garden composting; ideally the program encourages both staff and guest participation through education and easily reached bins
Waste/Toxicity Reduction- steps to minimize throwaway materials and use of toxic chemicals; such steps include the utilization of bulk dispensers for soap/shampoo/lotion, placement of durable service items (such as glass cups) in rooms and restaurant, providing and using only 100% biodegradable soap, making a commitment to biodegradable and/or non-toxic cleaning agents, and installing swimming pool cleaning systems that avoid the use of chlorine
Green Certification/Awards- formal recognition from a third party for environment or community friendly practices; includes Costa Rica’s Certification in Sustainable Tourism (CST)
Community Programs/Charity- regular contributions to community programs or charity; may include facilitating hotel staff participation in community projects
Additional Sustainability Steps- substantial efforts towards maintaining a healthy environment and society through practices that do not fall under the previous categories; examples might include participation in a reforestation program, a focus on serving local organic food, or use of environment-friendly materials for hotel construction and furnishing
Local Organic Food- food produced in the surrounding region and grown without the application of chemical pesticides or fertilizers
Category Definitions:
Renewable Energy- a portion of the hotel’s energy use is derived from energy resources not based on fossil fuels; includes the use of alternative resources such as small hydroelectric, wind, and solar
Energy Conservation- practices that minimize consumption of energy by the hotel and its guests; includes the installation of energy-efficient light bulbs, use of energy-efficient appliance models, and policies that encourage guests to re-use linens or turn of lights
Energy Star appliance- meets a strict energy efficiency guideline set by the US Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Energy
Water Conservation- practices that minimize the total volume of water used by the hotel and its guests; includes gray water recycling programs and rainwater collection systems, avoidance of restaurant tablecloths, and installation of low-flow toilets, faucets, and showerheads
Gray Water Recycling- recycling water from kitchens, bathroom sinks, showers, and/or laundry for re-use in gardens or elsewhere; helps to limit freshwater usage
Land Conservation- undeveloped land on the hotel property that has been set aside for long-term ecosystem protection
Recycling Program- the collection of glass, paper, aluminum, and/or plastic materials for recycling purposes; often includes the collections of additional materials such as organic scraps for garden composting; ideally the program encourages both staff and guest participation through education and easily reached bins
Waste/Toxicity Reduction- steps to minimize throwaway materials and use of toxic chemicals; such steps include the utilization of bulk dispensers for soap/shampoo/lotion, placement of durable service items (such as glass cups) in rooms and restaurant, providing and using only 100% biodegradable soap, making a commitment to biodegradable and/or non-toxic cleaning agents, and installing swimming pool cleaning systems that avoid the use of chlorine
Green Certification/Awards- formal recognition from a third party for environment or community friendly practices; includes Costa Rica’s Certification in Sustainable Tourism (CST)
Community Programs/Charity- regular contributions to community programs or charity; may include facilitating hotel staff participation in community projects
Additional Sustainability Steps- substantial efforts towards maintaining a healthy environment and society through practices that do not fall under the previous categories; examples might include participation in a reforestation program, a focus on serving local organic food, or use of environment-friendly materials for hotel construction and furnishing
Local Organic Food- food produced in the surrounding region and grown without the application of chemical pesticides or fertilizers
