Sustainability Contest in the Lapa Rios employees!

This Monday we are starting a sustainability contest with our employees, where they will be collecting points from different sustainable activities by participating in community events; the person who collets more points until August will win a weekend at the Harmony Hotel (www.harmonynosara.com) in Guanacaste, a hotel managed by Cayuga Sustainability Hospitality ( the same management company of Lapa Rios) . The objective is to stimulate our employees for the sustainable activities, to involve them in the community and hotel practices. Since we exposed this contest, I have seen enthusiastic and excited faces. Good luck everyone!!!!!!!

Recycling and creativity!

Technology isn’t the only thing needed to recycle; sometimes all you need is a little bit of creativity! An excellent example of this fact is a group named ReciclArte here in Costa Rica. These groups (six groups in total exist all over Costa Rica) make belts, earrings and collars from pull-tabs and reusable clothes. Their project seeks to produce a change in the way throw-away materials are seen by demonstrating that common “trash” can be transformed into attractive and useful objects. We have this jewelry available in our little gift shop, and their sales have proven to be quite successful so far. In fact, you may even find our employees wearing them as well.

Micro Hydro project!

This year we have a great project in hands: micro hydro energy. We are currently looking for ways to replace diesel generator, and, for now, micro hydro seems to be a good alternative. Micro Hydro is a term used for hydroelectric power installations that typically produce up to 100 kW of power. They are often used in water rich areas as a Remote Area Power Supply (RAPS). There are many of these installations around the world, including several delivering around 50 kW in the Solomon Islands, supplying energy for small communities.
Micro hydro is frequently accomplished with a pelton wheel for high head, low flow water supply.In low-head installations, maintenance and mechanism costs often become important. A low-head system moves larger amounts of water, and is more likely to encounter surface debris. This project is going to take a lot of time, but we are sure this is an important step in our work towards a more sustainable future.