|
These practices include:
- A completely gravity-fed freshwater system, with no pumps, pressure tanks, or electrical supply
- All water from local springs
- The use of wind energy for electrical power and an ultimate goal of using micro-hydro and solar power for
all electrical needs
- Preservation of the local watershed and of natural freshwater springs
- Reforestation of areas formerly used for cattle grazing, planting more than 1000 new trees per year since
2004
- Hiring locally as a way to support the local community, where unemployment is high, and where there exists
great opportunity for improving the financial well being of our neighbors. All employess live within 2 km from the Inn, and
provide a way for guests to get to know the true face of traditional Costa Rica.
- Separation and recycling of plastics, glass, and paper
- Use of non-bleached toilet paper and paper towels
- Composting of organic wastes for use in the vegetable and herb gardens
- Encouraging guests to use towels over more than one day, thus cutting down on detergent, water, and electricity
use
- Use of dispensers for shampoo, body wash, and conditioner instead of packaged containers
- Laundering sheets only on every third day, or upon check-out, unless requested sooner
- Line-drying laundry instead of using an electric dryer whenever possible
- Use of energy-efficient lighting and refrigeration
- Installing a professionally designed and large-capacity waste treatment facility that provides a fruit-tree
orchard with nutrients
- Having a grey-water system that provides water to fruit orchards
- Providing guests with information about the local environment and the Coyote Mountain preserve, in particular
- Encouraging low-impact enjoyment of the property, local wilderness area, creek, and forest amongst guests
- Encouraging guests to visit Costa Rica's parks and protected areas using LEAVE NO TRACE principles
- Utilizing high ceilings, cross-ventilation, and overhangs for cooling the building, and not using any mechanical
systems for air conditioning
- Designing the building to utilize natural light in guest and public areas whenever possible so that electric
lights are not required except at night
- Purchasing locally-grown food products whenever possible
- Maintaining on-site organic and sustainable vegetable and herb gardens
- Building and creating roads and paths that minimize impact on the local environment and forest
- Encouraging car-pooling among employees and for all supply-purchasing trips
- Regular maintenance of hotel vehicles
- Supporting other local businesses through purchasing
- Encouraging employee continuing education and on-the-job training
- The use of natural materials in constriction; no use of endangered woods
- Making minimal use of paper products for marketing efforts--reliance on the web site
- Encouraging and contributing to the development and maintenance of the local community infrastructure, including
roads
|
