WHAT YOU CAN DO
No matter where you are traveling, or even in your own home, many of the principles regarding sustainability apply.  It is always a good idea to turn off your lights when you don’t need them, conserve water by turning the tap off while you brush your teeth  or wash your dishes rather than letting it run.  While there are countries without recycling programs more and more do have them nowadays.  If there is no information, ask – who knows, maybe if the company does not recycle you will inspire someone within the company to ask why, or seek further information.

Programs that can use your support

Casa Luz is a social project that the owners of the Hotel founded and support. Information for Casa Luz can be found in the ‘HGO & Sustainability’ section of this website.  If you would like to make a donation an envelope can be found in each room.  If you’d like more information about Casa Luz or wish to offer more support to the program please speak to the Front Desk.

Within the Hotel

Your help with our sustainability program invaluable to us. There are many ways in which you can help.  Information is provided in your room as well as in Reception.

1. Please recycle all of your recyclable garbage. Bins are located in Reception as well as in front of the Hotel.  If you would like to leave the items in your room please leave them beside the garbage can and our maids will happily recycle them for you.
   
   
2. All of our organic (food) waste in collected and sent to a pig farm for feed.  If you have food you would like to dispose of please bring it to the restaurant or call reception and someone will come and pick it up.
   
   
3. Please turn off your TV, lights, fans and/or air conditioning when you leave your room.
   
   
4. All of the water from the taps in the hotel is purified so please help us reduce waste by not using the bottled water in the minibars.  The qualityof the tap water is tested regularly and is 100% safe for drinking.
   
   
5. Please have patience when speaking with our staff members. They are all making an effort to learn and improve their grasp on the English Language.  Remember to speak slowly.
   
   
6. If you prefer to practice your Spanish they are very happy to help.

Outside of the Hotel
When travelling within San Jose or other areas within Costa Rica please remember to take with you a respect for the natural, social and cultural resources Costa Rica has to offer.  A few good rules to keep in mind are:

1. Respect the local environment.  Do not litter. Do not pick wild flowers or plants.
   
   
2. Try to reuse water bottles and recycle when you can.
   
   
3. Preserve local resources – If your hotel has a policy to minimize laundering of towels and sheets, try to support it.
   
   
4. Try to use biodegradable soaps and organic bug repellent and sun block.
   
   
5. Respect local culture and traditions – Be aware and sensitive to cultural differences in language, custom and dress.  Ask permission before taking someone’s picture.
   
   
6. Learn a few words in the local language: and be open to learning about the culture throughout your trip.
   
   
7. Try to keep your money within the local community – Try local brands of food and drink or buy handcrafted goods from local artisans.
   
   
8. Protect national treasures : NEVER buy authentic archaeological artifacts or souvenirs made from endangered plants or animals (such as turtle shell, coral and non-plantation precious wood)
   
   
9. Make donations count.  The best way to give back to a country is through donations to reputable conservation and social organizations, not to individuals.

Tips for Visiting National Parks

1. Hire a local naturalist guide.  Guides enhance the overall experience and provide a wider interpretation of the natural areas you visit.  They can also help spot wild animals that are invisible to the untrained eye.
   
   
2. Avoid feeding, touching or harrassing the wild animals.  Contact with the animals puts them at risk and can cause undue stress.
   
   
3. Stay on the trail at all times.  This will help lessen your impact on the forest and keep you from getting lost.
   
   
4. Increase your chances of seeing wildlife responsibly:
   
   
• Be ready to explore the forest in early morning or at dusk.
• Wear clothes that blend into the background.
• Avoid wearing perfume or other strong scents.
• Remain very quiet on the trail.
• Wait by a waterhole.
• Tune into the sounds of nature with all your senses.
• Watch where you walk – Look down when walking through the forest.
• When you do see an animal – Be still while observing.