Costa Rica Ecolodge Ups Environmental Ante

Biodiesel Bulletin:

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. October 14, 2008

OSA PENINSULA, Costa Rica, August 28, 2007. Actions speak louder than words, especially when it comes to issues of sustainability-that's why Lapa Rios Ecolodge, honored as Rainforest Alliance's 2007 Sustainable Standard-Setter, is announcing an environmentally conscious transition to primarily biodiesel powered electricity.

In an effort to support alternative fuels and energy, Lapa Rios is pioneering the use of biodiesel in Costa Rica, resulting in lower carbon emissions and cleaner-burning fuels that will hopefully influence similar practices throughout the entire hospitality industry and translate into reduced effects of global warming.

The biodiesel, purchased from the Costa Rican company Energias Biodegradable (one of the first biodiesel producers in the country) and partially sourced from Lapa Rios' own recycled kitchen grease, is a diesel-equivalent processed fuel derived from biological sources like vegetable oil, boasting 75 percent less carbon emissions than traditional diesel fuel. It's also a biodegradable energy source that's less toxic than table salt-making it an ideal addition to Lapa Rios' acclaimed Sustainability Program.

To allow the resort's electrical generation system to adjust, the biodiesel must be introduced slowly; thus, Lapa Rios has begun by using a mix of five percent biodiesel with 95 percent diesel blend. In the following three months, the biodiesel-to-diesel ratio will climb to allow a 60 percent biodiesel run resort electricity system.

In addition, Lapa Rios has also begun introducing biodiesel (currently at 30 percent biodiesel) to its transportation services, including on-property pickup trucks and guest transport vehicles. This effort will improve carbon emissions as well, continually shrinking Lapa Rios' ecological footprint.

Dedicated to providing the ultimate harmonious escape since 1993, Lapa Rios is tucked within 1,000 acres of Central America's last remaining lowland tropical rainforest and overlooks the beautiful Pacific Ocean. Offering interactive tourism with great respect for the social-cultural and ecological interests of local communities, the upscale wilderness resort features high service standards as well as the ability to protect and regenerate the natural environment and local customs.

Built as a private nature reserve, Lapa Rios blends seamlessly among its surroundings, featuring 16 suiita-thatch bungalows perched 350 feet above the churning sea, and a main lodge that houses a fine-dining restaurant and bar - all hidden beneath the dense, tropical canopy.

Not only do guests contribute to the conservation of the rainforest with a stay at Lapa Rios, they are offered the opportunity to learn about and truly experience a sustainable environment at its best. From Sunday night "sustainability chats" - where local conservationist groups discuss environmental issues with guests - to Tico Cooking Classes taught by local women and featuring Costa Rican cuisine, Lapa Rios Ecolodge thrives in educating eco-minded travelers.

Travelers seeking a "green" slice of paradise are encouraged to visit www.laparios.com, where they can view resort details, bungalows and seasonal rates for planning their own eco-friendly getaway at Lapa Rios, ranked #11 in Travel + Leisure's "Top 25 Hotels in Mexico and Central and South America" for 2007.