Sustainability is our top priority

Esquinas Rainforest Lodge is proud to have been awarded a three-leaf Certificate of Sustainable Tourism (CST) by the Costa Rica Tourism Board ICT. It is the policy of Esquinas to make a minimal impact on the surrounding environment. We are one of few lodges in Costa Rica that are 100% carbon-neutral due to the reforestation of 2334 rainforest trees in nearby La Gamba. The 2009 Lonely Planet Guide has listed Esquinas as one of Costa Rica's five top ecolodges.

The photo to the left shows General Manager Ana Catalina Torres receiving the CST award from Costa Rican President Oscar Arias.

Energy and Carbon offsetting

In November 2009, the mother organization of Esquinas Lodge, Rainforest of the Austrians, purchased a 40-acre farm in La Gamba that consisted of cow pastures, secondary growth forest and a small remaining patch of primary forest. In a joint venture with La Gamba Biological Station, 7500 rainforest trees will be planted on former pastureland in 2010. Esquinas Lodge and its vehicles emit approx. 29 tons of carbon dioxide each year. A distinguished team of scientists from the University of Vienna has determined that 2334 trees will be needed to offset these emissions. By donating $ 43600 for the reforestation of 2334 trees,  Esquinas Lodge is able to operate 100% carbon-free. For a detailed calculation of energy consumption and carbon offsetting, as well as a description of this unique project, click here. 

Finca Ovilio, where 7500 trees will be planted in 2010
Our worm composting system is used to make organic compost

Kitchen and Garbage

We
*make as little garbage as possible by avoiding the use of disposable containers, packing and cans.
*produce our own marmalade, mayonnaise, bread, chocolate and seasoning.
*prepare our juices from fresh fruits, not from concentrates.
*separate waste into organic and nonorganic waste.
*don’t use plastic bags in the toilet bins.
*give processed leftover food to our staff to feed their animals in La Gamba.
*compost paper and organic waste and use it as fertilizer.
*give bottles and metal to local people for reuse.

We grow many sorts of organic vegetables and fruit
The kitchen has its own wastewater treatment plant

Environmental measures

We:
* use biodegradable detergents.
* sun dry our towels under a transparent panel roof (we use a gas dryer when needed).
* use energy-saving light bulbs.
* don’t use hardwoods from the rainforest, neither on building nor on furniture (we use mainly plantation wood and bamboo furniture).
* don’t use artificial bird feeders.
* don't have pets such as dogs or parrots.
* don't feed the resident caimans who live in the pond in front of the main building. They came here on their own and can leave whenever they want because they are not fenced in.
* clean our pool with a water pressure pump and do not use any chemicals.
* don't use chlorine, disenfectants or aromatic devices.
* collect used water in sealed septic tanks with biodegradeable anaerobic filters, after which it is cleaned through a drainage system of rocks and sand.