By : Mike McDonald

Plant. Recycle. Reduce. Plant. Protect. Then do it all again.

This was the statement Costa Rica made during World Environment Day, June 5.

Across the country, volunteers, companies and government officials slid on their working gloves

Earth University Logo

and flexed their green muscles as they dug tiny holes to plant new trees, adopted existing ones, promoted ecologically safe habits and sounded their environmentally charged political messages.

At Earth University, near the Caribbean slope town of Guácimo, Costa Rican president Laura Chinchilla planted one of the million trees that the institute plans to plant across the

globe as part of their “sow the future” campaign.

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Sustainable Development, Source: Wikipedia

Source: Tico Times

By:Sophia Klempner

The Tropical Agricultural Research and Higher Education Center (CATIE), located near the Costa Rican Caribbean slope town of Turrialba, was awarded an $800,000 grant on May 4 from the Chicago-based John D. and Katherine T. MacArthur Foundation. The funds are part of a worldwide program to establish Global Masters in Development Practice programs in universities around the world.

One of ten universities that received funding this year to develop such a program, CATIE joins the Global Master’s in Development Practice Programs Network, comprised of 20 universities worldwide. In a press release, CATIE said that the research and graduate studies institution was considered favorably due to its “vast experience in tropical agriculture, natural resource management, and sustainable development.” According to CATIE, other strong points were having a student body representing the Central American region; its exceptional academic quality; and the infrastructure and planning to ensure the financial sustainability of the program beyond this three-year start-up grant.

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Image: Providingnews.com

Fuente: El Periodico USA

Aunque el 22 de abril decenas de millones de personas, desde Poughkeepsie, Nueva

York a Papúa, Nueva Guinea participarán en eventos para marcar el 40 aniversario

del Día de la Tierra, la historia de esa celebración comienza con una sola persona.

Lee más

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Did you know that if you are middle aged and live in the beautiful country of Costa Rica that you have a greater chance of living to a healthy age of 90+ years than those your age worldwide?  And, people who call their home in an area in northwestern Costa Rica live even longer than people in the rest of the country.  Why is this possible? 

This area is known as a blue zone, places in the world where people live longer and healthier lives than anywhere on earth.  Blue zones are also areas where the greatest number of centenarians, those who live 100+ years, can be found.  It all comes down to lifestyle.  Scientists generally agree that a certain percentage of how long we live is influenced by genetics-how long our grandparents lived.  However, the most determining factors in living longer are based on our lifestyle habits day in and day out.   Simply stated, these people live lifestyles that include healthy diets, daily exercise, and low stress.  They also incorporate family, purpose, meaning, and religion into their daily life.

Photo: iStock, used with permission.

La Joya Perfecta, a new wellness resort community that is currently being developed in the Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica, will offer everything needed to enhance and improve healthier lifestyles for its residents and visitors.  This state of the art wellness community will provide facilities for improving fitness, wellness, nutrition, and lifestyle management.  By offering the same type of lifestyle practices that have proven to make Costa Ricans a country with long living residents, La Joya Perfecta is set to capture a little slice of blue zone living!

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By Nancy De Lemos

SAN JOSE – The use of biodegradable plastics is gaining ground in Costa Rica less than three years after that technology entered the market, with consumers now purchasing disposable and environmentally friendly plastic containers, bags, bottles and even dinnerware.

Although biodegradable products make up less than 10 percent of all plastics on the market in that Central American country, the trend is toward continued rapid growth, Silvia Vega, CEO of the company Milenio Tres.

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Photo: Trip Advisor.com

Source: newsguide.us

ABC Television’s Live Well HD Network’s “Save My Planet” showcases the success of a novel tourism initiative that bridges community outreach, environmental stewardship, and inclusive development.

The latest installment of ABC Television’s Live Well HD Network’s original program, “Save My Planet” features a special segment, shot on location at Hotel Punta Islita and its closest neighbor, Islita Village. Host Stephen Brooks narrates the fascinating success stories of community members who have transformed their homeland for the better.

For years, the forest surrounding Islita had been stripped through unsustainable cattle ranching, slash-and-burn agriculture, and indiscriminate hunting. At nearby beaches, sea turtle populations dwindled due to poaching practices. As resources were depleted, the area became economically depressed, fueling urban migration and cultural stagnation.

“Tourism enterprises are in a unique position to inspire and effect change.” -Alonso Bermudez, General Manager, Hotel Punta Islita Since its 1994 inauguration, and opting out of enclave business models, Hotel Punta Islita helped to reverse this process. Education, local training and hiring programs, local purchases, and innovative community outreach initiatives, including the creation of an Open-Air Contemporary Art Museum, gradually transformed the area into a thriving collective of travel professionals, artists, and entrepreneurs.

Today, travelers are marveled by an ecosystem where sea-turtle populations are growing and the recovered tropical dry forest and mangroves again teem with howler monkeys and bird species. Furthermore, visitors are greeted by a healthy community, eager to showcase its art, music, and culinary traditions.

“Tourism enterprises are in a unique position to inspire and effect change,” said Alonso Bermudez. His personal success story is featured in “Save My Planet” as he details his rise from Front Desk Operator to General Manager. Mr. Bermudez added, “As a business entity, Hotel Punta Islita has been able to leverage and channel resources from the Costa Rican government, philanthropic foundations, other businesses, and even private citizens to support and grow its programs. Hotel Punta Islita provided a spark and my fellow community members responded with enthusiasm. I am thrilled to tell my own personal story and I am proud that the people of Islita set yet another example of Costa Rica’s green leadership.”

Developed by Answers Media, an interactive media production company based in Chicago, Save My Planet is a fun, fast-paced show detailing practical “green living” strategies. The episode featuring Islita can be watched here.

Hotel Punta Islita is an upscale beachfront resort set along the coastline of Guanacaste, Costa Rica. A proud member of Small Luxury Hotels (SLH), it is the perfect destination for savvy travelers who seek impressive natural landscapes, friendship-based hospitality, cultural authenticity, and thrilling eco-adventures.

Hotel Punta Islita  and its sister property, El Silencio Lodge & Spa respectively feature the best of Costa Rica’s sunny beaches and cloud forests. Both have been featured in top travel publications as exemplary in service, spectacular settings, and commitment to planet-positive, people-friendly practices.

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Source: World Environment Center

The Coca-Cola Company, FEMSA and the World Environment Center (WEC) announced today the launch of an innovative partnership to expand the sustainable development commitments of Coca-Cola and FEMSA’s Costa Rican suppliers by reducing energy and water consumption, minimizing waste and raw material usage and lowering operating costs. This partnership is supported by the United States Department of State through its “Cleaner Production Private Sector Partnerships” program. Coca-Cola and FEMSA are both World Environment Center member companies. The specific objectives of the partnership are to enhance sustainable development practices in local companies to reduce water and energy consumption, minimize waste and raw material use, and maximize operational savings.

Read more here

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Everyone is going to want to take a trip on the new Autopista del Sol. The long awaited highway will be inaugurated by central government officials Wednesday, January 27, for use by coastal residents, developers and tourism operators of the Southern Pacific Coastal region.

The tollway will smoothly take drivers directly from the Central Valley to the Pacific Coast for less than four US dollars per passenger car. The four main toll stations between La Sabana and Puerto Caldera are located at Escazu, Alajuela, Atenas and Orotina. There are also several other toll stations at selected exits.

Residents of the coastal area will enjoy easier trips to and from the Central Valley. Developers and tourism operators of the southern pacific region are confident the Autopista del Sol will bring increased traffic to the coast and are counting on it to boost their industries

Pacific coast residents will have quicker access to the Central Valley for shopping, entertainment, trade and other activities. The new route will be a magnet for Sunday drivers out looking at the picturesque Costa Rican countryside. Produce from the fertile Valle del General will have an alternate route and connections to our neighboring countries will be greatly enhanced.

The 77 km highway is primarily two lanes with some passing lanes and special lanes for emergency vehicles. The modern highway is expected to cut an hour off the usual trip to the coast and saves the country an enormous amount of fuel that would otherwise affect air quality in beautiful Costa Rica.

The tollway was completed ahead of schedule to the delight of President Oscar Arias, who has been anxious to officially open the Autopista del Sol for everyone to enjoy.

Get ready to ride the newest and smoothest highway in the country. The Autopista del Sol officially opens January 27th and without a doubt will become a favorite route.

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Por Richard Barone

Costa Rica se ha unido el resto del mundo en el asunto de prohibir las bolsas plásticas. ¿Las bolsas plásticas deben prohibirse en Costa Rica?

El uso o prohibición de bolsas plásticas tiene muchas preguntas importantes sin contestar. Una visita al Web muestra que la respuesta al problema puede ser un poco complicado.

Muchos sitios de turismo y viajes defienden el uso de las bolsas plásticas por varias razones legítimas.

“Siempre que estoy preparándome para un viaje, la primera cosa que hago es correr al cajón de las bolsas en la cocina. Las bolsas con cerraduras en tres tamaños son críticos para cualquier viaje, galón, cuarto de galón y bocadillo. Las bolsas del congelador se prefieren porque son más fuertes y durables. Exprime o chupa el aire extra fuera de las bolsas antes de sellarlas, sobre todo si usted va a estar en un altitud cambiante.”

“Las bolsas son indispensables para los viajeros. Son duros como clavos, y nuestra ropa y libros se quedaron secos a pesar de lluvias que nos hizo sentir como si nosotros estuviéramos nadando.” —Citas de sitio Web populares

Mientras tanto, mantenga las playas limpias:

400 voluntarios limpiaron Playa Guacalillo y Playa Azul y recogieron 4,400 kilos, aproximadamente 9,700 libras, de basura, mucho de él reciclable.

En el frente legal:

Un legislador quiere prohibir la importación, venta, producción y uso de bolsas plásticas en Costa Rica. Los propietarios tendrían que usar bolsas biodegradables. La ley es una medida compañera a otras leyes que enfatizan el reciclaje.

Grandes negocios, haciendo el cambio ahora

Pricesmart en Costa Rica tiene una política ” no bolsa” en vigencia en las 25 tiendas de la cadena. Pricesmart quiere anualmente ahorrar 12 millones de bolsas plásticas. La cadena usa 90 millones de bolsas plásticas que producen 750 toneladas de basura anualmente.
La compañía está vendiendo bolsas azules reusables.  La bolsa es durable, y para los viajes a otras tiendas y supermercados. También ahorra dinero a la compañía.

Otros países también están en esto

“Irlanda ha podido reducir su uso de bolsas plásticas desechables un 90% desde 2001 vía los programas públicos. La durabilidad de las bolsas reusables son convenientes, alternativas medioambientalmente amistosas que millones han aceptado alrededor del mundo.”  —Cita de sitio Web

¿Las bolsas reusables están seguras?

La Asociación de Industria de Plásticos Canadiense examinó la bolsa reusable. 64 por ciento de las bolsas medioambientalmente amistosas contenían bacteria, mojo, coliformes y bacteria intestinal fecal. Mientras más impermeable la bolsa, mayor es la oportunidad para las bacterias.

¿Entonces, reúse o use nuevo?

“Es un punto válido, pero yo no pienso que nosotros necesitamos volver a botar billones de bolsas plásticas, necesitamos cuidar de los objetivos que son estar seguro y saludable, así que, lavemos las bolsas.” dijo Steven Price, portavoz de WWF. (Federación de Vida Silvestre Mundial)

Facebook, con 350 millones de usuarios, tiene 107 grupos de prohibición a la bolsa plástica, algunos grupos son de prohibición a la prohibición, quejándose de lo duro que es vivir donde se prohíben las bolsas plásticas.

¿Se prohibirán las bolsas plásticas en Costa Rica? ¿Dónde queda el medio campo?  El tiempo dirá. Ciertamente la belleza de Costa Rica inspirará nuevas maneras de preservarla.

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Costa Rica has joined the rest of the world on the issue of banning plastic bags. Should plastic bags be banned in Costa Rica?

The use or banning of plastic bags has many important unanswered questions. A visit to the Web shows that finding an answer to the problem may be a little complicated.

Many travel and tourism sites advocate using plastic bags for various legitimate reasons:

“Whenever I’m getting ready for a trip the first thing I do is raid the bag drawer in the kitchen. Zip-locks in three sizes are critical for any trip, gallon, quart and sandwich. The freezer bags are preferred because they are stronger and more durable. Push or suck the extra air out of the bags before sealing, especially if you are going to be changing altitude.”

“Bags are indispensable for travelers. They are tough as nails, and our clothes and books stayed dry through rainstorms that made us feel like we were swimming.”  –Popular Web site quotes

In the meantime, keep the beaches clean:

400 volunteers cleaned Playa Guacalillo and Playa Azul and picked up 4,400 kilos, about 9,700 pounds, of trash, much of it recyclable

On the legal front:

A lawmaker wants to prohibit the importation, sale, production and use of plastic bags in Costa Rica. Homeowners would have to use biodegradable bags. The law is a companion measure to other bills that stress recycling.

Big business, making change happen now

Pricesmart in Costa Rica has a “no bag” policy in effect at all of the chain’s 25 stores.
Pricesmart wants to save12 million plastic bags annually. The chain uses 90 million plastic bags producing 750 tons of trash annually.

The company is offering reusable blue bags for sale. The bag is very durable, sold at cost, and used for shopping trips to other stores and supermarkets. It also saves the company money.

Other countries are in this too

“Ireland has been able to reduce its use of disposable grocery bags by 90% since 2001 via public programs. Heavy-duty reusable bags are convenient, environmentally friendly alternatives that have been embraced by millions around the world.” Web site quote

Are reusable bags safe?

The Canadian Plastics Industry Association examined the reusable grocery bag. 64 per cent of the environmentally-friendly bags tested contained bacteria, yeast, mould, coliforms and fecal intestinal bacteria. The more waterproof the bag is, the higher chance it has of becoming a breeding ground for bacteria.

So, reuse or use new?

“It’s a valid point, but I don’t think we need to go back to disposing billions of plastic bags, “we need to take care of the objectives, which is to be safe and healthy, so let’s wash the bags.” said WWF spokesman Steven Price

350 million member Face book has 107 “ban plastic bag” groups, several are “ban the ban” groups, complaining about how hard it is to live where plastic bags are banned.

Will plastic bags be banned in Costa Rica? Where is the middle ground? Time will tell. Certainly Costa Rica’s beauty will inspire new ways to care for her.

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