Sustainable Tourism
by the Costa Rica
Tourism Institute
(ICT)
Through its “Sustainable Tourism Program,”
Xandari is taking these actions…
2. “Organic Soil” is created by mixing organic compost with local soil, shredded dry grass, leaves and branches that have been shredded or chopped quite thin. This organic soil is used to help enrich the soil for Xandari´s gardens.
3. “Organic Compost” is created from food and garden waste and used on site.
4. “A Private Nature Reserve” was established to protect the natural forest areas at Xandari. (Please note that in all wooded areas of Costa Rica, plants and animals are legally protected and should not be disturbed or removed; thank you for respecting that guideline.)
5. “Orgaic Vegetables and Fruit” are grown in our greenhouse and orchards on site for use in the restaurant because it’s healthier and lessens our carbon footprint. With this in mind, we use other organic local food sources when available. Coffee at Xandari is grown organically and goes to the local coffee cooperative where it combines with other organic beans from our area, then is processed locally, served in our restaurant and sold in Xandari’s stores.
6. “Healthy Food Choices” are featured on our restaurant menu that don’t contribute to the disappearance of the rainforest.
7. “100% Potable Water at Xandari” ensures the tap water is free of harmful bacteria and is checked and re-certified regularly.
8. “Botanic Gardens” abound at Xandari, with indigenous plants of Costa Rica labeled with both the popular and botanical name. This is interesting for guests and creates pride in our staff for their country’s natural abundance. Visiting school children can learn the names of their native plants. The gardens also attract birds, butterflies and other wildlife to the area.
9. “Educational Green Programs” for both staff and guests help both to understand and participate in our sustainability efforts.
10. “Costa Rican crafts and products” are used and featured in all aspects of our hotel, from the carved wood bowls in our stores, to the locally made furniture in villas… from the lotions and oils used at the spa, to the granola we serve at breakfast. This emphasis on authenticity to the culture supports the artists, craftsmen and companies around us.
11. “Energy conservation” is practiced by using CFL bulbs that consume 75 percent less energy and produce 75 percent less heat than standard bulbs, efficient LED lights, and solar lighting on walkways. Solar panels heat our Sunset Pool and Pool #1. Guests and luggage are transported via electric cart. We encourage both staff and guests to turn off lights and unplug equipment that’s not being used. We have constructed a drying area with a transparent roof for drying hotel laundry when weather permits, and many guests elect the option of having their towels and sheets laundered less often.
12. “Water conservation” is practiced by collecting rainfall and diverting some of the river water into canals that are then used to irrigate our gardens. Also, regular testing is done by the staff reviewing WC’s leaking as well as pipes. During the rainy season our Sunset Pool is filled with rainfall water.
13. “Recycling” of paper, glass, aluminum and cardboard is done by staff in all areas of the hotel, including the sorting of villa waste; recyclable and refillable bottles are used when possible; and products with the least packaging are preferred. We also have a local program with the community where we collect recycle material twice a month. The material is taken to a collection center only 2 miles from Xandari.
14. “Biodegradable and non-toxic cleaning products” are used throughout hotel; an alternative to chlorine is used in the swimming pools. The pool water is purified with a system of natural chlorination using salt. Organic bacteria EM (efficient microorganism) is used in the cleaning of rooms, reducing the use of chemicals.
15. “Employment” of local people from Tacacorí is favored. Out of 57 total employees, 44 are from the small village of Tacacorí where Xandari is located. As an example, our manager grew up and still lives 100mts from our entrance. Many of our very-local employees have been with Xandari since its inception, and provide us with a consistent, dependable work force, while we provide them with a consistent, dependable employer. But much more than that, we have become a caring extended “family,” not only birthing Xandari together, but watching each other’s children grow, attending marriages, celebrating births, learning each other’s language, sharing cultures, and creating our future together. Most other employees are also relatively local, from surrounding villages or Alajuela.
16. “Community involvement with neighbors” including the local school and church, is an integral part of our program. For instance, we helped repair and paint the Tacacorí school and donated funds needed to expand the church. School children have planted trees as part of our “Plant-a-Tree Program” and they perform traditional dances for guests on Costa Rica’s Independence Day. We provide a list of local activities on the bulletin board at Reception and encourage guests to participate in the community events around us. We also invite members of the community and the local school to enjoy the museum itinerant exhibitions of Museos del Banco Central that are eventually displayed in our Art Studio during different periods of the year.
17. “Regular Donations” are made to Amigos de los Parques Nacionales (a membership program created by ProParques, Fundecor and SINAC that offers people, organizations and businesses the opportunity to demonstrate their commitment towards Costa Rica’s National Parks); our guests can support the program with a donation of an additional $2 per person by paying for the national park entrance fee at the hotel. (You can become a direct member by joining any of their programs; visit http://amigosdelosparques.org for information.) Regular donations are also made to SASY (Stop Animal Suffering – Yes!), dedicated to the ethical treatment of animals. Various homeless dogs and cats are fed and cared for by staff and guests at the hotel. We attempt to control the situation so as not to adversely affect guests. (Please help in this effort by advising us of any problems… We appreciate your tolerance.) We also organize an annual spay & neuter campaign on site.
“You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” • Mahatma Gandhi
18. “We invite hotel guests” to get involved in our environmental efforts by planting trees, conserving water and electricity, and offering feedback and suggestions. Thank you!
19. “Traveling light” and offsetting travel are suggested to our guests as ways to balance our carbon impact.
20. “Certification in Sustainable Tourism” (CST)
program has been awarded to Xandari for our efforts to be
environmentally, culturally and socially responsible. Through CST, we
join forces with others to further sustainable development in Costa
Rica.
We are pleased to join the global movement to keep the Earth alive and well. After all…
One species we help save may be our own.
"The more freedom we enjoy, the greater the responsibility we bear,
toward others as well as ourselves."
• Oscar Arias, President of Costa Rica