Today's post comes from Irene Lane, the founder of Greenloons - a premier online resource dedicated to inspiring people to think different, be different and travel different in ways that help to ensure a more sustainable planet.

When I was younger, my preferred travel destinations were always cities. Perhaps it was because from the ages of 5 to 18, I lived in smaller towns, or maybe it was because I found cities to be life-affirming, educational, and liberating. Whatever the reason, I felt rejuvenated after a trip to Singapore, London, Paris, Sydney, or even New York. However, that sentiment changed with a recent trip to the Peruvian Amazon.

It was my third trip to a rainforest ecosystem and my second to the Amazon, but everything else about this trip would end up being unique. I was invited by Rainforest Expeditions in Peru, to participate in one of their wildlife photography safaris through the Tambopata National Reserve, a relatively remote and unexplored area of the Amazon.

Bursting with life

In a country where there are issues with water pollution, soil erosion, and deforestation, the Tambopata National Reserve is a fledgling success story of the symbiotic relationship that can exist between natural resources, wildlife, and cultural standards.

As a result, the region is bursting with life. It is not just the vast wildlife contained within the rainforest with its jaguars, caimans, capybaras, black hawks, geese, macaws, turtles, monkeys, peccaries, frogs, butterflies, and countless tree and plant species. Life was also encompassed within the sweet smell of the afternoon rains as we relaxed in hammocks at the Rainforest Alliance Verified™ Refugio Amazonas Lodge.

My fellow travelers and I listened with rapt attention and fascination as we asked questions and learned from the area's volunteer ecologists, who were observing the habits and habitats of the myriad of butterfly, frog, and bird species in the region.

I observed life in the easy smiles of my three guides -- a professional photographer, an entomologist, and a local guide -- spotting what my suburban eyes always missed and eagerly imparting their knowledge about the mysteries of the rainforest. I learned that caimans are smaller, distant cousins of crocodiles with pointier heads, shorter tails, and U-shaped noses. And that butterflies drink the salty "tears" of the endangered yellow spotted river turtles, which helps the butterflies to reproduce.

The leaf-cutter ants that roam the rainforest floor live in communities of workers consisting of wingless female ants that never reproduce and male ants whose only function is to mate with a queen (after which he may die). Theirs is a truly female-led (and organized) society!

Connecting with communities and nature

Ultimately, what changed my perspective was the profound sense of connection I quickly felt with the Peruvian rainforest. I felt connected to the local community because I stayed in sustainable lodges that partner with local families and businesses, sharing the social, economic, and environmental benefits of ecotourism.

I felt connected to the forest when the caiman "smiled" for my photo, and when I stared right into a frog's eyes and knew that it was just as curious about life as I am. On several occasions, peccaries suddenly emerged en masse from the rainforest, settled into the ecolodge's front clearing to eat some roots, and then completely disappeared 20 minutes later. I learned how to use medicinal plants to cure skin diseases, organ failure, and even addiction.

I wasn't merely observing the multitude of life around me, as I do when visiting cities. Instead, I felt like a direct participant doing her part to respect life, nature, culture, and the future.

Finally, I felt privileged to be among the people and indigenous tribe communities that work hard to preserve their culture and protect the land that, in turn, protects them in times of need - a truly connected life!

This entry was posted on March 25, 2014 at 12:53 PM and has received 2022 views. There are currently 0 comments. Print this entry.

Tomorrow is the World Water Day, a celebration that brings attention to the importance of water and advocates for the sustainable management of water resources.

This year's theme is Water and Energy. Water and energy are closely interconnected and interdependent. Energy generation and transmission requires utilization of water resources, particularly for hydroelectric, nuclear, and thermal energy sources. Conversely, about 8% of global energy generation is used for pumping, treating, and transporting water to various consumers.

But we must also remember that tourism is highly dependent on freshwater resources, for everything from recreational activities to showers in hotels. When you are planning your next vacation, remember to choose a sustainable tourism business that protects buffer zones on their property, treats wastewater properly, and implements other water conservation practices.

Photo courtesy of Hotel Fairmont Mayakoba, Mexico.

This entry was posted on March 21, 2014 at 4:52 PM and has received 616 views. There are currently 0 comments. Print this entry.

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Our "Making a Difference" award for this month goes to Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa, a luxurious and sustainable hotel located in the idyllic Riviera Maya in Mexico.

Just how does a high-end hotel go green? We spoke with environmental coordinator Leonardo Salas, who tells us about their sustainable initiatives and their work with local communities.

Question: What makes Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa so special among the multitude of hotels in the area?

Leonardo Salas: We are a socially responsible hotel with a strong commitment to the conservation of our surrounding ecosystems. The hotel and our projects are 100% dedicated to having no negative impact on our natural environment, and we aim to have a positive effect on economic growth for the workers and the communities nearby. Guest participation strengthens this effort.

Q: How can interested guests participate in or assist with Dreams Tulum efforts?

Salas: They can join our programs by making donations, volunteering during their stay, and spreading the word to their friends so that other people learn about our initiatives and support them.

Q: What are some of your major sustainability initiatives?

Salas: The hotel has an "Environmental Management System" that covers a plethora of different sustainability practices that make use of the best science and technology. In terms of water conservation, the hotel has aerators for faucets, water-saving toilets, irrigation sprinklers, and two 500,000-liter wastewater treatment plants. We use biodegradable cleaning products and have grease trap systems in all areas where food is handled so that the fat can be used to make biodiesel fuel. We have the proper permits for well water extraction and conduct monthly physicochemical and bacteriological tests of the water. Our staff makes daily inspections to verify that we are meeting our objectives and goals for saving water, electricity, and gas.

For energy saving, we have an optimal energy system with cutting edge equipment and machinery for optimizing performance and economy. For example, we have installed capacitor banks to compensate for the energy power factor, low Kw consumption refrigerators, air handling units for the air-conditioning, and pumps that use heat from the air-conditioning to warm the water for the hotel.

We manage waste by sorting recyclables from all areas of the hotel, and special wastes such as ink and toner cartridges or wastes that are hazardous are all delivered to companies that specialize in handling them.

Q: What does Dreams Tulum do to support local communities?

Salas: We create jobs, since 70% of our staff comes from Mayan indigenous communities nearby. We support small vendors by buying the foodstuffs they produce, promoting the sale of their crafts, and even hiring small local businesses to share cultural performances with our guests.

The Dreams Tulum hotel, through the Tulum Foundation, also runs social programs such as "Adopt a School," an initiative that provides maintenance to the schools in Tulum. We also give environmental education presentations to children and teachers and make annual cash and in-kind donations to organizations such as the Red Cross, Villas de los Niños, the sea turtle festival in Tulum and to the sea turtle conservation program run by Flora, Fauna and Culture of Mexico.

In addition, the Tulum Foundation awards scholarships for higher education to the children of the hotel's low-income employees, and we give out toys during the holiday season in the surrounding communities.

Q: The Riviera Maya had been stereotyped as a mass tourism destination but it is now becoming more sustainable. What motivated tourism entrepreneurs to show that their businesses are friendly with the environment and the communities?

Salas: We are motivated to protect the environment and ensure the future of its natural wealth. Tourists come to this area to enjoy healthy, natural settings and beautiful scenery. We understand that in order to achieve sustainable tourism development, our business practices must be aligned with the conservation of the environment.

Q: Last year, your parent company AMResorts was awarded the 2013 Sustainable Standard-Setter Award at the Rainforest Alliance's annual gala. What does this achievement mean for the company and for the tourists who visit your property?

Salas: This recognition of our work is an extremely important accomplishment that confirms our efforts to conserve ecosystems and support local communities. Society and tourists especially are increasingly committed to sustainable projects that protect the environment. The achievement has a double impact because the hotel is located near a protected area and this motivates us and impels us to redouble our efforts to be sustainable.

This entry was posted on March 18, 2014 at 7:33 PM and has received 1120 views. There are currently 0 comments. Print this entry.

Today's blog entry is a guest post from college student Tyler Satoh, who visited a sustainable hotel in Costa Rica while on a trip with Rainforest Alliance Verified tour operator Horizontes Nature Tours earlier this year.

This past January, I, along with 22 other college students, traveled to Costa Rica through a University of Minnesota study abroad program. Costa Rica is a major supplier of several commodities such as coffee beans, and as a supply chain major, I was interested in learning more about the origins of these products and the people who make it possible for consumers in the United States to enjoy them.

Our primary goal during the trip was to study the Rainforest Alliance's efforts to promote environmental stewardship in agriculture, forestry, and tourism. One of the most valuable things I learned from this experience was the importance of the Rainforest Alliance's verification program for sustainable tourism businesses. Tourism is a large source of income for many developing countries, and the purpose of sustainable tourism is to provide lodging and experiences for travelers that have a minimal impact on the environment and support local communities. Our group went on a tour organized by a Rainforest Alliance Verified tour operator called Horizontes Nature Tours and during our travels, visited a sustainable hotel and ranch called Rancho Margot. This property has received the highest rating of "five leaves" from Costa Rica's Certification for Sustainable Tourism (CST) program for their incredible efforts to be environmentally and socially responsible.

These six sustainable practices followed by Rancho Margot are great reasons why you should consider staying at a certified or verified sustainable hotel the next time you travel:

1) Fresh Food
The food here was simply amazing. A typical meal at Rancho Margot consisted of rice, beans, plantains, and a variety of fruits and vegetables that are all grown locally and organically.

2) Renewable Energy
There are two hydroelectric turbines that generate power throughout the entire ranch, providing electricity to all the bunkhouses and bungalows without the need for fuel.

3) Composting for Heat
Organic waste is composted and used to heat water for all of the sinks and showers in each cabin.

4) The Bio-Digester
Manure from the ranch's livestock is processed through a bio-digester, which creates methane gas used for everyday cooking.

5) Low-Impact Recreational Activities
Rancho Margot provides many fun, low-impact activities for visitors such as horseback riding, visits to natural hot springs, yoga classes, cow milking, nature hikes, and more. These activities give each visitor a unique experience, yet leaves a minimal impact on the environment.

6) Nothing Gets Wasted!
Every type of waste is a valuable resource at Rancho Margot. Uneaten food is fed to the farm animals or composted to use as fertilizer. Even the cooking oil is recycled and made into soap!

As one of the largest industries in the world, tourism must continue to focus on environmental stewardship so that future generations may enjoy the same experiences that we do. This trip was a life-changing experience for me because it helped me realize the significance of sustainable tourism and how important it is for people like me to support organizations like the Rainforest Alliance that are working to ensure a sustainable future.

If you are interested in sustainable lodging options for your next trip, check out the businesses listed on SustainableTrip.org!

This entry was posted on March 11, 2014 at 1:27 PM and has received 1999 views. There are currently 0 comments. Print this entry.

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Yesterday, the world celebrated the first ever World Wildlife Day! The United Nations established this day to celebrate the many beautiful and varied forms of wild fauna and flora and to raise awareness of the multitude of benefits that environmental conservation provides to people and the planet. At the same time, the UN aims to remind us of the urgent need to step up the fight against wildlife crime, which has wide-ranging economic, environmental, and social impacts.

Wildlife is a key part of the tourism industry, and sustainable tourism actually helps to conserve ecosystems that are important to many species of flora and fauna. To honor this day, we want to share with you some of our favorite wildlife photos from the sustainable business listed on our website:

Skillful monkeys

These spider monkeys owe their name to their ability to move from tree to tree with a speed and agility that makes you imagine they have eight limbs rather than four. Unfortunately, they have become Central America's most threatened primate-especially the Nicaraguan subspecies, which is critically endangered.

The cutest sloths

Isn't this mama sloth and her baby the most adorable pair ever? There are six known species of sloths living in South America, and one of them is critically endangered - the pygmy three-toed sloth (Bradypus pygmaeus), found only on a tiny five square kilometer island off the coast of Panama.

Strike a pose!

This is a little Legler's stream frog (Hyla legleri), found in Costa Rica and Panama. This species is threatened by habitat loss, which is an sadly common occurence. Amphibians (frogs and toads, newts, caecilians, and salamanders) are the most endangered group of animals on the planet: nearly 1/3 of the world's species are on the brink of extinction.

Hungry hummingbird

Contrary to popular belief, hummingbirds don't suck up nectar through their beaks like a straw--they lap it up with their long, pointy tongues! The Hummingbird Society lists 28 species as endangered due to habitat destruction and loss.

Up close with a gray whale

Hundreds of gray whales (Eschrichtius robustus) arrive every year to Baja California, Mexico, to court, mate, and reproduce. Of the original three gray whale populations, one is extinct in the North Atlantic, one is critically endangered in the Western North Pacific, and one has recovered from very low levels in the Eastern North Pacific and was removed from the U.S. Endangered Species List in 1994.

A stunning scarlet macaw

The scarlet macaws (Ara macao) were adored by the Mayas and the Aztecs. This species of macaw is not currently endangered, but their populations have declined in many countries due to the loss of habitat from deforestation and indiscriminate hunting for the illegal pet trade.

The great Galapagos tortoise

The Galapagos giant tortoise (Chelonoidis nigra), native to seven of the famous Galapagos Islands, is the largest living specie of tortoise. There are 15 recognized subspecies of Galapagos tortoises, but only 11 are still alive today. Continued poaching and the presence of invasive animals such as rats, dogs, and goats represent the greatest threat to the survival of these majestic creatures.

This entry was posted on March 4, 2014 at 5:46 PM and has received 1430 views. There are currently 0 comments. Print this entry.

A record 1.1 billion tourists traveled to international destinations in 2013, and the World Tourism Organization predicts that international travel will increase by 4% or more in 2014. This means that the tourism industry will have an enormous impact on the environment and on communities in and near popular travel destinations – many of which are located in ecologically fragile areas like coral reefs. Luckily, the sustainable tourism movement is growing, as more travelers are making smart choices that help to protect and support the planet.

There are lots of different ways to be a sustainable traveler, and many of them are easier than you'd think! We picked three green travel tips that are easy but effective enough to be a great starting point for the average traveler. Let us know what you think of our suggestions or if you have any of your own to share!

1. Ditch disposable water bottles

When you're on the go, it's tempting to buy a bottle of water at the airport or the convenience store and trash it when you're done. Sadly, this leaves behind a harmful trail of plastic that takes hundreds of years to degrade in landfills and ends up being a considerable expense, with bottled water costing as much as $10 per gallon. Even more troubling is the fact that some bottled water companies obtain their product by exploiting natural water sources in rural, often impoverished communities, and leaving these people high and dry when the water runs out.

Travelers Against Plastic (TAP) estimates that if Americans stopped buying disposable water bottles while traveling, an estimated 3.5 billion plastic water bottles would be taken off the market. Being a part of the solution is simple: buy a reusable plastic or metal water bottle, and you're set for life! One will cost you anywhere from $5-$25. When you consider the price of bottled water, you can see how quickly a reusable bottle pays for itself.

But what if you're backpacking in the wilderness or traveling in the developing world, where potable tap water is not available? There are several popular and easy-to-use methods for treating water during your travels. Water purification tablets and water treatment drops are cheap options at $5-$15 per bottle, but require 20-30 minutes to work. Filtration systems work faster, but only remove bacteria and not water-borne viruses. The SteriPen is a convenient solution that uses UV light to remove both bacteria and viruses in less than two minutes, but will set you back $50-$120. Whichever method you choose, there are very few excuses left for not kicking your bottled water habit.

2. Track and offset your CO2 emissions

With the advent of several innovative mobile apps, it's extremely easy to determine the CO2 emissions of your travel. Check out Green Travel Choice ($1.99), created by Pocketweb in partnership with The International Ecotourism Society (TIES), Cleaner Climate, and Commute Greener. Pick your mode of transportation and enter your starting point and destination, and you're done! You can even log your trips to track your carbon footprint over time.

Carbon offsets can be a great tool to help mitigate the impact of your travel. Buying offsets has never been easier, whether it's for single flight or your entire trip. Many airlines offer the option to offset your flight at the point of purchase, or you can buy virtually any amount of carbon offsets online from a plethora of companies. Critics of carbon offsetting have claimed that these purchases allow people to assuage their guilt without truly mitigating the impact of their behavior. Environmental journalist Duncan Clark explains the carbon offset debate in this article and answers some of the most popular questions about its efficacy. If you're going to offset your emissions, make sure you choose a legitimate company--Green America's guide to choosing a carbon offset program is a great place to start.

3. Look for the little green frog

Two of the biggest purchases you'll make on your vacation will be accommodations and tours. Hotels have the ability to wreak havoc on the local environment by consuming an abundance of energy, generating large amounts of waste, and destroying wildlife habitat for construction. They can also exploit local communities by hiring foreigners for higher level jobs and relegating local people to low paying jobs with little or no opportunities for advancement--essentially profiting from local natural resources without any benefit to the local economy. On the other hand, sustainable tourism businesses have committed to help to protect ecosystems, support local communities, and reinforce the value of natural and cultural heritage.

Many hotels and tour operators claim to be "sustainable" or "green," but how can you tell if they're actually protecting the environment and not exploiting their employees? The Rainforest Alliance is an international nonprofit organization that verifies tourism businesses against rigorous sustainability standards so you can be sure that any hotel or tour operator using the Rainforest Alliance Verified™ mark, featuring the little green frog, is truly a sustainable business. Look for this mark on a hotels website or promotional materials or ask the business directly if they are Rainforest Alliance Verified.

SustainableTrip.org is the Rainforest Alliance's directory of sustainable hotels and tour operators in Latin America and the Caribbean, so look no further!

This entry was posted on February 26, 2014 at 1:09 PM and has received 2470 views. There are currently 0 comments. Print this entry.

The Sierra Norte, a range of mountains just north of Oaxaca, is one of the best conserved natural areas in Mexico. It is also one of the three richest zones in animal diversity in the country and one of the world's 17 most important areas for biodiversity. There you will find 50% of Mexico's plant species, the largest population its endemic terrestrial vertebrates, 63% of its bird species, more than 50% of its butterflies, and 40% of its mammals.

This area is incredibly beautiful, featuring a mosaic of different types of forests due to the varied climate and topography, including tropical evergreen forest, montane cloud forest, pine forest, oak forest, and pine-oak forest.

This photo shows the forests of the town of Cuajimoloyas, located at 10,500 feet above sea level. To learn more, visit Ecoturismo Cuajimoloyas, part of the Pueblos Mancomunados, a network of small communities developing initiatives for sustainable use of Oaxaca's montane forests.

This entry was posted on February 21, 2014 at 12:25 PM and has received 598 views. There are currently 0 comments. Print this entry.

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Ecuador is in vogue. If you check newspapers, travel magazines and websites, travel blogs, and other media outlets, you will find that this country is among the most acclaimed of 2014. Why the surge in interest in this particular South American nation? We invite you to check out 5 reasons travelers have rediscovered their passion for this wonderful country:

1. Named the #1 green destination of the year

During the twentieth World Travel Awards, considered one of the most important global tourism recognitions, Ecuador was honored as the "2013 World Green Destination." The country is home to 33 natural reserves protected by the government as well as many biologically significant and extensive tropical forests. Tourism businesses and the government are working closely to promote sustainable practices and have managed to position the country as a sustainable tourism leader in the Americas -- a view that is now resonating worldwide.

2. Immense natural and cultural wealth

Ecuador is the world's most biodiverse country per square mile. It is home to more than 1,600 species of birds, 4,500 species of butterflies, 4,000 kinds of orchids, 345 species of reptiles, 358 amphibians, and 250 species of mammals, among others. Due to their irreplaceable natural value, the Sangay and Galapagos National Parks and the Galapagos Marine Reserve were declared UNESCO Natural World Heritage Sites. The country is also home to 27 different ethnic groups, all of them owners of a priceless and unique cultural heritage. As trends in tourism begin to shift from cookie-cutter resort vacation to more authentic, meaningful experiences, Ecuador's rich natural and cultural resources have been a boon for its tourism industry.

3.The Galapagos Islands

The Galapagos archipelago consists of 13 islands, which began to form more than 5 million years ago. These are famous for their scenic beauty and for harboring numerous and spectacular endemic species such as giant tortoises and marine iguanas. Famously, Charles Darwin developed his theory of evolution based on research he conducted on the incredible wildlife found only on this Ecuadorian archipelago.

4. The new Latin American king of chocolate

Since eating is a huge part of the travel experience, why not visit the number one Latin American country in cocoa production? Ecuador is the world's largest exporter of cocoa used for fine chocolates. Travelers can sample some of the world's best chocolates when they traverse the renowned "Cocoa Route" in the cacao growing region between Duran and Yaguachi.

5. Variety for every kind of traveler

Ecuador hides impressive sites in the Amazon jungle as well as its mountains, and coastlines; it is home to the glorious Galapagos Islands and the famous city of Mitad del Mundo located on the equator, as well as a number of other brilliant cities worth discovering in their own right. An innovative and luxurious "Cruise Train" (Tren Crucero) makes the scenic journey between capital city Quito and the coastal city of Guayaquil, offering stunning views of the Andes.

Travel insiders are going wild over Ecuador--National Geographic includes the Cacao Trail in its list of the "Best trips for 2014", and the entire country was included in both the New York Times list of "52 places to go in 2014" , and CNN's list of "11 sites to visit in 2014." Of course, we want you to enjoy Ecuador in a way that supports and protects its natural and cultural heritage, so be sure to book with a sustainable hotel and/or tour operator!

This entry was posted on February 19, 2014 at 12:07 PM and has received 5227 views. There are currently 2 comments. Print this entry.

Last spring, Jaymie Arnold, a 35-year-old pharmacist in Santa Fe, New Mexico, embarked on an eco-trip for two to Costa Rica--his prize after participating in the Rainforest Alliance's 2013 Valentine's Day contest. The voyage took Jaymie to the country's rich coastal rainforests (pharmacies in their own right) and introduced him to the Rainforest Alliance's work with sustainable tourism businesses. We spoke to Jaymie about the experience and found out what inspires his passion for the environment.

You were the winner of a Rainforest Alliance trip for two to Costa Rica! Who did you take with you?

I'm really grateful to the Rainforest Alliance for providing the opportunity! I took my fiancée (now wife), Suvara.

Can you tell us a little bit about the experience?

The trip began in San Jose, the largest city in Costa Rica. We had some time to explore the city on our first day and to practice some Spanish with the extremely friendly and generous locals. The next day we headed south, catching a one-hour flight to the Osa Peninsula in the southernmost part of the country. After a half day of travel, we finally made it to our main destination for the trip, Casa Corcovado Jungle Lodge.

What was the hotel like?

All that traveling was worth it! Casa Corcovado was everything I imagined the ideal jungle eco-lodge to look like. Cabins were hidden away within the lodge grounds, ensuring that guests had privacy and were immersed in nature. The grounds featured everything you could ask for, including a swimming pool, sunset-viewing bar and numerous trails into Corcovado National Park. The food was fabulous, the lodge staff attentive and amiable, and the scenery just breathtaking. The entire experience was phenomenal.

Did you see any wildlife?

There was some great wildlife watching without even leaving the cabin. We saw spider monkeys, coatimundi, black-cheeked ant-tanagers and a turquoise cotinga all around the lodge property! The great guides at Casa Corcovado also took us on some hikes and showed us a lot of wildlife that we would have missed otherwise--like a sloth rolled up into a ball 100 feet up in the rainforest canopy.

What was your favorite part of the experience?

Viewing the sunset over the Pacific Ocean at Casa Corcovado Jungle Lodge. It was simply incredible!

What did you learn about sustainability while staying at Rainforest Alliance Verified™ hotels ?

I learned that while adopting sustainable practices into a business model can initially be challenging and more costly, in most cases they end up being more cost efficient and better for the health of humans and the environment!

You recently became a Rainforest Alliance donor. Why did you decide to support our work in this way?

Ever since I found out about the Rainforest Alliance a few years ago--when I saw its green frog seal on a bushel of bananas--I have really admired its philosophy. Emphasizing the utilization of the Earth's resources via sustainable practices is one of the most effective ways to promote and practice biodiversity conservation.

Why is conservation important to you?

Conservation is the key to our livelihood. With a population of over 7 billion and growing, it's obvious that if we don't start to practice more conservation of the Earth's resources we are headed down the path of massive extinction and human suffering. I am hopeful that if we can continue to educate people about how to make a living without destroying habitat (and while protecting native species) we have a fighting chance.

What is your favorite animal?

I love just about all kinds of wildlife, but I'd have to say birds are my favorite. I was a dinosaur lover as a kid and learning that birds are the direct descendants of dinosaurs just makes me look at Earth's little dinosaurs with amazement.

Where would you like to escape to next?

Anywhere that ecotourism is a focus! I like contributing to places that see the value in protecting the earth's resources and sharing nature's beauty with all who visit.

Book your own SustainableTrip--and become a Rainforest Alliance member--today!

This entry was posted on February 12, 2014 at 2:22 PM and has received 586 views. There are currently 0 comments. Print this entry.

In 2006, Meghan Casey and her husband Davis Azofeifa purchased Chilamate Jungle Private Reserve, a 52-acre (21-hectare) reserve in Costa Rica's San Juan-La Selva Biological Corridor founded by Don Lindley Lumsden and his family in the 1940s. Together, Meghan and Davis built the Chilamate Rainforest Eco Retreat, a Rainforest Alliance Verified™ sustainable lodge.

Visitors to Chilamate can enjoy rafting, canopy exploration, horseback riding, zip-lining, mountain biking, kayaking, safari boat tours, sport fishing, swimming and more. We spoke with Casey about the reserve, home to 500 bird species, 300 tree species, and nearly 140 mammal species.

Question: How did you and your husband come to own the property?

Casey: In 2006, just after the birth of our daughter, my husband and I were trying to come up with a family project that would make a conservation difference in the area. One day, we were walking by the river and decided to explore a little farther than usual. We came across some people who turned out to be caretakers of the property. They let us look around and we asked if the owner was selling. A few days later, we got a call from Don Lumsden's daughter, who was then in charge of the reserve. She had been having trouble maintaining it, but had refused to sell because she wanted the next owner to be someone from Sarapiqui (as my husband is) who was committed to protecting the land.

Question: What are you doing to manage the retreat with an eye toward sustainability?

Casey: As soon as we started [building the lodge], we got the Rainforest Alliance's manual for best tourism practices. We also attended a number of [Rainforest Alliance] training sessions. We learned even more when Rainforest Alliance verification program auditors came to our property and gave us some great advice about improvements we could make.

Question: Tell us about some of their most valuable suggestions.

Casey: While my husband and I have always been committed to sustainability, we were not exactly business people. When the auditors came the first time, we had no computer, no website, no written materials and no real business plan. They gave us ideas for the business side of our project. They helped us develop a sustainability plan and a mission statement, and they told us that we needed to keep track of everything we were doing in terms of our work in conservation with the local community.

Question: What other sustainable business practices have you adopted?

Casey: We exclusively use biodegradable soaps and cleaning products, and we have solar panels that provide much of our electricity. We use live bacteria to clean the plumbing system. All of our organic waste is composted and we recycle everything we can. My husband is also really creative about devising eco-friendly alternatives. For example, he built a system of diverting rainwater for showers and toilets.

Question: Has doing all this helped your business to thrive financially?

Casey: Yes, purchasing waste wood and recycled materials from local businesses brings costs down significantly. In addition, our commitment to conservation appeals to visitors.

Question: How does Chilamate support the local community?

Casey: We support our neighbors' businesses whenever we can. We have a place close by where we buy cheese, eggs, milk, chicken and even fish. We also recommend that our guests go on tours with local companies.

In addition, Chilamate Rainforest Eco Retreat facilitates a program with Earth University and about 60 families in our community who run small farming operations. We meet periodically, and the farmers learn how to integrate affordable sustainable practices into their everyday farming.

We also give discounts to guests who make a donation to the community, do service days or support the community in some way.

Question: What's next for Chilamate?

Casey: We'd love to expand our reserve so that more of the region's biodiversity can be protected. We also want our neighbors, the smallholder farmers, to be able to continue their work; it's not easy for them to sustain themselves.

Question: Any highlights from your time managing the lodge and reserve?

Casey: When we first got here, I kept meeting kids and parents who had never even been in the rainforest before. I am proud to say that today there is not a single child in any of the three closest schools who has not visited us. This year, we're developing a program in the local schools so that students of every grade can come to the reserve at least once a year and experience walking through a rainforest.

This entry was posted on February 4, 2014 at 1:30 PM and has received 1272 views. There are currently 0 comments. Print this entry.