In Costa Rica, sustainability seems to be all the rage. While most resorts give words like “Eco” and “Sustainability” lip service, one resort is actually making it happen. I recently read an article by Jorge at inhabitat.com about the Lapa Rios Ecolodge on the Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica. Evidently this resort is growing its own “clean” energy by converting pig waste into energy. This environmentally friendly resort was built by U.S. Expats John and Karen Lewis. According to the Lapa Rios Ecolodge, it utilizes green construction, helps protect local wildlife, supports a local elementary school, uses solar power for electricity, recycles all of its own waste, and powers its kitchen entirely through pig power.

Costa Rica Travel — Pig Poo Fuels Eco Lodge

By now I’m sure you are envisioning dreadlocks, outdoor showers, and signs telling you to re-use your towels. Evidently, this couldn’t be farther from the truth. When you visit the resort’s website, you will be amazed at the luxurious looking accommodations. It appears to have the beauty and amenities of any five-star hotel. The hotel claims to recycle more than 80 percent of the waste generated in the kitchens. Most of the food waste is consumed by pigs on the resort’s pig farm. The pigs then relieve themselves and their feces is turned into bio-gas. The gas is then used for heating and cooking. Brilliant.

As everyone knows, Eco tourism is a growing industry these days. And often times it is just a buzz word used by marketers to help ease their guests’ state of mind, rather than a true vision guiding the industry. So it is fantastic to see a resort properly embracing the true meaning of sustainability.

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Filed under: Travel on November 30th, 2007