Sustainable Practices in Tourism: Steps You Can Take To Be A Green Visitor

Tourism brings visitors to the Quepos and Manuel Antonio area from all across the world They come to experience incredible sport fishing and scuba diving, as well as the many natural wonders available for view just down the road. It is an integral aspect of Quepos and its economy, but is it becoming “too much of a good thing”? It is important that we keep a balance and encourage sustainable tourism as much as possible to conserve our environment.

Sustainable practices in tourism can be a source for mitigation of the problems brought on by the growing number of foreign visitors flowing in and out of any area. But what is sustainability?

“Sustainability” refers to the use of resources in a means that protects and preserves them for the sake of future generations. The following simple actions can be implemented by all of our visitors and encouraged by residents in order to maintain a beautiful, thriving Quepos and Manuel Antonio

Use of Safe Sunscreen

Coral reefs are vital organisms that are crucial to supporting Costa Rica’s rich marine biodiversity. They are extremely sensitive to even the slightest of environmental changes, including exposure to chemicals commonly found in sunscreens. It is our duty as naturalists and stewards of the Earth to take care of these organisms for the sake of all living things. Although a brand may display itself as “reef-friendly” or “reef-safe”, it does not guarantee their product is completely free of dangerous materials. Before purchasing, be sure to look out for the following ingredients:

• Oxybenzone
• Octinoxate
• Octocrylene
• Homosalate
• 4-methyl benzylidene camphor
• PABA
• Parabens
• Triclosan
• Any nanoparticles or “nano-sized” zinc or titanium
• Microplastics, such as “exfoliating beads”

Any of these chemicals can cause deterioration, illness, and contamination to corals, who often struggle to recover efficiently due to a multitude of environmental stressors occurring at once. Next time you need a new bottle of sunscreen, do your part for our oceans and check labels carefully!

Passive Interaction with Wildlife

Costa Rica is famous for its rich biodiversity, both on land and in sea, but it’s crucial to know how to interact with any wildlife you may come across. The first rule of thumb is to observe species from afar and to not physically interact with them. As we are often taught by our mothers, treat others as you wish to be treated; this principle applies with wildlife as well.

Stay quiet and calm around animals to avoid disturbing them. Don’t chase or harass wildlife, as they may react defensively or aggressively (it’s also illegal). Wounds like bites or scratches could result in more serious complications, like infection, if not properly treated. So, the next time you wish to feed bananas to the capuchin monkeys, just let them be. When exploring underwater, it’s vital to be aware of your movements and avoid thrashing about or kicking any wildlife that may be residing beneath you. Be sure to stay streamlined when scuba diving, keeping all attachments and gear close to your body. Always observe from afar, and be sure to keep your flash off when taking photos and/or videos, so as not to cause disruption.

Before you begin exploring the jungles and oceans of Costa Rica, be sure to read up on potentially dangerous species that you might encounter. For example, Costa Rica is home to the Bullet Ant, which has the most painful sting according to the Schmidt Sting Pain Index. Lastly, it’s best to follow the “Leave No Trace” policy whenever you’re in a natural habitat. The purpose of this motto is to leave each space better than you found it. This means picking up after oneself and leaving all nature where it was found, as well as taking care of any other trash you may encounter during your adventures.

Sustainable Food Choices

Costa Rica has an extensive menu of incredibly flavorful and traditional food to offer. However, it’s important to keep in mind where and how your food makes it to your plate. In order to maintain a truly sustainable diet, ensuring your meals come from locally and responsibly sourced places is the number one rule to follow. When possible, always ask your server or vender where and how your meat or seafood came to arrive in their hands. If they cannot answer, it’s best to go with a more plant-based meal item. Additionally, a sustainable diet is made up of diverse and well-rounded sources of plant-based nutrients, like beans and lentils. Generally speaking, the less meat, the more sustainable. Another consideration when choosing meats and seafood especially is how far it must travel to get to your fryer. Shopping at local stores and farmer’s markets are often the best option when it comes to a short travel distance, which almost always guarantees a fresher batch as well. The less energy it takes to get a food from its source to your pantry, the more sustainable it is considered. Farmer’s markets take place nearly every Friday and Saturday in Quepos, making supporting local workers and purchasing sustainably even easier.

Checking Your Utility Usage

Utility usage primarily refers to water, electricity, and gas. Preserving these resources doesn’t only mean saving money, it means saving energy. Electrical power is the second largest emitter of carbon dioxide into the Earth’s atmosphere. This not only contributes to climate change, but also possesses an abundance of human health risks. Potable water, although a natural resource, is not as easy to come by as it may seem. Many places throughout the world do not have consistent access to a reliable and safe water supply. Thus, we must use water safely and respectfully so as to conserve it for those in need both now and in the future. Natural gas is a highly toxic and flammable liquid. Burning natural gas releases methane into the atmosphere, which is the second most significant climate pollutant. Natural gas is a finite resource that cannot be quickly replenished naturally, so conserving our supply is vital.

Getting Around Locally

Most motorized vehicles today are powered by gas. These vehicles are responsible for about half of all nitrogen oxides present in our air. This gas and countless others are responsible for burning a small hole in our ozone layer, which protects us from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays. The best way to limit the further spread of these toxins is to carpool with others, take public transportation, and walk when given the opportunity. These simple choices also help out the local community, where bus and taxi drivers make their livings by driving other people where they need to go.

So, You think you can help and take a couple of these steps?

All of these actions and more will ensure Quepos as well as many beautiful places around the world remain able to welcome visitors for generations to come. When in doubt, check labels, ask questions, shop local, and respect all life!