GreenCoast Highlights
- Try to learn about the place you are visiting and its people
- Be open to new cultures and traditions and try to learn some of the language, very much appreciated by local people
- Give a thought to dressing appropriately and behaviour
- Respect the national laws about drug consumption
- Asking for permission before taking a photo is a sign of respect
- Bring only what you really need
- Stay wherever possible at locally owned hotels and accommodations
- Eat at locally owned restaurants which use local or national products, and consume freshly made (delicious and healthy!) fruit drinks instead of bottled soda drinks
- Use a refillable water bottle (you can buy refills at the ATEC office in Puerto Viejo for cheap price)
- Deposit your recyclables in the recycle bins of your hotel
- Be aware of your use of resources like water and electricity. Shut the faucet when you apply soap or shampoo, and turn off the lights and the fan when you’re going out. Bring biodegradable soap if your hotel does not provide it.
- Use public transportation or carbon neutral shared shuttle services for transportation
- Stay on the trails to minimize impact on nature. Use the services of a local licensed guide.
- Getting too close to wild animals invades their territory, and please don’t feed them as it interferes with their natural habits
- Buy local products that benefit local businesses making sure they are not made from endangered species.
- Giving money to beggars is not the best way to help. You can contribute to local community projects to improve the local economy and work opportunities.
- Support local conservation efforts. Ask at the ATEC office how you can help.
