Sustainability – Macaw Lodge

Sustainability

Sustainability

Philosophy

The mission of Macaw Lodge is to inspire environmental conservation through mindful and sustainable practices. Our mission—a philosophy really—is more than just a statement. It’s something we live and breathe, truly believe in and want to share with you. Macaw Lodge exists as an example that it’s possible to live happily, purposefully and in harmony with nature. We hope to inspire you to pursue your passion, discover your potential and improve your little corner of the world.

Macaw Lodge

Investigation and Conservation

Opening in 2011, Macaw Lodge is a working, growing and evolving center for eco-tourism, research and conservation. Today, people from around the world come to Macaw Lodge to discover the natural wonders of Costa Rica and see a working model of sustainable and environmentally mindful living. Macaw Lodge is completely off the grid. Part of our energy needs are met through solar power. Water comes from the property’s natural springs and is treated without the use of harmful chemicals for use in the Lodge and cabins.

Conservation goes hand-in-hand with sustainable living. Our approach includes use of dual-flush toilets, dry urinals and low-flow shower heads. To reduce our energy demand, we installed LED lights and low voltage ceiling fans. An onsite sustainable farm operation yields fruits, vegetables, herbs and cocoa used in meals for Lodge guests and staff. We employ a number of sustainable agricultural practices including hydroponics and mixed crops. We always look for ways to reuse what we grow whether for food, composting, fertilizer or seeds.

Macaw Lodge

Reestablishing Habitats

One of our earliest dreams was to reestablish habitats that once drew and supported a thriving population of animals, insects and birds, with a focus on our namesake Scarlett Macaw. Today, the bio-diverse forests are a vital, year-round source of food for Macaws as well as hundreds of species of birds, animals, insects and other creatures. As the health of the eco-systems returned, we launched another venture—to create an oasis where people could encounter and live among the natural beauty of Costa Rica. The botanical gardens rich with color adorn the eight acres surrounding Macaw Lodge. Paths wander among more than 100 types of palms, multiple species of aquatic plants, black, yellow and green bamboo in shapes and heights unique to each, heliconias, bromeliads and more. The garden’s green areas invite relaxation and recreation, defining the boundary between the gardens and surrounding forest.

Macaw Lodge

Agroforestry

Since the 1980s when our family purchased Santuario de Macao Limitada—the farm that is now home to Macaw Lodge and Macaw Lodge Private Forest Reserve—we’ve worked to restore and replenish the biodiversity that supports life. It’s rewarding to see the changes that have already taken place in the Las Delicias de Turrubares area where Macaw Lodge is located as well as neighboring communities. Land once devoted to monotonous agricultural crops that led to erosion and depletion of natural resources now teems with timber plantations, plants that provide food, health benefits and beauty, springs of fresh water and an idyllic, serene environment for relaxation and learning. Macaw Lodge was built using plantation timber from the property, processed at our onsite mill. Also, trees that had been swept away after tropical storm Thomas in 2010 were extracted from the Tarcoles River and incorporated into the structures. Bamboo and wood from the property were used to create built-in furniture, walls and countertops. The bamboo used in the construction was extracted from our own plantations, and most floors and bathrooms were made from locally extracted and processed stone and marble. The construction crew and furniture builders were all local craftsmen. We took special care to blend interiors with the surroundings without disturbing the natural environment.