Perched on a private nature reserve with a breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean, Costa Rica’s Lapa Rios Ecolodge once again paves the way as an environmental pioneer. In an effort to shrink its eco footprint even more, Lapa Rios is supporting alternative fuels and energy by converting to biodiesel to help lower their carbon emissions, burn cleaner fuels and reduce global warming.

The biodiesel, purchased from the Costa Rican company Energias Biodegradable and partially sourced from Lapa Rios’ own recycled kitchen grease, is a diesel-equivalent processed fuel derived from biological sources like vegetable oil, boasting 75 percent less carbon emissions than traditional diesel fuel.

To allow the resort’s electrical generation system to adjust, the biodiesel must be introduced slowly; thus, Lapa Rios has begun by using a mix of five percent biodiesel with 95 percent diesel blend. In the following three months, the biodiesel-to-diesel ratio will climb to allow a 60 percent biodiesel run resort electricity system. In addition, Lapa Rios has also begun introducing biodiesel (currently at 30 percent biodiesel) to its transportation services, including on-property pickup trucks and guest transport vehicles.

Built in 1993, this exotic destination features 16 private, open air bungalows perched 350 feet above the sea, and a main lodge that houses a fine-dining restaurant and bar – all nestled amidst beautiful tropical vegetation.

Here you can learn about and truly experience a sustainable environment at its best. From Sunday night “sustainability chats” – where local conservationist groups discuss environmental issues with guests – to Tico Cooking Classes taught by local women and featuring Costa Rican cuisine, Lapa Rios Ecolodge thrives in educating eco-minded travelers.

With an acclaimed Sustainability Program, and Ranked #11 in Travel + Leisure’s “Top 25 Hotels in Mexico and Central and South America” for 2007, find your green slice of peaceful paradise @ laparios.com

Related: previously on AltCon 4.22.07