Blue Spirit Retreat is committed to the highest standards of ecological awareness and sustainable practices. To this end, the buildings have been constructed with a focus on using “green” materials that have come from environmentally controlled resources and are designed to provide a long-lasting life so replacement and rebuilding procedures will be kept to a minimum. All told, we have endeavored to build as green a facility as is possible in Costa Rica to act as a model of what is possible to be done in the country.

Construction Style & Materials
Blue Spirit Retreat shares a border with a nature reserve that we protect. In so doing, we have chosen to build in a concentrated area to allow as much nature around us to remain undisturbed.

We have built with local concrete and FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) wood that comes from either local tree farms a few miles away, or from Nicaragua to support the reforestation project in forests severely affected by a recent hurricane. This same wood is also the source of our furniture. Our roof tiles are all clay made just a few hours away in Nicaragua. In addition, we are experimenting with special low VOC (volatile organic compounds) paints and finishes not currently available in Costa Rica to determine how it functions in the Costa Rican climate.

Solar Hot Water & Water Conservation
All heating of water is done using solar energy from collectors on our roofs. Since clean, potable water is precious, we have installed a water system that redirects some of the shower and sink water into toilets; we utilize nonflush urinals and our waste-water system provides treated water that we use to water the center’s fruit trees, vegetable garden, and landscaping around the property.

Cooling & Ventilation
We have designed many of our rooms with natural ventilation to avoid the need for air-conditioning. There are a few rooms and classes with the latest and most ecologically friendly air-conditioning units available, and for which we will be buying carbon credits to offset this electric usage. We have built our refrigeration system deep into a hillside to facilitate natural cooling and some of our rooms, too, are built close to the earth to take advantage of its generally cool ambient temperatures.

Cleaning Practices & Products
We use only earth-friendly cleaning products throughout the center. Also, to save water and electricity, we encourage a reduced frequency of changing of sheets and towels during your stay.

Recycling & Composting
There is an active composting program used for our gardens, along with an active recycling program of paper, plastic, glass, aluminum, and tin.

Reduced Electromagnetic Fields
Some studies are beginning to reveal that the electromagnetic fields that surround many of us where we live can cause sleep disturbances, and even recurring insomnia. In an effort to reduce the center’s electromagnetic field at night, the center’s WiFi system will be turned off each night from midnight to 8 a.m. in order to offer our guests the deep rest they need.