REGENERATIVE
RANCH
SIMPLY PUT,
WE’RE CERTIFIABLY SUSTAINABLE
Rancho Margot is proud to have received a 5 Leaves designation, the highest rating possible, from the Costa Rican Institute of Tourism (ICT). As holders of the Certificate of Sustainable Tourism (CST), we use biodegradable products, advance practices for electricity and water conservation, encourage knowledge sharing of and interaction with local culture, and protect private and state-owned natural areas among numerous other earth-positive goals. Our ranch has also been recognized as Costa Rica’s first carbon-negative company based on the most rigorous international standards (PAS2050 and PAS2060), evaluated and verified by Carbon Clear in 2012.
5-LEAVES ECO-LODGE
WE HAVE AN APPETITE FOR SOMETHING GREATER
FOOD FORWARD
Here at the ranch, organic reigns supreme. We generate well over half of all the food consumed by guests, residents and workers, at times producing well over 75%, and always aiming for more. Processed foods have no place here — mayonnaise, mustard, ketchup, and all our sauces are made entirely from scratch. We craft our vinegar from our own bananas and plantains. Our oils are either local 100% coconut or sunflower, or imported 100% olive. For our restricted-diet guests,
we’re currently developing gluten-free flour from in-country, chemical-free tubers. Fresh vegetables and fruits are harvested by hand, as are eggs and dairy products, and all of our meats are butchered within walking distance of our kitchen. Any necessary processing that occurs between the farm and the kitchen is minimal, ensuring freshness and quality. So not only is our food naturally delicious, it also significantly reduces waste. What could be greater than that?
THE GREATEST POWER IS KNOWLEDGE
ENERGY EVOLUTION
To power our operations, Rancho Margot uses two onsite hydroelectric generators. As we move forward, we recognize solar will be a major part of our energy mix. Currently, we have some solar capabilities with plans to increase our infrastructure. Rancho Margot also uses a complex composting system. Food, vegetative, and solid animal waste are collected, and with the aid of beneficial microorganisms, are decomposed through the system. The result is an organic fertilizer that greatly improves our soil structure.
To accommodate guests desiring very hot showers, we’ve installed an alternate electric system, leaving us with even more compost for our expanding gardens. Three onsite biodigesters treat liquid animal waste through anaerobic bacterial action producing methane gas. The gas is used for cooking and heating in the kitchen. The final cured liquid serves as an excellent fertilizer for our grazing fields, supporting nutrient density.
EVERYTHING THRIVES HERE EXCEPT WASTEFULNESS
Part of what attracts guests to Rancho Margot is the opportunity to experience a more conscientious existence. We encourage everyone to be thoughtful about their energy and water use, to reduce their non-recyclable waste as much as possible, and to be attentive to and respectful of our thriving environment.
