Caribbean’s Only Carbon-Neutral/Net Zero Resort Celebrates 2019 Earth Day

Carbon neutral/net zero Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort joins the world’s efforts this coming Earth Day, April 22. The recent recipient of the World Travel & Tourism Council’s Tourism for Tomorrow Climate Action Award, Bucuti & Tara is offering a collection of initiatives to celebrate nature and inspire action in preserving the planet.

“Protect Our Species” Hike. Kicking off Earth Day on Monday, April 22, this exclusive tour will begin at 8:30 a.m. for 1.5 hours. Aruba’s national treasure Arikok National Park draws many guests with its coastline beauty and indigenous wildlife. As the largest national park in the Caribbean, covering one-fifth of Aruba, hikers for this special Earth Day walk can anticipate seeing fascinating, native wildlife including Aruban burrowing owl (Shoco), Aruban rattlesnake (only found on-island), Aruban whiptail lizard and the Aruban parakeet (Prikichi).

Home to Endangered Sea Turtles. Spring finds Bucuti & Tara happily welcoming back Aruba’s longest-running repeat guests — beloved sea turtles. This nesting ritual dates to prehistoric times where endangered sea turtles return to nest at the beach they were born. Lounging guests can witness nesting, nests and eventually hatchlings on the same white sands of Eagle Beach. They can also sign up for a turtle wake-up call alerting them when a nesting turtle has arrived.

From Menacing to Mouthwatering. A showstopper to look at, the invasive lionfish is a highly destructive marine predator threatening Aruba’s delicate coral reefs, devastatingly devouring more than 50 fish species and altering aquatic habitats. Bucuti’s environmentally – and tasty – solution: Lionfish Ceviche. Being served at Elements restaurant, guests can savor this freshly made dish paired with a stunning via of the Caribbean Sea.

Coral Reef-friendly. The Next year, Aruba will ban all sunscreen that is toxic to essential, fragile coral reef. Bucuti guests don’t have to wait until 2020 to begin thanks to Arubalife Organic’s Reef-Friendly Sunscreen now offered in every room. This Earth Day, Bucuti guests can be more protective of the coral reefs and gentler on their own skin.

Starry Nights of Sustainability. Bucuti & Tara’s much adored biweekly tradition of Movies Under the Stars will include the addition of a special Earth Day feature. At 8 p.m., guests can relax in loungers on the beach and take in eco-focused documentary, “Chasing Coral,” recipient of 25 accolades including the esteemed Sundance Film Festival.

Recycled Craft Contest. “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle,” helps mitigate 62% of the waste stream at the No. 1 Hotel in the Caribbean (TripAdvisor). Concurring with Earth Day, staff are encouraged to take unneeded materials from the resort and fashion arts and crafts. This year’s submissions will be unveiled at 3 p.m. on Earth Day with several entries anticipated to highlight this year’s “Protect Our Species” theme. Guests are invited to vote for their favorite.

For 31 years sustainability has been woven throughout Bucuti & Tara’s culture. As the most eco-certified Caribbean resort, the property hopes to inspire others take the critical steps toward mitigating the climate change already being felt worldwide.

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