Earth Day in Los Cabos

First held in the U.S. on April 22, 1970, Earth Day is an annual event dedicated to the preservation of a planet that earthlings call home. 

Founded to consolidate support for environmental protection, Earth Day went global in 1990. According to EarthDay.org, the day mobilized more than 200 million people in 141 countries to bring the fight for the environment to the international stage. 

Earth Day has grown significantly in the 21st century. In 2010, more than one billion people took part in the 40th anniversary of Earth Day. In 2020, Earth Day marked 50 years of environmental activism. Despite taking place during a global pandemic, more than 100 million people across 193 countries participated in Earth Day. It was recognized as one of the largest online mass mobilizations in history.

Earth Day’s official theme for 2023 is, “Invest In Our Planet.” It should be noted that Pueblo Bonito Resorts were early proponents of eco-friendly investments. 

From the beginning, Ernesto Coppel, founder of the Pueblo Bonito family of resorts, embraced his company’s environmental responsibility long before it became a corporate buzz phrase.  

“With every new development we enhanced our commitment to the environment,” Coppel noted. “For example, we have our own water treatment plant at Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach. We also have our own power plants at the resorts. 

“Sustainability is a core value at Pueblo Bonito Resorts” Coppel stated. “We believe it is critical to nurture the local environment, reinvest in the community and reduce the impact of development.” 

The company’s virtuous efforts have not gone unnoticed. Two years ago, the Ministry of Tourism honored the Pueblo Bonito Mazatlán, Emerald Bay, Rosé and Los Cabos resorts with the Distinctive “S” Award, which recognizes companies across Mexico that have demonstrated extraordinary and consistent commitment to environmental sustainability. 

As part of its staff training programs, Pueblo Bonito Resorts offer guidance to employees about recycling. Workshops enable collaborators to make their own art using recycled materials. 

On Earth Day (April 22), resort staff members will lead awareness activities for hotel guests, imparting information about eco-friendly practices and offering tips about how to take better care of the planet.

The hospitality company also participates in beach and river clean-ups in coordination with the Los Cabos Hotel Association and other companies to reduce waste, improve habitats and prevent harm to wildlife and humans. 

Crucial ecological efforts, notably a turtle protection and release program, have been a mainstay for Pueblo Bonito Resorts for more than 20 years. From mid-July through mid-December, guests and residents of Quivira Los Cabos can engage in active conservation by releasing turtle hatchlings from their protected nests into the sea, increasing their chances of survival.

In addition, Pueblo Bonito recently signed agreements with New Fortress Energy for the development of clean energy initiatives. These programs are designed to have a very positive impact on the environment by conserving resources and reducing the carbon footprints of its properties.

The resort development is especially proud of the fact that Quivira Golf Club is surfaced from tee to green in paspalum, a salt-tolerant, disease-resistant grass varietal that uses a fraction of the chemicals and pesticides required by normal grasses. The entire course is irrigated with recycled water generated by the resorts, a big consideration in the Baja desert where potable water is precious.  

It’s been said that one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. For its part, Pueblo Bonito Resorts has raised its recycling efforts to a fine art. Resort guests drain and recycle bottles by the ton. The nearby San Miguel Blown Glass Factory collects up to two tons of empties from the hotels each month. The glass is cleaned, melted and transformed it into colorful hearts that have become iconic symbols of love in Los Cabos and throughout Mexico.

In a perfect circle of sustainability, Pueblo Bonito not only supplies the raw material for the glass pieces, the resort company buys back the creations by the hundreds to display around its hotels and communities. These items are also for sale in the resorts’ gift shops. This unique recycling initiative sends a message to eco-conscious travelers who prize sustainability efforts--and who want to see local communities benefit from their visits.

Every day is Earth Day at Pueblo Bonito Resorts.