Nestled along the Costa Rican coastline lies Playa Guiones, a breathtaking stretch of sand and waves that serves as more than just a natural wonder—it’s the heart of our town. From its perfect waves for surf enthusiasts to its picturesque sunsets, Playa Guiones is a gathering point that unites our community. It is our duty to look after it and as the issue of plastic and rubbish pollution becomes more pressing, so does the need to take action.
Costa Rica is known for its incredible, lush jungles and rich coastal environments, but unfortunately, it is not immune to the global pollution crisis. Upon first glance Playa Guiones might appear relatively untouched, but underneath the sand and fauna is an alarming amount of microplastic and debris. From discarded toothbrushes to drink cans to abandoned fishing equipment, the tides and rain bring it all to the surface and pose the threat of it all being washed into our ocean. This puts our delicate ecosystem at a dire risk of fatally consuming plastics, especially the protected turtles that call the coast of Guanacaste their home.
Help arrives in the form of Carolina Sevilla
In our efforts to pursue a solution to this issue, we have partnered with environmental conservationist Carolina, who is the founder of world-renowned organization 5 Minute Foundation. Born and raised in San José, Carolina became a diplomat at the UN for Costa Rica in New York, where her interest grew in conservation.
Her efforts began with a daily ritual of cleaning up the debris around her coastal home. As she documented this online and gained a following, Carolina established @5minutebeachcleanup which has become a globally recognized movement. With over 35,000 cleanups conducted worldwide, 5MBCP promotes that in just a few minutes, individuals can make a real, genuine difference in their surrounding environment.
Beyond immediate cleanup efforts, the 5 Minute Foundation aims to reduce single-use plastic by 30% through educating the public. As Carolina aptly puts it, we are each responsible for contributing to the solution, and it’s crucial that our environment remains at the forefront of our collective consciousness.
Proudly aligning ourselves with the 5 Minute Foundation, we have initiated monthly beach cleanups right here at Playa Guiones. As Nosara’s inaugural surf hotel, this beach has given so much to the Gilded Iguana and we want to help it prosper in whatever way we can. You can check out when our next beach clean-up event is here.
“The Gilded Iguana has been one of our greatest partners from the very beginning. Together with their clean-up station and the monthly beach clean-ups, people have been very active in protecting the oceans and taking responsibility for preserving them.“
- Carolina Sevilla
Ready to join the movement?
We’ve established a 5MBCP station at our Surf Club, inviting guests and locals alike to participate in the initiative. The concept is straightforward—grab a bucket, collect trash for just 5 minutes, and return it to us for proper disposal. It’s a small act that collectively contributes to our goal of keeping Guiones waste-free throughout the year.
“We are delighted because, with the Gilded Iguana, we plan on transforming this station into a blue open class. This will enable us to gather with other members of the community to discuss various issues and engage in art activities with the kids among other activities.“
Playa Guiones is more than a destination—it’s a responsibility we share as a community. By supporting the 5 Minute Foundation and participating in beach cleanups, we not only protect the beauty of our beloved beach but also contribute to a global movement that seeks to preserve our oceans and planet. In just 5 minutes, we can be the change Playa Guiones needs, ensuring that it remains a haven for generations to come.
“We commend all the initiatives that the Gilded Iguana has taken for the environment and congratulate them for their tremendous efforts and are looking forward to creating even more fun, creative and effective projects together.“
- With the help of Carolina Sevilla
