Why are we in this business? We are often asked this question, and the reply is always the same: "We choose this work because we love nature."

Why are we in this business? We are often asked this question, and the reply is always the same: "We choose this work because we love nature."

In order to make our actions consistent with our love of nature, we must do all we can to make our efforts sustainable and to protect the global ecosystem. At the Canopy Tower, here are some of the things we do to "walk our talk":

Reduce our use of resources, especially waste

The bathroom sinks have a time-release mechanism to reduce wasted water

Toilets use only 1.6 gallons per flush, compared to the typical 5 gallons

We take care to educate our guests about our effort to conserve water and energy, and invite them to join our efforts

Most of our lightbulbs are energy saving compact fluorescents, saving 80% over conventional incandescent bulbs

We use light sparingly, and eliminated most of the perimeter lighting around the Tower

We buy food and supplies in bulk to reduce packaging materials, especially plastic

The soap in guest rooms is served by a dispenser, not little wasteful plastic bottles

Linens and towels are not changed daily, except by request; they are changed every four days or when a new guest arrives

We do not use air conditioning - it really isn't necessary

Re-use resources whenever possible

Water from showers and washbasins (greywater) is used again in the garden

All organic waste is composted and reused in the gardens

The chairs on the observation deck were built with wood salvaged from the old radar station

The Tower itself is a classic example of "beating swords into plowshares" by finding a noble use for a surplus defense installation

Recycle resources that cannot be reused

The iron structure and wooden decking on the outdoor deck are recycled from the old Panamá Railway's rails and ties

The marble floors are salvaged from a refurbishing project in Panamá City

Aluminum cans are collected and sold to a recycler

Reject products made from scarce or toxic materials

All the wood in the bedrooms, and the Adirondack chairs on the deck, are made from wood from a sustainably managed teak plantation

Our refrigerators and freezers use ozone-friendly gas

We are conscious about the number of trips we take in our vehicles, and we use public transport when we can

    Having given these matters a lot of thought, and having seen how difficult it is sometimes to live mindfully in a wasteful culture, we know first hand that progress is often slow and minimal at first. If you can think of any ways we might do better, we would be grateful. If, on the other hand, you feel we have stinted on your care, we count on you to let us know immediately so we can make you comfortable.

We hope our guests will join us in applying these principles to their daily lives when they return to their homes.