Guinness World Records now lists ecolones in Costa Rica as the record-holder for “most plastic bottles recycled in eight hours,” highlighting a significant achievement in the country’s ongoing sustainability efforts. On December 7, 2018, a massive recycling drive organized by ecolones in Belén, Heredia, resulted in the collection of 30,162 kilograms (66,495.83 pounds) of plastic bottles within just eight hours. This remarkable feat involved the participation of more than two dozen companies, all of which donated bottles to contribute to the record-breaking event.
This achievement is particularly notable because it wasn’t ecolones’ first attempt to secure this title. In July 2018, the organization made a previous effort to take the recycling title from Bisleri International Pvt Ltd., a company that had set the previous record in Mumbai, India, back in 2015. Although the initial attempt was unsuccessful, ecolones persisted, ultimately surpassing the previous record and putting Costa Rica on the map for its large-scale recycling efforts.
Beyond setting records, ecolones plays a crucial role in promoting sustainability across Costa Rica. The organization operates as a virtual currency that rewards individuals for recycling by providing discounts at participating businesses. This initiative incentivizes people to engage in environmentally friendly practices, aligning with broader national efforts to address the challenges of plastic pollution.
However, despite this positive development, Costa Rica still faces significant challenges related to recycling. The country has taken steps to mitigate plastic pollution, such as restricting single-use plastics in public institutions, yet much work remains to improve recycling infrastructure and practices. The ecolones initiative and the new Guinness World Record serve as important milestones in Costa Rica’s journey toward sustainability, demonstrating both progress and the ongoing need for environmental action.
