(EMAILWIRE.COM, April 09, 2009 ) Recent studies have shown that Costa Rica’s rivers are polluted. NatureAir, keeping with its commitment to environmental and social responsibility, saw an opportunity to help combat this problem. According to the Institute for Aqueducts and Sewer Systems (AyA) the pollution is mostly due to sewage runoff from homes, hotels, and businesses that do not have proper sewage treatment facilities.

To help prevent local restaurants and NatureAir employees from flushing cooking oil down sink drains, NatureAir created a formula of bio-diesel that utilizes recycled vegetable and cooking oils. This alternative fuel and can be used in any vehicle accustomed to running off of diesel fuel.

NatureAir is the first airline in Central America to run its entire ground operation equipment and fleet of diesel vehicles off of this biodegradable fuel. The use of bio-diesel is estimated to reduce 160 tones of CO2 emissions per year.

The alternative fuel is available through NatureAir’s wholly owned aviation fueling company Aerotica. Since June of 2008, Aerotica has been providing bio-diesel in addition to its sales of aviation and jet fuel.

A majority of the recycled vegetable and cooking oils are collected from local San Jose restaurants and NatureAIr employees who are given canisters for collecting cooking oils.

“The earth is precious and small steps need to be taken to help save our plant, “ said NatureAir Founder and CEO Alex Khajav. “ We feel a need as a sustainable company to keep the waters clean, and the air we breathe healthy in the communities we serve.”

Currently three percent of Costa Rica’s black, or polluted, waters receive adequate treatment, says the AyA. However with the use of this alternative fuel NatureAir assists in keeping the country’s waters free from pollution, significantly reduces smog production, and keeps vehicle motors cleaner than regular diesel or gasoline.

To learn more about NatueAir’s bio-diesel efforts visit its Nature Blog: http://blog.natureair.com/. NatureAir welcomes your questions and comments on this topic at its educational, social networking forum.

About NatureAir
NatureAir is the world’s first certified carbon neutral airline, and the fastest growing regional airline in Central America. Since its inception in 2000, NatureAir has grown from flying 18,000 passengers annually to more than 140,000 in 2008. NatureAir is the only twin-engine airline in Costa Rica with both scheduled and chartered flights, and offers 74 daily flights to 17 destinations in Costa Rica, and Panama.

NatureAir’s 100% carbon neutrality program ensures that every flights carbon emissions are compensated to guarantee protection and reforestation of the Osa Peninsula in Southern Costa Rica. Its commitment to saving energy extends with the use of bio-diesel (cooking oils) to run its entire fleet of ground equipment and diesel vans. NatureAir is a proud sponsor of the Rainforest Alliance, World Heritage Alliance, Climate Neutral Network and Ecotourism Society. In addition to annual contributions towards the NatureKids foundation. The World Tourism and Trade Council, Rainforest Alliance, Conde Nast Traveler and Virgin Holidays have recognized NatureAir for its sustainability efforts. For more information visit: http://www.natureair.com

Contact Information:
NatureAir
Nancy Harrison
Tel: 480-219-0085
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