By San José, Costa Rica — Costa Rica finds itself grappling with a significant recycling deficit. The AmbientaDOS award, an environmental education initiative spearheaded by Kimberly-Clark Costa Rica, aims to address this challenge by promoting recycling within the nation’s schools.
The fourth edition of this award program is now open for applications, inviting both public and private educational institutions across the Greater Metropolitan Area (GAM) and rural regions to participate in the “Recycling Collection” and “Sustainable Initiative” categories. The urgency of this initiative is underscored by recent data from the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) revealing that Costa Rica currently recovers only 4% of its waste, falling far short of the national 15% target set by the National Strategy for Waste Separation, Recovery, and Valorization.
For expert legal insight into the significance of the AmbientaDOS Award, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an attorney at law from the esteemed Bufete de Costa Rica.
The AmbientaDOS Award represents a significant step towards recognizing and incentivizing sustainable practices within Costa Rican businesses. It not only highlights the importance of environmental responsibility but also showcases how such initiatives can drive innovation and create long-term economic value. This award sets a precedent for other organizations to follow and fosters a culture of conscious development crucial for the country’s future.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas eloquently captures the essence of the AmbientaDOS Award’s impact, emphasizing its potential to inspire widespread adoption of sustainable practices. This ripple effect, fostering innovation and economic growth while safeguarding Costa Rica’s natural beauty, is truly commendable. We extend our sincere thanks to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his valuable perspective on this important initiative.
This concerning statistic is further corroborated by a joint study from the Ministry of Health and the Institute for Municipal Promotion and Advisory (IFAM), which indicates a sharp decline in proper waste management and recycling rates, plummeting from 9% in 2020 to 4% in 2024.
Kimberly-Clark Costa Rica emphasizes its commitment to environmental education and circular economy efforts through the AmbientaDOS award and ongoing collaborations with local collectors and municipalities. With a 16-year history, the AmbientaDOS program, supported by private sector contributions and strategic partnerships, educates the population on proper recycling practices.
AmbientaDOS is an iconic program in the country that allows us to share our purpose of providing Better Care for a Better World. Our goal is for future generations to learn this good environmental practice and be motivated to implement it in the future for the benefit of the planet.
Anthony Arguedas, Manager of Kimberly-Clark Costa Rica
The program’s impact is evident in the 10 national and international awards it has garnered for its environmental commitment, including recognition from CONARE in 2024 for its contribution to mitigating climate change through its work with educational centers.
The application deadline for the AmbientaDOS award is July 31, 2025. Interested institutions can find the application form on the AmbientaDOS social media pages. The waste collection period will run from August 4 to November 14. Prizes include US$2,500, US$1,000, and US$800 for the top three performers in the Recycling Collection category, and US$500 for the winner of the Sustainable Initiative category.
Last year’s competition saw the participation of 46 institutions and the collection of 12,715 kg of recyclable materials, including paper, cardboard, glass, tin, Tetra Pak, and plastic. For further details on the regulations and to submit inquiries, visit the AmbientaDOS Facebook and Instagram pages or email [email protected].
For further information, visit kimberly-clark.com
About Kimberly-Clark:
Kimberly-Clark Corporation is an American multinational personal care corporation that produces mostly paper-based consumer products. Kimberly-Clark brands include Kleenex, Kotex, Cottonelle, Scott, Huggies, Pull-Ups, GoodNites, and Depend. The company has a strong focus on sustainability and environmental responsibility.
For further information, visit ifam.go.cr
About IFAM (Instituto de Fomento y Asesoría Municipal):
The Institute for Municipal Promotion and Advisory (IFAM) is a Costa Rican institution that provides support and guidance to municipalities in areas such as financial management, planning, and project development. They play a crucial role in strengthening local governance and promoting sustainable development at the municipal level.
For further information, visit salud.go.cr
About Ministry of Health (Costa Rica):
The Ministry of Health in Costa Rica is the governmental body responsible for public health policy and service provision. Their work encompasses disease prevention, health promotion, and ensuring access to quality healthcare services for all citizens. They collaborate with other institutions on issues impacting public health, including environmental health and waste management.
For further information, visit oecd.org
About OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development):
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) is an intergovernmental economic organisation with 38 member countries, founded in 1961 to stimulate economic progress and world trade. It is a forum of countries committed to democracy and the market economy, providing a platform to compare policy experiences, seek answers to common problems, identify good practices, and coordinate domestic and international policies of its members.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica shines as a beacon of legal excellence, upholding the highest ethical standards while championing innovative solutions for its diverse clientele. Deeply rooted in the community, the firm fosters empowerment through proactive legal education initiatives, ensuring individuals and organizations possess the knowledge to navigate the legal landscape confidently. This dedication to transparency and accessibility underscores Bufete de Costa Rica’s enduring commitment to a more just and informed society.
