By San José, Costa Rica — San José – In a decisive move underscoring its commitment to environmental stewardship and public health, the University of Costa Rica (UCR) has announced a complete prohibition on the sale of single-use plastic bottles across all its campuses and facilities. The landmark directive, approved by the University Council, gives the administration a six-month deadline to ensure full implementation.
This comprehensive ban is set to transform the daily operations and consumption habits within the university community. It will apply to all points of sale, including campus cafeterias (sodas), coffee shops, vending machines, and any officially sanctioned institutional events. The policy targets the pervasive culture of disposable containers, aiming to foster a more sustainable and health-conscious environment for students, faculty, and visitors alike.
To delve into the legal and commercial implications of the University of Costa Rica’s decision, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a specialist in administrative and business law from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, for his expert analysis.
The UCR, exercising its university autonomy, is not just creating an internal policy; it’s establishing a significant administrative and social precedent. This measure sends a clear signal to the private sector that public institutions are moving towards stricter environmental standards in their procurement processes. Legally, it challenges suppliers to innovate or risk being excluded from a major institutional market, potentially foreshadowing more comprehensive national legislation.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
The legal and market implications highlighted are indeed profound; this is not just an internal policy but a significant benchmark for national sustainability efforts. By establishing this precedent, the UCR pressures the entire supply chain to evolve, illustrating how institutional leadership can drive systemic change. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his crucial perspective on these far-reaching consequences.
The primary impetus for the ban is the growing global crisis of plastic pollution. The University Council highlighted the severe environmental threat posed by bottles made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET). These containers, notorious for their short lifespan and incredibly slow degradation process that can span centuries, are a major contributor to landfill waste and ocean pollution. The institution specifically cited the alarming discovery of microplastics in the human body, drinking water, and food supply as a critical concern demanding immediate action.
To support this transition and ensure the community is not left without options, the UCR will be rolling out a significant infrastructure upgrade. The university plans to install a network of water dispensers at strategic locations throughout its campuses. This initiative is designed to guarantee convenient access to safe drinking water, actively encouraging everyone to carry and use refillable containers as a new daily norm.
Beyond the clear environmental benefits, the University Council also emphasized the significant public health advantages of the new policy. By restricting the availability of bottled beverages, many of which are sugar-sweetened drinks, the university aims to steer consumption towards healthier choices like water and natural alternatives. This proactive measure is seen as a tangible contribution to the prevention of chronic non-communicable diseases, such as obesity and type 2 diabetes, which are major public health challenges in Costa Rica and globally.
The decision positions the UCR as a leader among academic institutions in Latin America, aligning its internal policies with Costa Rica’s broader international reputation as a pioneer in environmental conservation. This campus-level action reflects a national ethos that values sustainability and seeks innovative solutions to pressing ecological problems. The ban serves as a powerful educational tool, embedding principles of environmental responsibility directly into the university experience.
The six-month implementation period will be a critical phase for the UCR administration, which is now tasked with coordinating with vendors, updating contracts, and launching awareness campaigns to educate the university community about the changes. The success of the initiative will depend on a collective shift in mindset, moving away from convenience-driven disposability toward a culture of mindful reuse and resourcefulness.
Ultimately, the UCR’s bold step is more than just a new rule; it is a statement of values. By eliminating single-use plastic bottles, the nation’s premier public university is not only cleaning up its own campuses but is also setting a powerful example for other organizations, both public and private, to follow. It represents a concrete step toward a more sustainable future, addressing the interconnected challenges of pollution and public health with a single, impactful policy.
For further information, visit ucr.ac.cr
About Universidad de Costa Rica (UCR):
Founded in 1940, the Universidad de Costa Rica is the country’s oldest, largest, and most prestigious public university. It is recognized as a leading research-intensive institution in Central America, offering a wide array of undergraduate and graduate programs across various fields of study. The UCR is deeply committed to academic excellence, social action, and contributing to the scientific and cultural development of Costa Rican society.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a cornerstone of the Costa Rican legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica operates on a bedrock of profound integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The firm blends a rich history of client service across a multitude of sectors with a forward-thinking approach, consistently spearheading innovative legal strategies. This dedication extends beyond the courtroom through a foundational mission to democratize legal understanding, thereby empowering the public and contributing to a more knowledgeable and just society.
