Nuevo Vallarta, Nayarit, Mexico - Since today is Earth Day, an annual event celebrated worldwide to demonstrate support for environmental protection, the Riviera Nayarit is highlighting several resorts that are committed to protecting the Banderas Bay region's natural environment year-round.

Located on the Pacific coast of Mexico, Riviera Nayarit is home to world-class luxury resorts, boutique hotels, eco-tourism inns and everything in between. While every property is different, each is aligned with the destination's commitment to sustainability.

Beyond resort-specific green initiatives, Riviera Nayarit's accommodations are constructed according to rigorous environmental protection requirements that ensure the maintenance of the natural environment. Properties regularly update their offerings to align with sustainability efforts, for example, many of the area's hotels & restaurants have replaced plastic straws with straws made from avocado pits.

Check out below a list of other creative ways that these hotels are leading by putting their best green foot forward year-round:

Imanta Resorts - Located by the Sierra de Vallejo Biosphere Reserve, Imanta Resorts Punta de Mita was built after 15 years of detailed monitoring of the local ecosystem. For example, the property is situated at a purposeful distance from the ocean to allow baby sea turtles to hatch and travel freely and many of the materials used for its interiors, exteriors, and even the stone bath at the spa, were sourced on property. It features energy-saving and resource-wise systems, such as "green" roofs on the buildings and systems that improve water quality and reduce noise and air pollution. Moreover, 70 percent of the property's staff hails from a nearby village, thereby ensuring professional opportunities for the community and the preservation of the property's authentic appeal.

Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit - Overlooking a pristine sandy beach and breathtaking Banderas Bay, Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit peacefully coexists with its natural surroundings thanks to a number of environmentally responsible initiatives. From biodegradable cleaning products to solar water heating, recycling, meticulous beach cleanup, composting and donations to local organizations, the resort is an example of green hospitality at its finest. Specifically, the property has solar panels that take advantage of the area's warm climate to help pre-heat water; thanks to year-round sunny days, the water arrives hot to the tanks, saving about 45% of the gas normally used. Additionally, the resort has a detailed waste separation strategy for organic and inorganic waste. Inorganic trash is separated according to type, including plastic, glass (separated by color), cardboard and paper. The resort has an area set aside for composting certain organic waste; it is mixed with soil to create compost, a natural fertilizer used to nourish the gardens and lawns.

Four Seasons Punta Mita – Uniquely located within a 400-acre nature reserve on a private peninsula overlooking Banderas Bay, Four Seasons Punta Mita operates under a strict set of initiatives that promote green hospitality. For example, it features a residual water treatment plant that generates clean water ideal for watering the property's iconic gardens. Most recently, Four Seasons Punta Mita invested in new A/C and pumping equipment throughout the property, including Magnetic Levitation Chillers, thus reducing energy usage as all equipment starts are gradual and according to all needs. The high-end hotel only owns LED lamps and all public areas, such as parking lots and service areas, have energy saving solar lamps. Lastly, the Four Seasons is also accommodating for guests traveling in electric cars, with 3 chargers including 1 universal charger and 2 for Tesla users.

W Punta de Mita - W Punta de Mita is taking on the viral #TrashTag challenge for Earth Day, and is inviting the local community to join in helping make the world and its beaches a little cleaner. Located on Mexico's coveted Riviera Nayarit, this edgy, oceanfront resort is helping to preserve Mexico's pristine beaches with a beach cleanup event on April 22. The event will also include a guided meditation steps away from the rolling Pacific waves, thanking Mother Nature for all she's given to the region. And since participants may work up a sweat saving the planet, they'll be invited to recharge with light refreshments afterwards.

In recent years several hotels have received TripAdvisor's Greenleaders™ certification across different levels, including Marival Resort and Hard Rock Hotel Vallarta, which reached Platinum Level, the program's highest recognition awarded to hotels and resorts that meet the minimum requirements + 60% score or higher. These requirements include offering linen/towel reuse plans; regularly trackng energy consumption; recycling; utilizing energy efficient systems such as lighting; educating staff and guests about green practices; and treating wastewater on property.

Playa Nuevo Vallarta Norte, Laguna de Santa Maria del Oro and Marina Riviera Nayarit have recently been recognized with the prestigious blue-flag certification, awarded by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) to the beaches and marinas that meet the established criteria for quality, safety, education, and environmental information.

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