Multiplaza Escazú and Curridabat will be the first commercial centers in Costa Rica to join Costa Rica’s National Strategy on Eliminating Single-Use Plastics, such as non-biodegradable straws, cups, bags etc.

Currently, half of Multiplaza stores use paper or cardboard packaging, and the malls have a history of responsible waste management and environmental policies. The shopping centers, one located in the eastern sector of the city and the other in the west, have both been awarded the Ecological Blue Flag recognition for environmentally sustainable practices.

“We remain in a constant process of environmental awareness for our customers and visitors. We are clear that this is involves work by both the shops and consumers, and we want to help with the behavior modification process by encouraging consumers to accept more sustainable and environmentally friendly practices,” said Roberto Carballo, Operations Manager of Grupo Roble.

Grupo Roble, a divison of the El Salvador-based Grupo Poma, is a leading developer of large commercial centers in Central America, with 19 such malls throughout the region, including the two Multiplaza outlets in Costa Rica.

The company will also implement similar practices at their corporate offices in Costa Rica, and eliminate disposable plastics.

The National Strategy to substitute single-use plastics for renewable and compostable alternatives has developed five areas of action to turn Costa Rica into a plastic-free zone, said organizers of the initiative.