SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, April 8 (UPI) -- The Environmental Protection Agency said that it aims to get at least 10 percent of the Puerto Rican hospitality and tourism sector to go green within a year.
The EPA signed a memorandum of understanding with the Puerto Rico Tourism Co. and the Puerto Rico Solid Waste Authority to promote green policies.
EPA Regional Administrator Judith Enck said Puerto Rico draws around 1 million visitors each year with its lush ecosystem.
"Unfortunately, the popularity of Puerto Rico as a tourist destination creates pollution and can strain Puerto Rico's natural resources and unique ecosystems," she said in a statement. "Through this agreement, the hospitality industry is helping to ensure that residents and tourists will be able to enjoy Puerto Rico's environment for generations to come."
The MOU encourages solid waste reduction through a "reduce, reuse, recycle" program and encourages the use of alternative vehicles. In addition, the tourism sector is called to monitor energy usage with the aim of reducing overall consumption.
The EPA said the aim of the MOU was to get at least 10 percent of the tourism and hospital facilities to go green within one year.