How Akamai Volunteers Helped Restore Costa Rica’s Most Polluted Beach
Environmental conservation is always top of mind at Akamai. In 2023, our commitment to preserving the planet included participation in Climate Week NYC and Akamai Earth Month, and even took us to the shores of Costa Rica.
In November 2023, a team of 50 Akamai employees embarked on a mission to revive Costa Rica’s most polluted beach — an experience that left a lasting impact both on the environment and our collective consciousness.
Read on to learn how dedication, collaboration, and innovation helped us remove 1.3 tonnes (1.4 tons) of trash from Playa Guacalillo, Costa Rica.
Our environmental sustainability mission in Costa Rica
Once known for its natural beauty, Playa Guacalillo has fallen victim to pollution over the years. We felt called to action and decided to organize a beach cleanup as part of our ongoing Danny Lewin Community Care Days initiative — and brought together 50 of our Akamai colleagues with a shared passion for environmental conservation.
Our sustainability journey began on the Tárcoles River, where we sailed past dozens of crocodiles sunning themselves on the muddy banks. Awestruck by these ancient creatures, we were reminded of nature’s resilience and the need to safeguard our waterways for all of Earth’s wildlife.
A crocodile spotted by Akamai volunteers along the Tárcoles River
Akamai volunteers get to work
Finally, we arrived at Playa Guacalillo. After surveying the beach, our team — armed with gloves, garbage bags, and a shared commitment to making a positive impact — quickly got to work. Although the sight of the polluted beach was disheartening, our collective determination fueled a powerful sense of purpose. In this moment, the true spirit of OneAkamai — where teamwork meets innovation — shone through.
Throughout the day, Akamai colleagues showcased the power of collective problem-solving by finding creative ways to clear as much trash as possible — like using logs to carry several tires and garbage bags down the beach. Solutions like this underscore the importance of adaptability and collaboration in tackling environmental challenges.
Akamai volunteers work together to efficiently remove trash from Playa Guacalillo
Akamai volunteers help each other move multiple old tires at once
Incredible, measurable sustainability results
Our volunteers’ hard work and dedication paid off in ways we couldn't have imagined. By the end of the day, we had removed a staggering 1.3 tonnes (1.4 tons) of garbage from Playa Guacalillo. This impressive volume highlighted the magnitude of the pollution that had long plagued the beach — and it also showcased the incredible impact a united community can have on revitalizing the environment.
Akamai volunteers pose for a group photo after a hard, successful day of work
Leaving the beach, we were proud to know that our single day of service would have profound ripple effects. By preventing 1.3 tonnes (1.4 tons) of garbage from reaching the ocean, we helped safeguard marine life and preserve the delicate balance of our coastal ecosystems.
We also helped set more sustainable practices in motion. The trash we removed from Playa Guacalillo was taken to a collection center for proper separation, so plastic could be converted into plastic wood to be used in eco-friendly construction — laying the foundation for a more sustainable future..
The environmental odyssey continues
Our odyssey to Playa Guacalillo was more than just a one-time cleanup: It was a sustainable venture that left an enduring mark on our environmental consciousness. Navigating through crocodile-inhabited waters highlighted nature’s resilience, while problem-solving as a team emphasized our collective ability to overcome environmental challenges.
As the Akamai team reflects on this step along our environmental conservation journey, we recognize that every choice made by our organization — whether in transportation or waste management — must contribute to a brighter, cleaner, more sustainable future for our oceans and beyond.
Find out more
Learn more about Akamai’s sustainability efforts and read the Akamai 2022 ESG Impact Report to dive deeper into our collective performance and progress.
