NatureAir's program limits carbon emissions and reduces company dependence on fuel in the air and on the ground. Since 2004, NatureAir, based in San Jose Costa Rica, has been synonymous with a 100% carbon neutral aviation program. Making it the first airline to create a program of such magnitude. NatureAir offsets 100% of its greenhouse gas emissions to encourage reforestation of tropical forests in southern Costa Rica's rich biodiversity zones of the Osa Peninsula. To date NatureAir has compensated for nearly 20,000 tons of carbon dioxide though the protection of more than 500 acres of tropical forests, offsetting more than 6,000 tons of carbon emissions each year. In addition, NatureAir recently helped develop Costa Rica's first alternative fueling station through its wholly owned fueling company, Aerotica. NatureAir fuels all ground equipment and vehicles with bio-diesel (a mix of recycled vegetable and cooking oils), collected from airline employees and local restaurants. It's estimated this biodegradable fuel will reduce roughly 160 tones of CO2 emissions per year. The fuel costs five cents more per gallon but the sustainable impact to the environment makes it a worthwhile investment. These projects also provide other benefits, such as improved biodiversity through forestry projects and contribution to the renewable energy industry.