Gringos Go Green at Loco’s

Continuing with their spirit of giving back to the local community, Loco’s Backyard Grill in Gorgona hosted their third “Gringos Go Green” event this past Friday night. Residents from around the area were encouraged by Loco’s owners David and Stephanie to drop off recyclable material, such as liquor and wine bottles, so that they didn’t end up in the garbage. Over the course of the three events, Loco’s has collected more than 1,500 bottles and an assortment of odd items like a used airplane tire and a cat climbing tower! “It’s all good,” explains David with a chuckle. “This is our way of doing something small for the community and the environment.”

Added to the event for the first time, people were also encouraged to drop off non-perishable goods such as food and clothes for Gorgona orphanage. David says fundraising for the orphanage and other charities will be part of future Loco’s events, which will include Salsa lessons and other themed nights.

David has also been part of the new Neighborhood Watch program and says he’s trying to make sure Loco’s is part of the local community, not just a business.

“One of our primary goals is to be inclusive,” he says. “That means having both expats and Panamanians come to the restaurant. It also means getting people from Coronado and other areas to come to Gorgona.”

According to Stephanie, since the couple opened their restaurant in August they have focused on having a reduced environmental footprint. One of their goals is to use recyclables for building material. For example, the restaurant has a brand new fence in the backyard made out of bamboo and empty wine bottles. New flower pots are made from old broken stools and there are plans in the works for a slew of other projects.

“We like the idea that our customers can drop off things, like a bunch of empty wine bottles, and then come back a few weeks later to see how they were used,” says Stephanie.

Information on upcoming events can be found on their Facebook page – look for Locos Panama.