When you think of Belize, you often think of the beautiful turquoise blue waters of the Caribbean that surround the coast. These days, we are all about thinking green. “Green living” refers to a conscious effort on both the part of a government and its citizens to become more environmentally aware and friendly by engaging in cleaner, greener practices for the well-being of our planet. Belize is proud to lead by example in showing the world how to live green.
When a recent report predicted that plastic in oceans would outnumber fish by 2050, Belize took action. In March 2018, the government began a phase out of styrofoam and single use plastics by April 22, 2019 (Earth Day!). Single use plastics are things such as straws, soda bottles, baggies, and plasticware. The goal is to reduce pollution to protect the terrestrial and marine environments within our borders. Another goal is to reduce the enormous costs associated with pollution cleanup. Though single use plastics and styrofoam may only be used for a few minutes, its material stays behind for a lifetime. Literally, they remain for decades in landfills or as litter that lines roads or fills our rivers and oceans.
Belize has won recognition and praise for our dedication to the cause. Impressively, its offshore reef was recently removed from a list of endangered areas. This proves that we Belizeans aren’t just talking the talk, but are putting our words to serious action. The bulk of the island residents make their livelihood as fishermen and tour operators for the surrounding sea and rainforests. Therefore, green living is not just an idea but a conviction. Belizeans are going green, not as a trend but as a way to protect the land for the future generations. When participating in one of the island’s many fabulous excursions, the old adage remains especially true: Take nothing but photographs and leave nothing but footprints. We can all help keep Belize clean and green by limiting the trash we consume and bring with us.
It is not just the government and island residents committed to the cause, but companies and corporations as well. Las Terrazas Resort on the island of Ambergris Caye has put forth numerous green initiatives. Our luxury island hotel has completely done away with all styrofoam and plastic straws, bottles, and coffee stirrers onsite. Kitchen waste is turned into compost. We use LED lightbulbs to save energy and have installed water-saving shower heads and toilets throughout the property. On-demand water heaters warm up upon use, saving energy and eliminating the need to heat enormous tanks of water. Going above and beyond in our commitment to being green, Las Terrazas Resort brings all used ink toner cartridges to the USA to be recycled as there are currently no such facilities in Belize to do so.
As you can see, it is important to Las Terrazas Resort to not only commit to the idea of green living, but practice it as well. And you can help! In addition to the green alternatives Las Terrazas Resort already offers, you can contribute to our efforts with a little planning ahead to make your next vacation as green as possible.
Here are some travel tips to help you reduce your environmental footprint while on vacation at Las Terrazas Resort:
- Invest in reusable water bottles to avoid plastic bottles
- Bring your own soap, shampoo, and conditioner in bar form rather than the plastic travel-sized versions
- Carry a reusable shopping bag with you to prevent adding more plastic bags to the landfills
- Enjoy our amazing local fruits and produce while snacking versus prepackaged snacks
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