“We need to act boldly, innovate broadly and implement equitably. It’s going to take all of us. All in. Business, governments, and citizens – everyone accounted for and everyone accountable. A partnership for the planet.” So says the official Earth Day website (earthday.org) this Earth Day
At Chaa Creek, this partnership has been flourishing since Mick and Lucy Fleming first opened their farm to the public in 1981. They had two goals in mind and one of them was to make sure their fledging eco-resort protected the environment and supported local communities. Like we like to say, “we didn’t go green we started that way!” Here are a few ways how we have maintained our partnership with Mother Earth.
Use Compost Instead Of Fertilizers
Kitchen waste and other organic materials such as grass trimmings are composted and then used as fertilizers at the Organic Maya Farm.
Use Reusable Water Bottles
Reusable water bottles and tote bags are readily available at our gift shop. No need for disposable water containers or plastic bags during your adventures.
Naturally infused water is available for our guests at all times, and guests can refill their water containers at any time.
Raise Environmental Awareness Within The Young
Our annual “Eco-Kids summer Camp” engages children’s awareness of the natural beauty of Belize while teaching them to be environmentally responsible citizens.
Education
Creating programs such as “Butterfly on the Road” where our guides take learning outside our reserve into the communities. School children have an opportunity to learn more about our mascot Mac Morpho and the importance butterflies have in our ecosystem.
Support Local Vendors
Purchasing locally harvested fruits and vegetables from vendors at the San Ignacio Farmers Market brings a spin-off of tourism wealth to local communities.
Practice The 3 R’s
Reducing trash by bulk buying, reusing, and recycling.
Appreciation For History And Culture
Investing in educative centers such as the Natural History Center. The NHC exhibits cover topics from anthropology to zoology as well as provide an introduction to the history and culture of the ancient Maya civilization.
Reforestation
Bay Palm Reforestation – An ongoing project focused on replanting Bay Palm Trees that are used for thatching the roofs of cottages on the property.
Support Local Communities
Teaching about the rewards of good stewardship by offering career internships and job opportunities for nearby communities.
We continue to live our wildly civilized way of life in the Western Jungle of Belize, engaging in a sustainable partnership with mother nature and her children. The environment isn’t an endless source that can continually be exploited without any sense of responsibility or stewardship. Keeping that in mind we continue to work to leave Mother Earth better than we met her.