Last year, the government of Belize approved a proposal to phase out all single-use plastic utensils, shopping bags, straws, and Styrofoam containers starting April 22, 2019. The proposal applies to all restaurants, hotels and grocery stores in the country.
The proposal was written by a task force made up of representatives from the Ministry of Fisheries and Forestry; the Ministry of the Environment and Sustainable Development; the Ministry of Investment, Trade, and Commerce; and the Ministry of Tourism.
According to a task force report, Belize residents and visitors use millions of plastic and Styrofoam items every year. These cause immense harm to Belize’s environment and are costly to clean up. The proposal mandates that all businesses must switch to biodegradable containers and utensils.
Belize is a Leader in Sustainable Tourism
In recent years, Belize has taken aggressive steps to protect its rich biodiversity. The government has ended oil exploration and passed tough conservation laws. The Belize Barrier Reef is a UNESCO World Heritage site that is home to many rare and endangered species. It is now protected by conservation laws. Belize also has a large number of wildlife and bird sanctuaries that provide a safe home to its many native species.
These efforts have made Belize a hub of eco-tourism. Travelers who want a truly authentic, wild experience find that Belize is a natural choice. These changes have also been warmly welcomed by those in Belize’s tourism industry.
“We welcome all of these efforts to preserve Belize’s rare beauty,” said Larry France, marketing manager of Chabil Mar in Placencia, Belize. “We know that travelers today want an experience that is sustainable and that respects nature. We are happy to ensure that they can enjoy Belize in a way that preserves its beauty for many generations to come.”
Experience Sustainable Luxury at Chabil Mar
Chabil Mar is a luxury resort on the stunning Placencia Peninsula in Southern Belize. The property has its own private beachfront and offers full-service dining, swimming pools and posh amenities. These amenities are reserved exclusively for guests at Chabil Mar.
Chabil Mar is also a proud partner in the Pack for a Purpose initiative, which lets travelers help with local animal-welfare and childhood education efforts.
Chabil Mar is also close to the Belize Barrier Reef and the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary. If you want to experience the beauty of Belize, then consider staying at Chabil Mar on your vacation.