Sustainable Tourism Practices

At Lucky Dreamer Lodge, we are deeply committed to sustainable tourism practices and preserving the natural beauty of Belize. We believe that responsible travel not only safeguards the environment but also enriches our guests’ experience by offering a closer connection to nature and local culture.

Our commitment to sustainability has earned us recent awards, including the 2022 Community Impact Award, the 2023 Excellence Award in Eco-Friendly Tourism, and the 2024 Best Eco-Friendly Jungle Lodge & Birdwatching Hotspot.

We are also listed in the International online Good Travel Guide. Despite these achievements, our goal remains to minimize our environmental footprint while providing immersive, meaningful stays. We always strive to improve — because when it comes to sustainability, there’s always room to grow.

Recently we attended a Green Destinations workshop on Sustainability, offered through the Riviera Maya Sostenible NGO.

We’re proud to have received the Pre-Certification Good Travel Scan designation and are committed to achieving full certification in the coming months. Join us in our journey toward responsible and meaningful travel.

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Our Comprehensive Sustainable Tourism Practices

Our commitment to sustainability is reflected in every aspect of our operations. From energy conservation and water-saving measures to waste reduction, we carefully implement eco-friendly practices across the lodge.

We also focus on wildlife preservation, green supplies, and supporting the local community through cultural and economic initiatives. Explore the details of our sustainable tourism practices below to see how we’re trying to make a difference for the environment, our guests, and our local community.

Energy Conservation:

   – Solar, LED, & low voltage lighting

   – Energy-efficient appliances

   – Floor & ceiling fans

   – Clotheslines for air drying

   – Encourage guests to conserve energy and to turn off all fans & lights when leaving the bungalow

   – Motion sensors for outdoor lighting

   – Refrain from using high electricity-drawing appliances (e.g., No TVs, coffee makers, or microwave ovens)

   – Limit the use of hair dryers and air conditioning

   – We unplug all electronics between guest stays

   – Timer on the low-voltage path lighting

Water Conservation:

   – Eco-Filtro water jug (filtered water)

   – Rainwater harvesting

   – Water-efficient toilets

   – Low-flow faucets and showerheads

   – Encourage water conservation (e.g., towel reuse & limit washing of linens during stays)

   – Biodegradable laundry detergents & water-saving practices

   – Strategic placement of septic systems to prevent river leaching

   – Greywater recycling for property irrigation

   – Educate guests on local water scarcity (we are on a village well) and encourage mindful usage

Waste Reduction:

   – Compost organic waste

   – Recycling bins in outdoor kitchen

   – Recycle glass and plastic bottles when possible

   – Guest Book Exchange (take a book / leave a book)

   – Refillable soap/shampoo dispensers

   – Repurpose materials for building or decoration

   – Zero-waste policy for single-use plastics

   – Purchase products with minimal packaging

   – Digital check-in with e-receipts to reduce paper waste

Sustainable Transportation:

   – Bicycles available for village ventures

   – Information on public transportation (buses, shared taxis)

   – Share information about walking trails to explore local areas without vehicles

   – Promote eco-tours and low-emission transportation options (like a Kayak to visit local sites)

Jungle Wildlife & Plant Life Preservation:

   – Smoking/Vaping Free Environment

   – Habitat conservation efforts on lodge grounds

   – Wildlife-friendly landscaping using native plants

   – Limit pesticide use (biodegradable) on the property

   – Wildlife & plant education materials for guests (binoculars, wildlife books, local cookbooks, jungle remedies book)

Green Supplies:

   – Eco-friendly linens and towels (bamboo sheets)

   – Natural cleaning supplies

   – Instead of sponges, we use hand-crocheted dish scrubbies made from recycled plastic yarn!

   – Reusable kitchen items

   – No dryer sheets, (use dryer balls)

   – Grow fresh organic fruits and vegetables seasonally

   – Purchase locally made supplies & materials

Support Local Culture & Economy:

   – Support local artists (showcase their work at the lodge)

   – Promote cultural activities (e.g., exclusive Maya tortilla-making class)

   – Purchase local, handmade goods for lodge use (artwork, textiles)

   – Donate leftover guest wine bottles to a local beekeeper for his honey production

   – Recommend locally-owned restaurants, shops, and tours

   – We proudly refer guests to local tour operators and businesses without receiving any commissions 

   – Donate a percentage of our Gross Proceeds monthly to our Village Council

   – Provide support for local high schooler (High school is optional in Belize, and is private – with tuition & other high costs)

   – Donate clothing left behind by guests to local residents

   – Participate in “Pack for a Purpose”

Sustainable Tourism Practices at our Core

At Lucky Dreamer Lodge, our commitment to sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. By integrating eco-friendly practices into our daily operations, we can help protect the local ecosystem and support our village. As we continue through the years, we are committed to discovering new ways to further our sustainability journey.