PUNTA GORDA, BELIZE—The management at Machaca Hill Lodge, located in southern Belize, is offering guests another way to preserve the sensitive environment surrounding the rainforest canopy lodge. The PURE H2O station allows eco-conscious travelers to refill their aluminum water bottles, provided upon check-in, whether they’re heading out on an adventure or spending time by the pool.
“Now our guests can truly utilize their welcome gifts, and hopefully we’re planting the ‘seed’ here at Machaca Hill that will reinforce the value and importance of reutilization of products and enable them to go home and continue with this practice,” said Brian Gardiner, general manager. “The other major benefit of this system is that we’re able to significantly reduce the amount of plastic waste generated by the resort, and it feels good to know we’re continually expanding our efforts.”
The PURE H2O is a micro-mineral, organic particle, reverse osmosis, active carbon and ultraviolet mini-filtration plant that treats the lodge’s water, mainly derived from harvested rainwater. There are plans to install a flow meter that will provide accurate information regarding the precise times for changing the filtration cartridges, creating an even more efficient system. The PURE H2O station is located next to the entrance doors of the main lodge, providing convenient access at any time, especially for guests departing on excursions.
“By utilizing this new practice over the busy two weeks of the holiday season, we actively saved the environment from between 950 to 1,150 plastic water containers,” Gardiner said. “The amount is striking, considering we only have 12 casita room accommodations. This initial success has inspired me to eliminate the use of all non-reusable plastic bottles from Machaca Hill.”
Perched in the verdant hills above the Caribbean coast of southern Belize, Machaca Hill Lodge is a self-contained sanctuary. The main lodge is the communal heart of the resort, offering dining and lounging areas, concierge, gift shop and observation decks with views of the coast, Maya Mountains and the pristine rainforest. Accommodations consist of 12 private, individual canopy suites with screened fresh-air verandas and luxurious tiled spa-style baths overlooking the treetops. Activities include birding, jungle excursions, river adventures, snorkeling, diving and fishing.
Go to Machaca Hill Lodge.
