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Tacogirl Tips on Reducing Your Footprint When Traveling to Belize

by tacogirl 08/08/2019
written by tacogirl 08/08/2019
Belize Bans Single-use containers

As many of you know, the Belize government is trying to take some responsibility in combating the global waste crisis by phasing out single-use plastics and non-environmentally friendly containers.

As of April of 2019, news headlines read – Belize Bans Single-Use Plastic. Joining 30 countries around the world that have already done a major green effort by banning single-use plastics.

So Far Belizean Government is trying to phase out single-use plastics and styrofoam products, plastic bags, plastic plates, bowls, cups, food containers, utensils, and disposable plastic drinking straws. For those who want to know more details on the actual ban, Read the Department of the Environment’s Phasing-out of Single-Use Plastics in Belize.

Many businesses and restaurants have been stepping up to help the effort but we seriously have a long way to go and we need your help. The Truck Stop is an example of one business that was on board with recyclable containers well before the ban. Many more have stepped up to join the effort, Pirates Not So Secret Beach Bar, Origin Vegan restaurant to name a few.

Inspired by these efforts, and seeing others aiming for a zero-waste lifestyle around the world, I wanted to make it easy for both locals and travelers to reduce their footprint, and help Belize on the mission to be green by creating less waste. After all, life and vacations are meant to make you feel good and contributing less waste will help you do just that.

Belize goes Green banning Single-use plastics April 2019

Five simple tips to help you reduce plastic use for your travels in Belize:

Pack Products for Sustainable Shopping Trips in Belize

For any purchases, while you are traveling in Belize, why not choose to pack a couple of reusable shopping bags, it’s a super easy sustainable choice. There are tons of reusable totes on the market these days. Another great choice is to buy your reusable bags here. They make great souvenirs. Caye to the Heart hand makes some great designs, she also does custom work. 12 Belize Shop and Greenhouse store also sell them.

One last place to get a practical souvenir is Belize Chocolate Company while you are buying a sweet treat. They sell Belize Branded ChicoBags. They are great a great durable lightweight compact ChicoBag reusable grocery bags. There is also the original ChicoBag reusable shopping tote option. One last choice for those that like a little extra style compact designer ChicoBags. I have a ChicoBag bottle sling and I love it.

It is still very ingrained in many cashiers to reach for plastic in Belize. Many shops staff still do even when I put my bag on the counter as you can see in my left picture below. Reusable egg containers are also a great way to reduce waste. I know a few people that use them here. Otherwise, you get a cardboard or styrofoam egg crate or fill a plastic bag.

Pack Products for Eating & Drinking on the Go

Those of us who are trying to reduce plastic use know that it is far easier to go green and reduce single-use items at home than it is when we are out and about.

But with a few simple products, it is easier to do the right thing anywhere.

For example, packing a reusable water bottle can help you to stay hydrated at all times without the need to buy plastic bottles of water or other drinks. I have a set of glass water bottles that I bought with my Breville Juice Fountain – I am going green in more ways than one 😀

In the country, Tropic Air sells a nice travel-related vacation souvenir. They have a great modern selection at airports countrywide and Tropic Cargo in San Pedro. The one on the right below is from their first stock. I got it several years back when I was invited to a tourism tradeshow in Belize City.

Taking your own drinking vessels to bars is common here, (I wish more bars would accept that option for water drinkers too.) Consider investing in reusable high-grade non-BPA plastic or metal drinking vessels like Tervis tumblers, or Rtic cups. Or, choose easily packable non-breakable, non-plastic alternatives, like a silicone pint glass, silicone wine glass or stainless steel tumblers. This is also anther great souvenir item to buy here from Caye to the Heart, well known for custom designed reusable tumblers. Forgot to get one last time you were here? No problem Caye to the Heart also takes PayPal orders and will ship abroad, just facebook or Instagram message for details.

Belize bans single-use plastics

Think you might enjoy food-to-go or possibly a picnic while in Belize? How about a reusable food container or another sturdy BPA free to-go box, perfect for take-out food or picnic lunches. Or how about some colorful beeswax wraps to store any leftovers from those Belize restaurants for later? I bought the takeout containers below in Belize at Caye Supplies, also something I would deem a practical souvenir. I also take my own cup and spoon to DandE’s frozen custard when I am not having a sugar cone.

  • Belize Bans single-use plastics
  • Belize Bans single-use plastics
  • Belize Bans single-use plastics

Pack Plastic Free Bathroom Products

Wherever you go on your travels, you don’t want to forget your toothbrush. Instead of buying another plastic one, why not go for a natural bristle bamboo toothbrush and a natural whitening toothpaste instead? Girls, if you still qualify, make sure you don’t contribute your sanitary products to Belize’s waste mountain. Choose a silicone cup instead. My cousin told me to get a moon cup before moving to Belize in Jan 2006. She swore by it after getting one to go green and save money in a 3-month move to Costa Rica.

Choose Sustainable Accommodation

By now you should begin to see how you can reduce your plastic use. But how else can you reduce your footprint while traveling in Belize? Well, one important thing to consider is where you will stay. If possible, be sure to make a sustainable choice. Eco-friendly resorts will do some of the hard work for you – making sure to reduce waste in all its forms. On Ambergris Caye, Xanadu Resort is a great example of a long time eco-friendly operation. Sandbar Hostel and Hotel pioneered a big effort to help get local businesses plastic straw alternatives and sourced a great paper straw option.

Things to look for when choosing a sustainable resort:

  • Reducing energy use and uses renewable power wherever possible.
  • Uses water wisely and well, and limits excessive water waste.
  • Provides ethical, local, organically grown food.
  • Uses all resources wisely, reducing, reusing and recycling as much as possible.
  • Is kind to the local environment and gives back to the local community.
  • Kayaks on the beach in Belize by tacogirl blog
  • Ambergris Caye Belize Resort

Opt for Eco-Friendly Activities

One last thing to consider if you want to reduce your footprint while traveling to Belize. Aside from regular tours, try to enjoy a few activities that are as low impact as possible. Belize is an amazing place for a simple adventure. Walking, biking, kayaking, windsurfing, kiteboarding, and paddleboarding are perfect activities for an eco-friendly and low impact fun.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links which means I may earn a commission if you make a purchase. My opinions are my own and I only share what I believe you’ll find helpful. You won’t pay anything extra but it helps to support this website so I can continue to publish helpful content. Thank you.

Please note all Caye to the Heart Images above are courtesy of the business.

Related

tacogirl

Laurie Norton grew up dyslexic and was very challenged by the school. She never dreamed she would move to Belize and become a writer. A year after her move to Ambergris Caye, Laurie became an entrepreneur and professional writer starting tacogirl blog in 2007. Since then she has helped many people plan their vacations or move. She also has been published in Great Destinations Belize Guidebook, Moon Guide to Living in Belize, Insight Guides, Island Magazine several times and USA Today. Currently Laurie resides in downtown San Pedro and enjoys being a "city girl" on a tropical island.

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3 comments

Tosha 19/10/2020 - 11:53 am

I’m looking for the la Gitana flour sack tote in the photo above.

Reply
Tom 08/08/2019 - 4:42 pm

Really enjoy this blog!
Is there still a TropicAir promo code?
Helps us locals.

Reply
tacogirl 08/08/2019 - 6:36 pm

Thanks, Tom.

horizon is the current promo flight code for charity. Two great organizations are currently being helped by monthly use: Belize Cancer Center and through the Blue Water Grill Belize Community Foundation, Hope Haven Shelter. The money helps to manage ongoing monthly expenses of housing 9 full-time children and feeding between 130 – 170 people weekly.

Hope Haven is helping people from slipping through the cracks and doing what they can to give people a hand up. My friend’s volunteer group from United Methodist Church Johnstown Colorado came to start a Hope Haven House Build also used the code to benefit the shelter. The woman they were doing the house foundation build for, attends meal service with her kids regularly. The group met her and fell in love, Daisy is so deserving of the help to get to a better place and her kids are so appreciative. So are all the community in need being helped by our invaluable shelter and food kitchen.

Thank you for supporting this worthy cause. When you feed a hungry person a healthy meal, you also feed their soul and raise their energy.

As for the Dangriga Belize Cancer Center, serves patients countrywide and currently, 54 that people a month need subsidized cancer treatment.

Additional extra monthly expenses required by financially disadvantaged patients. (Pricing in Belize dollars, half it for USD.)

The cost of a CT scan which is accessible only in Belmopan and Belize City is approximately $580.00 BZD.

For diagnostic Laboratory and Imaging studies. An average of five patients per month require financial support to pay for CT scans, other radiology studies, and other lab tests. Almost all of these patients are unemployed and have no financial resources.

An average set of lab work which includes CBC, Chemistry, and Tumor Marker Test cost approximately $150.00 BZD.

An average of three patients per month require Herceptin, which is a medically preferred hormone replacement therapy for patients with hormone-positive breast cancer. Generally, this is a medication prescribed in a cycle of 6 doses at a total cost of $3000.

All of the above (pricing in Belize currency) places a big financial challenge monthly for the Cancer center and they are extremely grateful my readers have stepped up to help with a $172 June flight code donation. (same went to Hope Haven Shelter)

The main reason this cause is so near to my heart RIP Cheryl Morley, she fought a strong battle and now she has gone to the big party in the sky. She reached out to me to help the struggling center and it has been a life-changing experience ever since I took her for treatment one day and learned about Dangriga’s Vital Role in Belize’s Health Care System – https://tacogirl.com/belize-cancer-centre-dangriga/

Your flight code horizon use (at no extra cost to you) directly helps Cancer patients who need a hand and their families at a most critical time. They need to focus on getting well not worrying about where their treatment money will come from.

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13:15 18 Apr 22
Laurie was super helpful in providing places to eat, things to do and best yet had ongoing blogs that allowed us to... look back on other places that she pointed out. A fantastic resource for both first time and return visitors of Ambergris Caye!read more
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B W
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Fantastic service .I needed to find a place where I could buy a local sim card as my UK sim doesnt work in belize and... Tacogirl put me on the right path .Decided to walk across town and discovered so much more in beautiful San Pedro.Many thanks.BWread more
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Kristi Palm
20:40 12 Oct 21
We have been using TacoGirl for what feels like decades when planning our trips to Belize! It has only been a few... years but she is the first place we stop to see what is happening in our favorite vacation spot. She knows all the best spots to get away and do so many fun things - whether it is relaxing or exploring! We are planning our next trip with our twins and she was the first person I reached out to. Knowing we have a resource like her, makes trip planning a breeze!read more
D Zep
D Zep
12:39 01 Oct 21
Found tacogirl while doing some research on an upcoming trip to Belize. This is the place for all the information you... need to plan your vacation. Incredibly helpful and responsive. I sent an email with lots of questions and received a very quick and detailed response that helped us finalize our plans.read more
Kelley Adams
Kelley Adams
20:19 21 Sep 21
We have been following TacoGirl for years now and before booking any trip to San Pedro we check to see what is... currently happening. We love the emails to let us know when a new blog has been posted. Keep up the great work Laurie, we feel like we know you.read more
Pamela Nixon
Pamela Nixon
18:36 20 Sep 21
I first got my Passport in 2012 and Taco Girl was my first connection back then Great then and Marvelous Now! She's... blossomed and developed into a wonderful contact for any and all information Belize. She goes above & beyond to respond with information that you need whether visiting Belize or relocating! I wasn't able to fund the move then but now that I have much more equity I am doing it.This time she was the 1st person I reached out to! Now I am selling and moving to Belize. She responds immediately! Like I do in my Pet Sitting Business! I was so impressed I followed her all this time. And was not disappointed!Pamela Nixonread more
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17:12 17 Sep 21
Wanted to give a shout-out to tacogirl belize for helping us! She is a plethora of knowledge and was super helpful and... responsive in helping us find longer term stay on the island. Thank you so much for your help!read more
Ty Willingham
Ty Willingham
01:47 20 Aug 21
I've spent the last month exploring Belize. I'm retired & seriously considering moving down to Belize permanently from... the US. I contacted the local San Pedro expert "Taco Girl" to help me get started in finding an apartment to rent. With her help, I've located several places that meet my needs & budget requirements. Thank you Laurie!read more
Greg Cox
Greg Cox
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I am very glad I found you and asked you a question about a spice in Belize. You helped me figure out the name of it... and where i could buy it. You went above and beyond to help. Thanks again.read more
Katherine Jones
Katherine Jones
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I am so grateful for the time and energy Laurie has taken to share about her experiences traveling to and living in... Belize as well as provide thorough recommendations for planning a trip there. I was so thankful (and honestly surprised) that Laurie took the time to respond to several of my questions via email. I highly recommend reading Laurie's blogs and helping to support her business. Thank you Laurie!!read more
Greg R
Greg R
02:12 29 Jun 21
tacogirl was very nice to share her knowledge with us and assisted with planning our trip to Belize; thank you for the... help and info, it was helpful and allowed us to plan utilize our time accordingly while both on the mainland and islands of this great country.read more
Katherine Carlson
Katherine Carlson
18:46 02 Jun 21
As a Canadian—tired of long winters—I cannot wait to spend some time in Belize. I haven't set foot yet, but I am... yearning for lots of Caribbean adventure. Thanks so much to tacogirl for her endless enthusiasm and generosity of spirit. She is a constant stream of up-to-date information. Her knowledge and love of the area is priceless, and I will need her expertise for future endeavours!read more
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18:29 02 Jun 21
We started coming to Ambergis Caye in 2014 and stumble on to Tacogirls blog, so glad we did! We used her 15% discount... at The Premier Duty-Free shop in the airport! It worked great all we did was let them know we read it on her blog . She has great information awesome pictures, we have tried several places she has recommended, all were amazing. Highly recommend reading her blog. Kathleenread more
ksniegoc1
ksniegoc1
17:45 02 Jun 21
It was my first time visiting Belize and San Pedro so naturally I had a ton of questions when it came time to planning... the travel. Taco Gril's blog was an invaluable source of information for all the travel questions in Ambergris Caye. I was able to learn a lot of basic information, as well as many tips and tricks. In addition when I reached out to Taco Girl for advice on finding a local photographer and a restaurant recommendation, she was very quick to respond and gave me many helpful suggestions. She also provided a lot more information from a local's point of view, which was much for valuable than than a typical guidebook. Thanks to her helpful suggestions we were able to celebrate my daughter's birthday at a nice restaurant, and had a great photo family session with a local photographer. I'm very thankful for all her resources and knowledge.read more
Myra F
Myra F
01:30 25 Mar 21
I started coming to San Pedro Belize in 2007 and that is when I met the online presence of Taco Girl. Her blogs on the... island and area are very personable and informative. She gives out promo codes from time to time so watch out for those. You cannot go wrong with someone who was a tourist and now lives here for quality info. Thanks Taco Girl for helping make my trips memorable!read more
Corey Holm
Corey Holm
04:38 25 Feb 20
I take the seniors from our academy to Belize every year for their senior trip. One of the first people I contact when... I start planning the trip is Laurie with TacoGirl Belize. She knows the island of San Pedro better than anyone else out there. Trust me, I have looked. If you are looking for the best restaurants, hang outs and shops then Laurie help plan your vacation.read more
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Carol Taylor
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Love Taco Girl Blog @LaurieNorton!I've been reading this blog since I started visiting Ambergris Caye in Belize almost... 10 years ago. It is filled with helpful up-to-date information and recommendations that I wouldn't necessarily find on my own. Laurie Norton's knowledge and extensive network on the island provides her with the ability to share perks/discounts/coupons with her readers, which come in handy year after year. Things on the island change daily - new businesses pop up constantly and LaurieNortonstays on top of these developments. Whenever I plan my return trip to the island, I always check her blog first - and I recommend you do the same. Trip Advisor ain't got nuttin' on Taco Girl!read more
Heidi
Heidi
20:01 20 Feb 20
Laurie's blog is my official “go to” source for tourist and local information on San Pedro. Of course, it’s always nice... to see her guides on “what to do” in San Pedro, but I also appreciate her “insider” advice and human interest stories on what it’s like living as a local on the island. There is so much information it's amazing! Thank you Laurie!!!read more
Nick Goodman
Nick Goodman
21:23 30 Nov 19
I am considering a move to Belize and I have serendipitously found tacogirl.....what a treasure! She is full of great... advice, helpful hints.....knows everybody on Ambergris Caye and has a thousand useful recommendations and suggestions. Whether you are planning a vacation or relocating, you should make use of the many services she has to offer…..read more
KellyDivePhotography
KellyDivePhotography
20:58 30 Nov 19
I’m so pleased to see tacogirl's blog on Google. Laurie's blog is my official “go to” source for tourist and local... information on San Pedro. Of course, it’s always nice to see her guides on “what to do” in San Pedro, but I also appreciate her “insider” advice and human interest stories on what it’s like living as a local on the island. I especially enjoy her guest articles, providing a different perspective of all things San Pedro. Her tipping quide is a classic, and don’t forget her Tropic Air flight code and on-island discounts. You’re not up-to-date with what’s going on in San Pedro if you’re not regularly reading tacogirl's blog.read more
Sandra Godfrey
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15:58 23 Nov 19
I have known Laurie (Taco Girl) for several years. She has been a wealth of good information for me in all of my... pursuits in Belize. I highly recommend her for any services you may require.read more
William Jones
William Jones
13:39 06 May 19
Do yourself a favor. Read this BEFORE any trip to San Pedro - Ambergris Caye or Belize in general. Not saying “do what... everyone else says”, but Laurie has frank and honest info which will make your stay in country a little more fun, a little more informative, and often at a great cost savings. Best thing: it’s unbiased, honest, and factual. Personal note: thank you for your personal tailored help in answering mine (and my wife’s) questions.read more
Kimberly Robinson
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Taco Girl (Laurie) is amazing. She has so much knowledge about Belize and has great connections with many of the... businesses in Belize. Because of her connections she is able to offer many perks and discounts that you wouldn't have been able to find otherwise. She is super responsive and I always go to her for all my travel needs. From golf cart rentals, to spas, to places to eat. She's got the inside scoop on all!read more
Michael Rieck
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20:22 21 Apr 19
Since 2003, my wife and I have been to Ambergris at least once a year to experience the fantastic diving. About twelve... years ago we me Tacogirl on a blog giving us discounts on golf carts, local airfares, and restaurants. Over the years we have grown a friendship and I look forward to her weekly blogs about he changes on my favorite home away from home. The island changes every year, and she always shows you what to see, do, and eat.read more
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Belize Blog Est. 2007

belize travel specialist

ABOUT ME

I took the plunge and moved to San Pedro Town on the Island of Ambergris Caye, off the coast of Belize, Central America. Originally from Canada, I made the life-changing move to escape winter for good (in 2006) after one three week vacation. If you have any questions or want Belize help planning and booking, please feel free to contact me.

SPARKING MY DESIRE

A few childhood memories that shaped my desire to move to Belize from a young age. Sailing in the Virgin Islands, seeing a rainbow out the window of an island hopper as we flew from Virgin Islands to Puerto Rico, Christmas in Hawaii and many trips to Florida.

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