• The beauty of Belizebelize aerial image by jedphoto from Fotolia.com
  
  Eco-friendly resorts are becoming more popular as travelers realize their impact on the environment. Belize, in Central America, hosts many eco-friendly resorts that showcase the beauty of the rain forest and jungle in which they are located. Eco-friendly resorts typically minimize the environmental footprint of their guests through using recyclable materials, conserving energy when possible and often through employing local residents and using local resources.
  
  

The Cotton Tree Lodge

• Nestled on 100 acres of natural, forested property in Belize's southern jungle, the Cotton Tree Lodge was constructed with the help of neighboring Mayan residents. This full-service, all-inclusive, ecologically-friendly resort features 11 thatched, protected cabanas in six different styles, all fully furnished with electricity.
  
  The resort strives to minimize its impact on the environment using power derived from solar panels, batteries and a generator. Special sewage fields ensure that the land is waste-free. Biodegradable soaps, shampoos and cleaners are used. The resort also participates in a reforestation program.
  
  The all-inclusive plan at the Cotton Tree Lodge covers accommodations; cultural, wildlife and adventure tours; activities on resort grounds; and all meals, drinks and airport transfers.
  
  The Cotton Tree Lodge
  PO Box 104
  Punta Gorda Town
  Belize, Central America
  501-670-0557
  cottontreelodge.com
  
  

Chaa Creek

• Chaa Creek is a private, 365-acre nature reserve set in the rain forest at the foothills of the Maya Mountains in Belize. Accommodations include 23 palm-thatched cottage rooms, some with Jacuzzis. The resort has its own restaurant and hosts activities including canoeing, hiking, bird watching, horseback riding and mountain biking.
  
  Chaa Creek maintains sustainability through employing local Belizeans, through using low-flush toilets and low-flow showerheads and by offering diverse accommodations from regular lodge-type rooms to campsites where guests can "rough it."
  
  A variety of vacation packages are available, including family, honeymoon, spa and wedding packages. Rates range from the lowest prices for the basic river camp, which includes dinner and breakfast, to the highest prices for the more luxurious spa villa, which accommodates six guests.
  
  Chaa Creek
  PO Box 53
  San Ignacio, Cayo District
  Belize, Central America
  501-824-2037
  877-709-8708
  chaacreek.com
  
  

duPlooy's Jungle Lodge

• Set in the jungle of Belize, duPlooy's Jungle Lodge offers accommodations that all have porches with hammocks, hot water, ceiling fans, screened windows, electricity and tap water. There is no air conditioning at duPlooy's.
  
  duPlooy's strives to remain eco-friendly through its use of tile roofs (not palm-thatched, as this endangers palm trees), use of local foods, no plastic straws or napkins, use of recyclable containers, no beef, composting and switching to battery power at night. Room rates include continental breakfast, use of canoes and inner tubes and a tour of Belize Botanic Gardens, and accommodations range from a two-bedroom suite to a seven-bedroom house.
  
  duPlooy's Jungle Lodge
  PO Box 180
  San Ignacio, Cayo
  Belize, Central America
  501-824-3101
  512-659-6392
  duplooys.com