VISION

To contribute to the ecological legacy of Guatemala by preserving Tzantizotz Nature Reserve. Where flora and fauna will be protected, conserved and replenished for future generations of Guatemalans, and by extension, the citizens of our planet. By integrating sustainable environmental and socially responsible business practices to protect and contribute to the cultural and biological diversity of this area. To aid in the preservation of national forests and to minimize our effect on global warming. To provide a high end, low volume eco-lodge with personal attention to detail, service, and health. In balance with the appreciation of nature including the ethical treatment of all animals. 

Our cuisine reflects an increasing awareness that the growing and consumption of food affects many other systems. Collective food choices have a major impact on our personal health, environmental quality, and on the welfare of animals grown for food. We serve sustainable, predominantly native, organic vegetarian cuisine. 

During the creation of our eco-lodge we have been influenced by sustainable, ecological, environmental and social principles. Reflecting local and national heritage our designs and use of indigenous materials blend both traditional and contemporary ideas. 

                                                                                   ACTION  

ENERGY CONSERVATION - LIGHTING . HEATING . COOLING
Energy saving compact fluorescent/low wattage bulbs, solar garden lights, solar security lights, solar lighting for rooms.  Solar hot water heating with electric and gas back up. Natural lighting through large windows.  
The fireplace is fueled with naturally fallen brush wood found on the reserve. Natural ventilation through air flow from large opening windows, high ceilings and natural building materials.

WATER CONSERVATION
Rainy season planting. Watering in the early morning or late afternoon. Landscaped with edible plants and large hardy succulents. Grey water goes to the garden. Rain water is collected in rainy season for drinking. Sheets and towels are changed every three days unless otherwise requested. Water pressure reduction for water saving. Modern toilets set at low water levels and have half flush option.

Rain and lake water is put through modern filters then ultra violet light for processing drinking water with regular filter changes and maintenance.

More info on water consumption and pollution in meat production >>

More info on Water Cycles >>

More info on the United Nations Report and Tina Volpe on Al Gore>>

OTHER ENERGY CONSERVATION

 Solar pump for water supply. Natural gas stoves. Pressure cookers. Grow our own organic food and purchase as many items as possible locally and then nationally before internationally. Sheets are sun dried when possible. Lawns cut with manual mowers. Batteries are rechargeable. Sports activities are low impact. Our boats use efficient 4 stroke motors. Most of our employees arrive by foot. Staff are trained to reduce, reuse and recycle when possible.

VEGETARIAN FOOD

More info on uneconomical use of land in animal farming >>

GUATEMALA ENERGY SOURCE STATISTICS
Hydro 66.61
Fossil Fuel 26.42
Nuclear 0
Other 6.97

REDUCED USE OF PLASTICS
Favor natural materials. Refillable dispensers and containers. Water bottles may be refilled with purified water. Filtered water in rooms and served in the restaurant. Seedlings are grown in reused cardboard containers. Plastic bags reused and kept to a minimum. Bulk purchasing to reduce packaging.

More info on Health Impacts of Meat Consumption >>

CHEMICAL REDUCTION
Non toxic biodegradable phosphate and chlorine free detergents and natural cleaning agents are used through out the lodge. Smoke and fragrance free rooms, unscented candles. Natural and organic toiletries and spa range.  Bathroom tissue is unbleached. Towels and flannels are unbleached. Unbleached paper used for printing and writing. Linseed oil and water based varnish used for wood preservation. Finishing materials are low/zero voc and are lead free. Spa pool is cleansed with copper and natural minerals. Landscaping and organic food production using natural insecticides, mulch and compost. Natural foods without preservatives, emulsifiers, artificial colours or flavours are served.

More info on Chemical use in Farming >>

WASTE MANAGEMENT
Reusable bags, wooden and cardboard boxes are used to bring supplies. Bulk buying and emphasis on fresh unpackaged produce. Food waste is composted for the garden and other recyclable waste is separated into plastics, paper, metal and glass bins then taken to re-cycling centres. Un-recyclable waste is buried on our land to prevent burning in municipal dumps. Used engine oil and cooking oils go to a bio-diesel project.

PEST CONTROL
Fly screens in food preparation areas. Natural fruit extract controls insects. Relocation of larger insects and animals.

ECOLOGICAL, RENEWABLE & RECYCLED MATERIALS
Adobe clay is quarried and adobe bricks handmade at the lodges organic gardens. Cane is harvested there also. Trees cut on our land for construction are fast growing pine or cypress and are replanted in greater quantities. Other wood is from sustainable forestry. Stones washed down from the mountains in the flooding of 2005 were purchased from our neighbour and carried to Laguna Lodge. Local wood fired bricks, tiles and slate. Palm and bamboo are from sustainable plantations on the pacific coast. Reed mats are bought locally. Recycled wood has been reclaimed from old constructions. Antiques have been used in most areas. Recycled glass, and ceramics are also used.

 LOCAL PROVIDERS

Local indigenous have been commissioned or have supplied us with antiques, carvings, wooden furnishings, intricate weavings, and paintings. They have provided other services such as the sewing of curtains, carpentry, cushions, and supply of thatch and reed matting. We support an organic co-op and permaculture project and many of our foods are from individual suppliers. Local woman are encouraged to visit and sell their weavings directly to our guests.

EDUCATION

 An interpretation room can be visited before going on the nature reserve, entrance is free to indigenous from Santa Cruz. In work time staff receive information on ecologically sustainable concepts, visit the interpretation room and study our web site. Notices are posted in staff areas as reminders to reduce-reuse-recycle. We arrange for various speakers to give health protection talks on topics such as dental hygiene and the damage poorly placed gold fillings cause. Family Planning information is available for staff who are interested. We encourage the use of traditional clothing and the use of native language between staff.

EMPLOYEES

We provide long term employment for indigenous Kaqchikel with opportunities for personal and professional development in the fields of construction, organic gardening, reserve management, managerial, culinary and other services within the hotel.  

REFORESTATION

 Indigenous tree planting with emphasis on native endemic plants and tree propagation. Our nursery grows seedlings and the nature reserve staff protect the trees from wood cutters.

More info on deforestation and global warming caused by cattle ranching>>

More info on Cattle Ranching and Loss of Top Soil >>

PHILANTHROPY

EYE AID PROJECT
Due to poverty and lack of educational and medical infrastructure indigenous peoples lack resources to know what is causing and how to obtain help for their illness. Encountered are cases of cataracts and other eye diseases which cause pain and partial to complete blindness. We explain the options available and arrange family involvement, appointments, transportation, and after care. Obras Sociales de Hermano Pedro hospital in Antigua facilitates the work of American surgeon Doctor John Cheatham and the Mathis foundation. The facility has the latest equipment and well qualified doctors and nurses administering treatment. In most cases the persons sight is restored and they can once again leave their homes in which they have sat blind, in some cases for years.

Guests are informed about the local NGO’s and their needs of useful items such as medicines, school supplies, clothing, computers and money                                                                                                  

                                                                                            Lucas Alvarez 87 with bible in

                                                                                           hand after 8 years of blindness.

LAKESIDE CARE                                                                             
Lodge staff do lakeshore projects such as trail maintenance and rubbish collecting. 

CARBON OFFSET BY REFORESTATION and MEAT ABSTINENCE
Native trees are seeded in our nursery and planted on the reserve. Planting of trees as a means of carbon off set is available for guests and visitors. Trees can be purchased and planted personally or by our gardeners.  Guests coming to Laguna Lodge will have contributed to the conservation of Guatemalan flora, fauna, air, water, and soil. By this reduced carbon footprint a contribution to the battle against global warming is made.

Cow 'emissions' more damaging to planet than CO2 from cars

December 11, 2006 - A United Nations report has identified the world’s rapidly growing herds of cattle as the greatest threat to the climate, forests and wildlife. And they are blamed for a host of other environmental crimes, from acid rain to the introduction of alien species, from producing deserts to creating dead zones in the oceans, from poisoning rivers and drinking water to destroying coral reefs.

The 400-page report by the Food and Agricultural Organisation, entitled Livestock’s Long Shadow, also surveys the damage done by sheep, chickens, pigs and goats. But in almost every case, the world’s 1.5 billion cattle are most to blame. Livestock are responsible for 18 per cent of the greenhouse gases that cause global warming, more than cars, planes and all other forms of transport put together.

Burning fuel to produce fertiliser to grow feed, to produce meat and to transport it - and clearing vegetation for grazing - produces 9 per cent of all emissions of carbon dioxide, the most common greenhouse gas. And their wind and manure emit more than one third of emissions of another, methane, which warms the world 20 times faster than carbon dioxide.

Livestock also produces more than 100 other polluting gases, including more than two-thirds of the world’s emissions of ammonia, one of the main causes of acid rain.

Ranching, the report adds, is “the major driver of deforestation” worldwide, and overgrazing is turning a fifth of all pastures and ranges into desert. Cows also soak up vast amounts of water: it takes a staggering 990 litres of water to produce one litre of milk.

Wastes from feedlots and fertilisers used to grow their feed overnourish water, causing weeds to choke all other life. And the pesticides, antibiotics and hormones used to treat them get into drinking water and endanger human health.

The pollution washes down to the sea, killing coral reefs and creating “dead zones” devoid of life. One is up to 21,000sqkm, in the Gulf of Mexico, where much of the waste from US beef production is carried down the Mississippi.

The report concludes that, unless drastic changes are made, the massive damage done by livestock will more than double by 2050, as demand for meat increases.

                                                        About Us

Guatemalan hospitality, ethnic diversity, coupled with its magnificent natural scenery and biological richness, encouraged Mayah & Jeffro to invest their time and energy into Tzampoj organic gardens, Laguna Lodge and Tzantizotz Nature Reserve. Since 1999 they have been acquiring land in this area and the reserve now goes from lakeside in four areas to the top of the mountains with primary forest, encompassing over 100 acres of land.
Using sustainable organic techniques they have planted an area with fruit trees and coffee. Where primary forest is intact it is preserved in its natural state. Other parts of the land are being progressively reforested with native trees. Parts of the land will be accessible by solar electric vehicle. Interest in living sustainably and in foods to create wellness led them to work with nature to create organic gardens and grow the lodge's own produce. The produce helps supply the lodge’s restaurant. They conceived and created the eco-lodge, designing, engineering, building and decorating in an organic process that is still unfolding. They see nature and culture as an asset to be protected and respected by sustainable tourism. For some years now they have been pleased to contribute to the economy of Santa Cruz La Laguna, training and employing  on average 25 local indigenous in many areas of expertise.