Going Off-Grid in Tropical Paradise Belize

Welcome back one of our favorite guest bloggers, Chef Cody!

Throughout my traveling culinary expeditions I have spent months living off-grid in remote parts of the world. Off-grid living is neither expensive nor too rustic, but it does require some planning. When I travel to a resort or lodge to cook I look at how they get their energy and natural resources. Most of the places I’ve worked at obtain their energy from solar, wind, and hydroelectric power systems. Things like rainwater for cooking and berries for wild berry cheesecakes come straight from the local environment.

 

I like to benefit the local environment and community by buying goods harvested from organic farms. It doesn’t cost me an extra penny and the quality is usually better. The best way to describe my cooking methods is sustainable cuisine.

I’m currently a volunteer Chef at a marine research station operated by the Wild Conservation Society in Belize. Our island is located in the no-take fishing zone and this gives the researchers a prime location to their scientific studies.

Neighboring our island are many other small islands and resorts within the Glovers Atoll. Outside the atoll are the famous Cayes (Keys) of Belize. The island resorts cater to recreational seekers and tropical paradise lovers. Yesterday, I just received my PADI Open Water Diving certificate from Glovers Atoll Resort. Since this resort is in the no-take zone it provides access to some great reef ecosystems. In just a few dives I’ve seen sea turtles, eagle rays, giant grouper, and amazing coral structures.

After a long day of diving I retreat back to the research station where I get the barbeque going and crack open a few coconuts to quench my first. Palm trees, coconut juice and rum, hammocks and gorgeous sunsets… what more to ask for? Looking out from my back porch hammock not only do I see the many blue shades of the sea and sky, but I can see a solar panel and rain barrels attached to the kitchen.

It makes me feel good knowing that my carbon footprint is nearly zero while living on this island. Nonetheless the Red Snapper and Conch I purchase from local, sustainable fishermen that fish legally outside the no-take zone is delicious. I buy all our produce once every two weeks at the nearest town fruit and vegetable market from native farmers. Everything tastes great and is super cheap.

So, I say to all those globetrotters out there, let’s go Green! Eco-resorts and organic farms await you in paradise and once you get a taste of it you won’t turn back. By traveling green you can help maintain the beauty of the places we travel to. Just a few things to look for when planning your next off-grid vacation:

1. How will you get there? Mass transportation systems like direct air travel, trains, subways, ferries, and buses are more economical than going private.
2. Where will your energy come from? Look for off-grid energy systems at the resort or lodge you’ll be staying at. It will give you as much as luxury as city power grids and produce null carbon emissions.
3. What will you eat? Buying locally and organic provides a healthier and greener alternative than buying from mainstream retailers. Farmers markets, small street side cafes (sodas), and butcher shops are great ways to get to know local sustainable cuisine.
4. What about the waste? Going off-grid can be a challenge for septic and sewer systems so look at lodges that utilize compost toilets.
5. Will I be able to check my Facebook or blog while off-grid? Sure thing. Every place I have been to that works off-grid has Internet service via satellite, but be sure to look into just to be sure.

Best of luck with your travels!

Chef Cody

 

Click here to read Chef Cody’s previous guest post on Cheap Ways to Travel the World