Adopting a Green Lifestyle in Mexico

Over the past few years, environmental impact has become a more pressing issue. It has called for people to start making changes in their lives. Likewise, it has pushed real estate developers to consider sustainable construction to avoid damaging the planet further. In fact, Tulum was recently the first destination in Mexico to become a sustainable tourism zone. Each day, more and more people are adopting a green lifestyle to help the environment as much as possible. And it is as easy as making slight little changes at home. Because Tulum and Playa del Carmen are pushing to become sustainable communities, we urge expats, locals and retirees to start adopting a green lifestyle.

Although the Earth’s temperature has ebbed and flowed throughout the course of history, all current signs point to human activity causing a shift in its natural path. Global sea levels are rising and temperatures are surging. 15 out of the 16 hottest years on record have taken place since 2001. Fortunately, there are still opportunities for us to reverse this course. The introduction of new technologies and environmentally-friendly products have made it so that it’s more possible than ever to switch to a green lifestyle.

Simple Solutions to Help the Environment

Riding a bike

Going green nowadays does not mean going back to basics (or adopting a more bohemian or hippie lifestyle). You are not expected to live off the grid or move into a commune to lead an environmentally-friendly life. There are many ways to incorporate green practices into your everyday life. Some simple solutions are:

  • Wash your clothes with cold water;
  • Use drying racks or clotheslines instead of a dryer;
  • Take shorter showers;
  • Walk or bike instead of using a car.

Green Lifestyle in your Home

Green Energy Homes

However, you can also adapt your home for a green lifestyle to reduce energy usage. While many people still consider a green home to be too expensive, the reality is that certain things are affordable and even free (like recycling). Solar panels have become reasonably-priced over the past few years. In a sunny locale like the Riviera Maya, solar panels can be an extremely effective way to reduce your energy usage. Mexico’s primary electric company, Comision Federal de Electricidad (CFE), allows you to connect your home’s solar panels into a nation-wide grid in order to more effectively reduce your usage.

Energy-efficient appliances have the ability to reduce your environmental impact (and reduce your energy bill). Even if many of these are slightly more expensive, you will still end up ahead in the money you save on energy bills over time.

Now, if you’re going all out money-wise, adding water recycling systems can also be a huge saving. Mix this up with a green wall that will enhance your home, keep you healthier and, of course, save water.

You will not only be saving on your monthly bill with your energy-efficient home, but your home value will increase. You will intrigue buyers with a home outfitted with green technologies, should you ever want to sell your home.

Invest in Sustainable Real Estate

Nuuch Allure Tulum

If you’re just considering the possibility of purchasing real estate in Mexico’s Riviera Maya, you should consider investing in sustainable real estate. There are many options available throughout Playa del Carmen. However, Tulum is ahead of the game in sustainable development at the moment. Places such as the community of Luum Zama are committed to preserving the environment. That is why developments within this community are bound, by contract, to keeping 60% of their land untouched. Moreover, developments such as Nuuch Allure also offer the possibility of adding solar panels right from the start. You can also consider Puerta Azul Tulum. It is built with locally-sourced materials that make maintenance easier and more affordable, as well as less damaging.

Earth is humanity’s only home. It is important for all of us to do our part to keep our planet healthy. After all, who would like to live in the Riviera Maya if it didn’t have its bright-blue waters, fine white-sand beaches and lush tropical jungle? Consider some ways you can incorporate a green lifestyle to keep our planet beautiful for generations to come.

Whale Sharks: Swimming With the Gentle Giants of the Sea

As if the Riviera Maya didn’t offer enough to do and see, there is one special phenomenon that takes place every year. Whale sharks – the single largest sharks in the world – make their migration through the Mexican Caribbean every summer during their mating season. From June through the end of August, you can experience a close encounter with these gentle giants of the sea. Don’t worry, they are completely harmless and feed only from plankton. Many tour operators take advantage of the summer season to bring people like you close to these school-bus-sized animals. You will find them in their natural environment in an activity you should not miss out on.

Swimming with whale sharks

A whale shark can weigh as much as 10,000 pounds and can measure up to 40 feet long. Even though the enormity of the whale sharks can be daunting, they usually just roam around the ocean looking for plankton, fish eggs and krill to eat. Humans and other animals are not their main concern, as they are not part of their diet. However, due to their unnaturally huge size, keeping a safe distance from them is essential. You want to avoid being hit by a heavy fin.

Where can you swim with whale sharks?

The best place to find the whale sharks in the Riviera Maya is around Isla Mujeres and Isla Holbox. During this migratory season it is possible to spot as many as 40 whale sharks at the same time smoothly cruising through the ocean. While snorkeling from above may make them sometimes seem very tiny from afar, once they come up close and personal you can really entertain the idea of how big they actually are. They primarily swim through the northeastern shores of the Yucatan Peninsula.

Swimming with whale sharks

Whale sharks are the largest fish in the ocean and represent a healthy marine ecosystem. Their life expectancy is around 100 years old, although some have been reported to live up to 150. Interestingly, female whale sharks can have about 300 pups per litter. This is an opportunity not to be missed when visiting your vacation home in the Riviera Maya – be it Cancun, Playa del Carmen, or Tulum. Many tours will take you to see them with experts on the subject explaining everything about them to you.

Don’t Miss This Opportunity

When you plan your next vacation to paradise, or if you are visiting during the remaining time of August, make sure to factor this amazing natural wonder into your trip. Trust us – it makes for one amazing life experience to tell people back home. Whale sharks are the gentle giants of the sea for a reason. Swimming alongside them is one of the most thrilling activities to engage in. It also makes for a sweet pro-tip to tell those renters who book your vacation rental during the summer months.

If you are looking to invest in the Riviera Maya, make sure to send your inquiries our way. Our expert Buyer’s Representatives can hook you up with the best real estate in the region. You can have your perfect paradise home right next to the whale sharks.

Why You Should Visit Sian Ka’an in Tulum

Besides the glorious beaches and the world renowned archaeological site, Tulum has yet another attraction you should visit: the astonishing Biosphere Reserve of Sian Ka’an, a magical place that you must visit if you’re in the Riviera Maya. If you’re interested in eco-tourism, you consider yourself a conscious traveler and you care about the environment, then visiting Sian Ka’an is for you.

This Biosphere is one of the many natural beauties that our planet has for us to enjoy; here you will find thousands of species of flora and fauna, both terrestrial and marine, some of which are unique of this environment. Sian Ka’an is home of thousands of animals that found comfort and easily have fitted in this magnificent place.

It’s important to highlight the fact that Sian Ka’an was declared a World Heritage Site in 1987 by the UNESCO. This title is only given to sites with highly natural or cultural value for the general heritage for the humanity. For this, and many others reasons, this is one of the most protected areas in the Mexican Caribbean. Sian Ka’an Biosphere covers 10% of the State of Quintana Roo, with a total size of 150,000 hectares.

Also, Sian Ka’an is part of the program “Man and Biosphere” (MAB), this Project is dedicated to improve the relation between people and their environment.

If you’re into nature and you like to be surrounded by its beauty, then the Biosphere Reserve of Sian Ka’an is the perfect place for you. Enjoy a peaceful getaway and go camping while you coexist with nature. There are different activities available, like taking a boat ride to discover the amazing crystal-clear waters. If you like snorkeling, book a tour to the reef for an amazing adventure. It’s said that the coral reef is made out of 84 different species of coral… I bet you want to see that yourself! To finish an amazing journey, sit and relax in one of the few boutique hotels or camping sites to admire the sunset or gaze at the starry night; the perfect way to end the day!

Some recommendations

  • The best way to get to the reserve is by car or motorbike. Public transportation is scarce, and finding a taxi to go back to Tulum can be a challenge, so don’t risk getting stranded there.
  • Plan ahead and carry everything that you will need to make your trip prosperous. Include a mosquito repellent, enough water, food and snacks, and of course, a camera so you can keep all the memories from this fantastic paradise… and it’s even better if you have a waterproof camera!
  • Be conscious and respect the environment. The unique and incomparable biodiversity found here must be kept clean and every visitor must respect the environment. If coming here is in your plans, help us to conserve this World Heritage site!
  • Be careful. Even when the road has a good share of traffic, the beaches at the reserve are almost empty. Swim carefully and avoid risks; if you find yourself in trouble, finding help can take some time.
  • Some areas of the lagoon are known for being home of crocodiles. If you book a tour through the lagoon, make sure to double check with your guide if it’s safe to swim before jumping out of the boat!

Live an eco-sustainable experience and have fun in a different and unique way in the Biosphere Reserve of Sian Ka’an!