�Here at Cheeca, we believe in protecting our natural resources: the oceans and beaches, the living coral reefs, and the myriad of marine and wildlife that abound here,� said General Manager Klaus Peters. �Without these wonderful gifts of nature, what would distinguish the Keys from any other place?� 

He noted that the Florida Keys have been designated a National Marine Sanctuary. �It is up to us to ensure our beautiful environment is preserved for generations to come,� Peters said. 

Cheeca�s environmental program has two objectives: 

• to operate the hotel in the most environmentally sensitive manner possible, and 
• to educating guests as to what they can do to help in this �21st decade of the environment. 

Recycling. Cheeca Lodge recycles all glass, office paper, cardboard, newspaper, aluminum and landscape debris generated by the hotel. Current recycling efforts have reduced solid waste generation by 40 percent, resulting in a savings of $20,000 for the first year. A major factor in solid waste reduction is the use of a commercial brush chipper which enables landscaping debris to be used for mulching and composting. 

Wastewater treatment plant. Cheeca Lodge is one of the only businesses in the Florida Keys to recycle its gray water and use it for watering the grounds. Built in 1975 at a cost of $165,000, the plant generates 30,000 gallons of water 365 days per year which is used to water the grounds and golf course. That is 10,950,000 gallons of water saved each year that would cost $83,220 if it was purchased from the local aqueduct authority. The plant was upgraded in January 1992 at a cost of $40,000. 

Low consumption showerheads and low flow toilets in all guest rooms.

Variety of xeriscaping techniques. Drought resistant, low maintenance trees and shrubs are planted, such as jasmine and bougainvillea. 

Use of biodegradable, low phosphate cleaning agents, recycled paper, biodegradable laundry and garbage bags and biodegradable wax paper. The purchasing department has been directed to seek out and purchase environmentally sensitive products whenever possible. 

Ban on jet skis and other thrill craft. Although renting these motorized boats could result in substantial revenue increases, they are banned from the property, as they are not environmentally or aesthetically safe. As a result, turtle grass and fish breeding grounds in the shallow waters surrounding the resort are safe from harm. 

Land preservation for green space and beauty. During Cheeca�s $33 million renovation in 1987-88, the developers secured building permits for 32 additional hotel units. These units could have generated as much as $1.2 million per year in revenues. However, the management opted not to build the units, but instead to preserve the land with lush landscaping.  

Guest choice of linen changing and towel usage. Guests at Cheeca have a choice of how often they would like their bed linens changed and how often they use their bath towels.  Tent cards in the rooms explain that if they would like their linens changed daily, the housekeeping staff is delighted to do so. However, guests who stay for two or three days can opt to have the linens changed upon departure. Guests can also opt to reuse their bath towels by simply hanging it up, or they can leave it on the floor for laundering.  This policy conserves thousands of gallons of water and eliminates tons of detergent from entering the environment. It also saves Cheeca about $5,000 per month in water, detergent and labor expenses. 

Dimming of beach lights during turtle nesting season.  May through August is turtle nesting and hatching season and Cheeca dims the lighting on the beach. Lights are distracting to nesting mother turtles, and baby turtles become disoriented when lights draw them away from their intended destination�the ocean. 

No endangered species on the menu and use of farm-raised items. Cheeca Lodge is dedicated to environmental safeguards in its culinary practices and never serves endangered species like conch or swordfish. Instead the resort�s restaurants serve more prolific species and offers several different varieties of farm-raised seafood.  Cheeca also grows its own herbs in a garden on property. 

Schaus Swallowtail Butterfly Refuge. Working the University of Florida the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Cheeca�s executive golf course is now a refuge for the endangered Schaus Swallowtail Butterfly.  The resort has planted dozens of �butterfly friendly� plants and flowers that provide the habitat needed for colonies to interact and breed. With Cheeca�s help, this may be the first species of invertebrate to be taken off the endangered list. 

Educational components include the following: 

Camp Cheeca environmental awareness program for children. Fashioned after the Aquatic Wild program developed by the state of Florida, Camp Cheeca was designed to educate children ages 6-12 about the fragile ecology of the Florida Keys while at the same time building self confidence and social skills.  

�Environmental Do�s and Don�ts� booklet in every room. Explanations of important �hands-on� information on environmental awareness. 

Fund-raising events for a variety of environmental organizations. Cheeca Lodge hosts a number of events that raise funds for a variety of local and national organizations. Among them are the George Bush/Cheeca Lodge Bonefish Tournament, the Cheeca Lodge Presidential Sailfish Tournament and the �Get Down To Earth Day� Celebration. 

Interpretive Nature Trail. A brochure leads guests over a mile-long nature trail which identifies 24 different kinds of flowers and trees. 

Signage on the Fishing Pier. Easy to read signage detailing fish identification, size limits and environmental hints has been posted on Cheeca�s �catch and release� fishing pier. 

Earth Day Celebration. Cheeca�s annual celebration of Earth Day in April features a variety of activities, from building a giant sand sculpture on the beach to educational exhibits for children.