In the area around Lake Atitlan, Guatemala, many people are of Mayan Descent. Still spoken today, the Mayan word for the energy of life that runs through and permeates everything is Ch'ulel.

the problem

The town of San Pedro La Laguna in Guatemala, was suffering from severe pollution that was threatening the ecosystem of the lake. A newly constructed waste plant, made to control the pollution problem, was designed to fill up in two decades. Instead, it rapidly filled up in six months. This was affecting the natural beauty of the lake, which was based on tourism, the main source of the local economy. 

In 2016, Mayor Mauricio Mendez quickly took action and established a zero-tolerance policy for all since-use plastics.
In less than one year, the town has reduced their plastic use by 80%.
By 2018, tourism increased by 40%.

the solution

We can learn from those around us. Learn ways to spark change in your local community with no additional cost. We have partnered up with headcount.org to help citizens learn how to register to vote, use their voice in local elections, and contact their local representative.

Ch'ulel

lake atitlan

Located in southwestern Guatemala in the Guatemalan Highlands. This lake is renowned as one of the most beautiful lakes in the world, and is Guatemala's most important tourist attraction. The villages surrounding the lake still have a strong Mayan culture. These towns include San Pedro, San Juan, San Marcos, Santa Cruz, San Antonio, among others.

Lake Atitlan

single-use plastics

These include plastic bags, bottles, straws, and anything that only has a single use before being discarded.

Plastic Pollution

local response

Find out how the residents of San Pedro are really responding to the ban of plastic.

local response