The last paradise in the world
‘When deeds speak, words are nothing’
African proverb
We were able to visit Bali many times during three years of living and working on Java. Bali attracts millions of visitors every year. But is the rush for the tourist dollar coming at too high a price for this tropical island?
It’s a super popular destination, marketed as ‘The last paradise in the world’.
But is it?
Recently there has been a lot of media attention about the rubbish on the island. Earlier this year, a video of a British journalist, swimming through the ocean filled with plastic waste and food wrappers, went viral. The discarded litter generated by some local people and the tourists is immense.
Much of the plastic ends up in the ocean. The fish feed on the plastic. You eat the fish. It a toxic, ticking time-bomb.
Plastic is cheap. Plastic is poisonous. Plastic is not fantastic.
Local businesses want tourists to come. Many Balinese farmers will sell off their family’s land to developers, for the construction of hotels and resorts. It is important revenue for the local community.
Massive luxury resorts are built. The visitors come.
But each tourist generates a lot of garbage. On the volcanic island of Bali, there is now a place which the local people refer to as Mount Rubbish. It’s a dirty, deadly heap of trash.
So, what can we do as tourists to minimize the impact that we have on the destinations that we go to? Do you carry a refillable water bottle? Do you use a traveller’s tote bag? Do you purchase souvenirs from local markets, instead of buying fancy packaged ones in airport gift shops? What can we do differently when we travel?
The tourism industry needs to take more responsibility too. The hospitality industry should be continually identifying ways to do its bit; minimize food waste and packaging, recycle materials and replace items in guest rooms, such as plastic shampoo bottles.
Doing simple things like providing a glass jug of water in your villa or suite, will replace thousands of plastic bottles which are thrown away annually. But companies need to commit to making this extra effort.
Perhaps another option is to work towards developing more sustainable models for tourism in neighbouring islands and countries. And as islands like Bali become over developed and over populated by visitors, travellers will of course, begin to look elsewhere.
A new paradise.
Have you been to Bali? Do you see it as The last paradise in the world? What are your thoughts for the future of tourism on Bali?
What efforts do you make as an eco traveller to minimize your impact on the environment?
©Maggie M/Mother City Time
I have heard so much about the amount of plastic you find in Bali, and having been to other parts of Indonesia/Asia in general, it’s no wonder! Plastic has made everything quicker and easier. Now people don’t want to find their way back to how it was before plastic bags and bottles were the norm.
The first thing to reduce plastic waste/consumption is just to say ‘no’. No bag thanks, no need a plastic bottle, no I don’t want a straw, etc. Reusable bottles, tote bags (that roll up into nothing so you don’t need to worry about space!), steel straws – all easy changes to make. Harder ones are those that the airlines take responsibility for. Especially in economy, everything is packaged in plastic – the cutlery, the food, and all the plastic cups for water. I always refuse the water and fill my own bottle, but I don’t have solutions for the other things, unless you state you don’t want food and just bring your own.
You’re correct about how hotels and receiving ends of tourism should make a little more effort by providing a jug of water instead of plastic bottles. Just a bit more effort from everyone could make a big difference and actually saves a lot of money too!
PS: https://www.washingtonpost.com/…/56ca595a-52fd-11e8…
Nowhere will be paradise for very long if it’s buried in trash. Everyone in these communities needs to sit up and take notice. Some people are really making efforts with beach cleanups and recycling. But wouldn’t it be better if people didn’t just throw their trash without thinking and if companies/hotels disposed of rubbish responsibly?
We can say no to plastic but maybe some companies need to stop offering things automatically too. The other day in a rather famous high street coffee shop, I requested my iced coffee in a paper cup with no straw and no lid. They looked at me like I was crazy! It’s just automatic, offering you all this throwaway stuff. Airlines and hotels are guilty of using far too much packaging as well. There must be a better way. Perhaps the ‘world’s leading airlines’ can begin the race for their eco credentials!
Thanks for your comments Yanni. Keep enjoying Mother City Time!