Holiday Tips: Sustainable Tourism

John Daniels, editor of Bali's award-winning Bali Update e-newsletter (www. balidiscovery.com) offers some practical suggestions making your island visit more environmentally sustainable:
Include the environment on your itinerary! While in Bali's see the endangered Bali Starling, dive local waters in search of Mola-Mola and other marine species; take a nature hike; raft down one of the Island's rivers; visit a botanical garden; take a bike tour, visit a museum, go kayaking, paddle a canoe or go sailing. Such activities are loads of fun and also a lower environmental impact. What's more, when you purchase "green travel products" you help an important segment of the sustainable tourism sector grow and prosper.
Think before you consume! Carry a refillable drinking bottle; carry a cloth bag for your shopping purchases; buy locally made products whenever possible; and beware of wasteful packaging practices. When you leave Bali, don't leave a pile of trash behind. Bio-degradable products and packaging are definitely the sustainable way to travel.

Think before you buy! How "green" are your purchases? Deal with hotels and tour operators who have an active conservation program. Laundry reduction, water conservation and energy conservation programs all add up to make an important difference. Spend your money with companies who share your concern for nature.
No go zones! Do not buy items made from coral, sea shells, turtle shells and the dead remains of endangered species. Never give money directly to children, but consider instead a donation to one of Bali's outstanding philanthropic organizations.
Conserve our precious fossil fuels and reduce your carbon footprint! Join a seat-in-coach tour of Bali; private cars burn more gas. Turn off your room air conditioner and enjoy the sea breeze. Use rechargeable batteries, Bali's landfills don't need your unused batteries. When possible use the waste bin, not your toilet for disposal. Reduce energy, water and detergent use by asking your hotel not to change linen on a daily basis. Take a walk and enjoy our tropical climate - after all, its one of the reasons you came here. The best way to meet the Balinese is on foot.
Gifts for Balinese friends? Give items of lasting value and, when possible, purchase items produced by the local community.Eat more vegetables. While it may not be practical for you to become "meatless"- it's worth remembering that 100 vegetarians can dine on the grains it takes to produce the meat requirements of a single non¬ vegetarian.
Most importantly, be sure to have fun in Bali. You're visiting one of the word's richest cultures. By visiting the Island you're paying the Balinese a high compliment and helping to sustain its number one industry.

"Take only digital pictures leave only footprints."

(Guide to Bali by American Express)