Here is our list of 10 commandments that we hope every tourist will take into consideration.1. Avoid Plastic Bags, Straws, and Bottles: try instead using bamboo or glass straws (or not use one), buying reusable bags (you can find them at most supermarkets in Bali), and bringing a water bottle with you (maybe consider bring a collapsable water bottle with you to Bali, so it's easier to carry with you.) Lot's of the time, once thrown out, these items end up on the beautiful beaches, in the ocean, and the streets.
2. Unplug and Lights out: By turning out the lights and unplugging we are saving sources of electricity, including coal, oil, and gas. By keeping your lights on and electronics plugged in, you are raising greenhouse emissions, therefor polluting. Not only can you help the environment, but it will save a lot of costs. 3. Open windows and turn off AC: enjoy a little fresh air!! There is usually a nice breeze in Bali and usually you can stay cool enough with just the window open. Turning off the AC reduces energy and the carbon footprint. :) 4. Try volunteering/ supporting local charities or organizations: There are plenty of great charity and organizations in Bali! Why not spend some time helping out. You can take a minute to donate money, or spend some quality time helping out. Check out our resource page to discover some places to help. 5. Support local businesses, warungs, and famers: Not only is your food fresh, but you will know where it's coming from. Lot's of local businesses, warungs, and farms rely on income from tourists to support their families. So, buy choosing to buy locally, you will be helping local families. Check out the resources page for some examples of places where you can eat local. 6. Be respectful: Bali had a beautiful culture and community, and as a tourist, the right thing to do is to be respectful. You can be respectful by knowing when and where (ceremonies, temples, ext.) to cover up and in ceremony clothes (pictured on left). You should also always ask first before taking pictures of people. Another way to be respectful is to speak respectfully to everyone on the island. 7. Don't litter: This one i hope is obvious. Littering ANYWHERE on Bali is bad, no matter what. We are trying very hard to make Bali a cleaner, more beautiful place. The trash can end up in the oceans and kill sea creatures. If you can, try to help out in a beach clean up, or pick up some trash when you can. 8. Buy minimally packaged food: Bali does not have a good way of getting rid of waste. Lot's of the trash you throw out ends up being burned or littered. Burning trash leads to more pollution in the air, causing an increase in greenhouse gases. It is also very unhealthy to breath in. Trash on the beach and in the rivers can end up in the ocean, harming the water and all the creatures within. Please avoid plastic especially, as it causes the most damage. 9. Learn the language and get involved in the culture: Try taking an Indonesian class! You might surprise yourself with how easy and fun it is to pick up on the language. Locals also love it when tourists try to speak Indonesian (try ordering your next meal in Indonesian, or saying good morning.) I'll start you off: Selamat Pagi means good morning! The culture is also very beautiful and interesting to learn about and engage in. I'd recommend seeing a traditional Balinese dance, experiencing a holiday, going to a ceremony or cremation, learning to make blessings, visiting a temple, or getting a blessing. Also, simply asking a local about their culture can teach you a lot. 10. Don't leave the water running: Leaving the water running is simply a waste of water. Water is a limited resource that we should not waste. Please don't leave it running while you brush your teeth, wash your face, do the dishes, or anything else. |